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The Lee-Russell Council of Governments is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planning and Economic Development Specialist within its Planning and Economic Development Department.  The PED Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting local and regional efforts related to community development, economic development and planning. 

The ideal candidate will have experience and working knowledge in several areas of local government administration: grant application development and grant administration, local and regional planning, community development and/or downtown development. 

This position requires an ability to perform research, prepare and assemble written materials and specialized plans, assist in the coordination and/or participation in regional environmental, growth and quality of life initiatives; and conducting other related activities such as data gathering, technical analyses and mapping as well as assist in various forms of community engagement. 

Required:

• Demonstrated research and analytical skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to prepare and make public presentations in a variety of local government settings
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously with competing deadlines
• Ability to work independently but also on project teams
• Effective in working directly with elected officials, local government staff, state and federal government staff, and community stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration or closely related field

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration or closely related field 
• Grant writing and administration experience
• Professional experience with community development projects and/or plan preparation 
• Experience in the use of GIS programs
• One year of related work experience

This position reports to the Lee-Russell Council of Governments Planning and Economic Development Director.  The range for starting annual salary is $50,504-$75,755 (Grade 9) based on experience and qualifications. 

To Apply:  Send a complete resume, cover letter and references to Lisa Sandt, Executive Director, Lee-Russell Council of Governments, 2207 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Al  36801, Phone (334) 749-5264, or email lsandt@lrcog.com.  Review of applications will begin November 4, 2019 and continue until filled.  LRCOG is an equal opportunity employer. 

External/Open Posting Date:  October 15, 2019

External/Open Posting Closing Date:  Position will remain open until position is filled. 

Examples of Planning and Economic Development Specialist Duties:

• Assist local government staff and officials in developing and submitting state and/or federal grant applications (including guidance for procurement requirements).  Provide grant administration assistance for funded projects. 
• Conduct research on additional funding sources for local and regional government initiatives.  Prepare and submit applications as directed. 
• Serves as the contact person for the Rural Planning Organization
• Assist in the preparation and development of local and regional planning activities to include but not limited to comprehensive plans, special study plans, hazard mitigation plans.
• Conducts community and demographic research and/or field surveys. 
• Assist in preparing public communications for local governments, stakeholder groups and the public through electronic, voice and written means.
• Advises other departments on contract and grant procedures.
• Respond to questions and conduct follow-up research on state and federal programs
• Attend workshops and trainings for professional development
• Prepare written and graphic materials for meetings, presentations, and publications.
• Performs related duties as requested by the Planning and Economic Development Director, Executive Director and members of LRCOG Leadership Team. 

Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) is seeking a results-oriented leader to serve the Board and the Agency in achieving its vision for the future.  The Agency and this position are based at NARCOG’s central office at 216 Jackson Street Southeast in downtown Decatur, Alabama. 

 The Area
The area served by NARCOG covers three counties in North Central Alabama.  Those counties are Cullman County, Lawrence County and Morgan County.  In addition to these counties, there are 24 municipalities within the region.  The total population of the area is approximately 240,000 in a mix of rural and urban communities.  Situated on the southerly bank of the Tennessee River, the service area includes the metropolitan area of Decatur.  It is adjacent to the metropolitan area of Huntsville, Alabama and is approximately midway between the cities of Birmingham, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee.  The region has a long history of being an industrial center due to its strategic location at the convergence of transportation systems that include I-65, US 31, two major railroads, the Tennessee River which is navigable at this point, and the Huntsville International Airport.  The employment base is largely industrial with the local economy also having a strong agricultural component and a strong military component due to its close proximity to Redstone Arsenal.  The area also has ample opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation.

The Agency
NARCOG provides a forum for local officials to identify regional opportunities and issues, develop solutions, and recommend areawide strategies.  It is governed by a Board of Directors of fourteen members who represent the local county and municipal governments of the three-county region.  It is staffed by a Department of Administration and Finance and three operating departments.  The operating departments include the Regional Planning Agency, the Regional Transit Agency, and the Area Agency on Aging.  Each department has its own director who reports to the Executive Director who oversees the total operations of the Agency in keeping with the policies of the Board of Directors. 

The functions of the Department of Administration and Finance include, but are not limited to, budget and finance, personnel management, insurance and risk management, maintenance and housekeeping, and general record keeping services for the Board of Directors. The programs of the Regional Planning Agency include, but are not limited to, community and regional planning for community growth and revitalization, project development, grant preparation and management, and economic development including management of a revolving loan fund to support local business. The programs of the Regional Transit Agency include the provision of public transportation through demand response services and through contract services with select social service agencies serving the elderly and people with disabilities among others. The programs of the Area Agency on Aging include, but are not limited to, services related to senior nutrition, health and wellness, caregiver support, legal services, senior employment, long-term care, and in-home care for Medicaid recipients.  The Agency serves as the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the region.

The Position
The Executive Director of NARCOG is responsible for the planning, administration and operation of the programs and services of the Agency.  This includes budgeting, program monitoring and personnel management, but more importantly, providing visionary leadership to the Agency and the communities it serves.  The Executive Director is responsible for a budget of approximately $8,500,000.  There are 76 regular employees, both full-time and part-time, 40 part-time senior employees, and a variety of volunteers.  The Executive Director is expected to be creative and proactive in the expansion of services and funding.  The Executive Director must develop positive working relationships with political, governmental and community leadership throughout the region and with State and Federal agencies.  The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of NARCOG and reports to its Board of Directors.  The Executive Director is to provide leadership and direction to NARCOG’s central management team and is expected to be a knowledgeable advocate for all Agency programs and services.  The compensation package includes a competitive starting salary depending on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate with benefits including medical insurance and retirement.

To Apply
The minimum requirements for this position include knowledge and a level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in public administration, business administration, city and regional planning, or other field of study related to the work of the Agency and five years of related professional experience, including three years at a senior administrative level.  For more information about NARCOG and to view a more complete job description of this position, you may visit us at www.narcog.org.  To apply for this position, please submit a letter of interest along with your detailed resume to narcog-jobs@adss.alabama.gov.  This position is open until filled, however, an initial screening of applicants will occur on or about November 25, 2019.
NARCOG is an equal opportunity employer.

The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission seeks a qualified candidate to fill the Planner position. Position responsibilities include work elements of the regional and local planning and development programs, preparing grant applications, grant management, and related activities. The starting salary is $42,633-$49,351, depending upon qualifications.

Requires Master’s Degree from a program in Urban and Regional Planning accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board, Masters of Public Administration, or graduate degree in related field.

Submit application with college transcripts and resume to East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, ATTN: Planner Vacancy, P.O. Box 2186, Anniston, AL 36202 or email pdf to frank.humber@earpdc.org. Application form may be obtained online at www.earpdc.org or at the Commission’s office at 1130 Quintard Avenue, Suite 300 in Anniston. Applicants will be ranked based on the quality of education and experience. The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provision of services.

Applications accepted until position is filled.