Project Coordinator

Project Coordinator
Full time | On-site
October 7, 2026
 

Company Mission and Vision

Mission: APEX is a private sector-led business development engine established to promote sustainable growth in Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin. APEX investor-members represent many of the largest and most influential organizations with a vested interest in driving progress.

As an economic development ambassador and concierge, APEX deploys unique strategies to leverage its investor-member network for regional growth. Operating with four key priorities—ATTRACT, CONNECT, ADVOCATE, and GROW—they aim to elevate the region’s brand, address challenges, share stories, and sustain economic vitality.

Who We Serve

APEX Clients:

• Investor-Members – Our core clients are our nearly 100 Investor-Member companies, who represent leading businesses from across the region. Our day-to-day work ultimately serves their directive to grow and expand our economic opportunities and remove barriers preventing growth.
  • What this looks like: On-site member engagement interviews, networking introductions, member-exclusive events and workgroups

     

• Partner Organizations – We strive to develop strong relationships with a wide variety of organizations committed to strengthening our community. This ranges from local, state, and federal government elected officials, government agency staff, and non-governmental organizations like Chambers of Commerce, non-profits and foundations.
  • What this looks like: International delegations, attending environmental permitting public meetings

     

• New Businesses – APEX serves as a concierge to businesses, helping guide entrepreneurs and expanding businesses through the process of building relationships with our community. Through strategic networking and coordination, we make business conversations happen faster and more efficiently, tracking progress.
  • What this looks like: Planning and hosting familiarization tours, strategic introductions to local businesses, tracking project developments

     

Working Hours and Location 

Location: Downtown Duluth offices 
Core Hours: APEX offices are staffed from 8am to 5pm, Monday – Friday, with a flexible lunch hour. 
Expectations: This role will predominantly be full-time, in-person at our downtown Duluth office, with periodic off-site travel for events and meetings.
 

Role Importance, Responsibilities, and Impact 

Role Importance: The Project Coordinator will support the effective and efficient tracking and implementation of APEX projects and events, assisting other staff and gaining hands-on experience in project management.

Impact: This role directly contributes to the successful execution of projects, impacting APEX, Investor-Member clients, and partner organizations positively.

What you’ll be doing:

• Big Things:
  • Support the development and management of projects under the guidance of APEX staff.
  • Conduct research, perform analysis, and compile briefs for projects.
  • Support planning and execution of events, including Board & Investor-Member meetings, Executive Committee meetings, and special convenings.

     

• Little Things:
  • Represent APEX at various convenings throughout the region.
  • Network with local and regional stakeholders and organizations.
  • Special projects as assigned by President & CEO.

What you won’t be doing:

• Making high-level decisions regarding project scope, objectives, and resources independently.
• Leading large-scale projects without supervision.

Timeline for Role Expectations 

One Month:

• Understand the company’s project management processes and tools.
• Crosstrain with all staff to understand diverse APEX work.
• Begin assisting with smaller projects under close supervision.

Three Months:

• Take on more responsibilities in managing projects.
• Establish working relationships with stakeholders.

Six Months:

• Demonstrate the ability to manage smaller projects with minimal supervision.
• Show progress in project execution and stakeholder communication.

One Year:

• Take on more complex projects with increased responsibility.
• Contribute to process improvements and support other staff.

About You 

This is a great fit if you:

• Have some previous experience or internships in project management, economic development, or a related field.
• Are eager to cross-train across multiple departments and duties.
• Are curious, detail-oriented, and can juggle multiple priorities.
• Possess strong organizational, time-management, and data analysis skills.

This won’t be the right role if you:

• Need rigid definition of daily tasks and objectives.
• Are not comfortable with travel for projects and training.
• Are not comfortable with a predominantly in-office role.
• Lack basic proficiency in managing various software tools, especially Office365 (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel).

Compensation 

The salary range for this role is between $47,000 – $55,000, commensurate with experience. Additional benefits, consistent with current APEX employees, include health insurance, mileage, parking, and paid time off.

Interview Process 

Our interview process will take about 3 hours total. Normally, the process looks like this: 

• 30-minute introductory call with Mickey to see if we’re the right fit.
• One-hour in-person meeting with Rachel to discuss your background and past work.
• One-hour in-person meeting with the APEX team to assess culture fit and values alignment.
• Optional: 30-minute interview with Rachel to answer any outstanding questions you or we have. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mickey Pearson.

Please submit your resume via handshake or email to Mickey Pearson: mickey@apexgetsbusiness.com