Jobs

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) is one of 12 regional councils throughout the State of Alabama. The agency provides technical assistance and planning services to Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, and Walker counties, as well as the municipalities within those counties. Services cover a wide range of areas, including community and transportation planning, GIS mapping, data procurement and analysis, grant application assistance, and specialized market studies development.

The RPCGB’s Economic Development Department is responsible for assisting local communities within the six-county region identify their project priorities and equip leaders with the necessary information they need to apply for and obtain grant funds to complete projects and expand their potential. The ED Department consults with municipalities about available state and federal grant opportunities and assists them with the application and submission process. In addition, staff monitors economic conditions of the region, conducts specialized market studies, and coordinates EDA and ARC programs for the region. Please visit the RPCGB website atwww.rpcgb.org for more information.

Role Description:

The RPCGB is seeking dynamic and self-motivated Economic Development Intern to assist the Economic Development Department prepare for the full five-year update of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). In addition, the intern will be tasked with completing an independent project related to the objectives of the department. The scope and details of the project will be decided between the intern and the economic development team and will be based on the selected candidate’s specific skillset and interest. This position is viable for a 10-to-12-week term during the summer, from May to August 2021.

A successful candidate must pass the organization’s background screening process and possess a valid state driver’s license. Travel throughout six-county region may be required. Though RPCGB employees are currently working remotely, it is preferable the candidate live within the Greater Birmingham area, as there are expected to be some in-person meetings (with safety protocols from the CDC in place), during the tenure of the summer.

Anticipated Responsibilities:

• Provide analytical and technical support as part of the economic development team in the planning and preparation of the CEDS revision process
• Assist with program-specific projects through data collection and analysis and report generation
• Work with supervisor to develop goals and desired outcomes for internship
• Assist with the development/creation of reports and/or promotional or informative materials, including flyers and brochures for CEDS process and public engagement materials
• Assist with researching and compiling funding opportunities and other resource tools for local governments
• Provide support for Economic Development Department
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

A senior undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, economics, or a related field, or a graduate student seeking a master’s degree in public administration or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Relevant Skills and Experience:

·                     Proactive and self-motivated worker who takes initiative; a self-starter

·                     Ability to balance various assignments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

·                     Ability to interact professionally with staff and associates

·                     Strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills

·                     Strong research skills; has experience analyzing data and drawing conclusions

·                     Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs, specifically Excel and Word

·                     Good time management and organizational skills

·                     Ability to think and problem solve creatively and independently

·                     Experience with Adobe products, such as Acrobat or InDesign, is preferred but not required

Compensation:

This position will be paid $10 to $12 an hour based on experience, with an expected work week consisting of 30 hours.

Application Instructions:

Applicants should send a cover letter expressing interest and reasons for applying, a detailed résumé, and two references to Jesslan Wilson, Economic Development Specialist, at jwilson@rpcgb.org. Position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early.

If you have any questions regarding this application announcement, please email Marley Hicks, Economic Recovery Coordinator, atmhicks@rpcgb.org.                                                                                        

Disaster Recovery Coordinator

The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission is looking for an individual to join its team as a disaster recovery coordinator.

Job Description:

The Disaster Recovery Coordinator will perform duties associated with the development and implementation of an economic recovery/resiliency plan for the Alabama-Tombigbee Region.

Essential Functions:

• Assists in local, state, and federally led coronavirus recovery planning efforts.
• Identifies key players in disaster recovery and community development to foster relationships and build business partnerships to utilize resources and encourage continued and increased support throughout the community
• Provides support and collaborations in the planning, development, implementation, analysis and documentation required to assist local Chambers of Commerce, local businesses and Government Entities to achieve economic recovery.
• Uses knowledge about economic development to increase broadband availability and deployment within the ATRC region.
• Promotes ATRC’s Revolving Loan Fund to businesses throughout the region.
• Identifies potential economic resiliency, recovery, and/or other development projects within locally impacted communities that are eligible for state and federal funding opportunities.
• Other duties as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field with at least two years of experience in that field. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Preferred qualifications: Master’s degree in planning, public administration, or a related field with at least one year of experience in that field.

Job Type: Contract (not to exceed two years)

Pay: $4,500/month Please submit cover letter and resume with references to Brandy Wilkerson, Planning Director at brandy.wilkerson@atrc.net.

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 and economic 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, Economics or closely related field

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, Economics 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 July 13, 2020 and continue until filled.  LRCOG is an equal opportunity employer. 

External/Open Posting Date:  June 12, 2020

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, economic development 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. 

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.