Jobs

NARCOG is accepting applications for a full-time Economic Development Specialist to assist the communities of our three counties in North Central Alabama (Cullman, Lawrence, and Morgan Counties). This position is primarily responsible for researching, preparing, and administering various grants such as ARC, CDBG, EDA, LWCF, RTP, TAP, etc., as well as assisting with planning studies and reports; city and regional planning for economic and community development, provision of technical assistance to local governments, implementation activities, and other duties as assigned. Minimum qualifications: BA/BS degree in Planning or related occupational field. Experience in grant preparation and administration, minimum of one to three years’ experience or service is preferred. Must possess a valid driver license.
Visit www.narcog.org to view the full job description.

Excellent Benefits Package
Beginning Salary is $47,465.60. Salary Grade 10. Full-time. Exempt. This position reports to the Planning Director.
Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to narcog-jobs@adss.alabama.gov by close of business September 3, 2021 or until filled. NARCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Lee-Russell Council of Governments: Director of Planning and Economic Development

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Planning and Economic Development manages the Planning and Economic Development (PED) Department, oversees human resources, administers and directs PED programs, performs evaluation and control activities, conducts community relations activities, performs professional development activities, and performs related services for the Lee-Russell Council of Governments:

• Attends meetings and maintains contacts with city/county officials regarding developmental needs and plans; holds discussions with interested parties, identifies projects and conducts research on technical issues and funding; assists clients and other COG departments related to grant sources and application preparation; seeks supplemental sources of funding for PED programs; prepares and submits grant proposals and other requests to funding agencies; and develops and submits PED budget for approval. 
• Determineswork and designs jobs; determines reporting relationships and chain of command; develops organizational chart; delegates authority and assigns responsibilities to lead, professional and clerical personnel; and makes modifications as needed to accomplish mission.
• Develops job descriptions and performs updates; reviews applicant material/resumes, conducts interviews of candidates with personnel management committee, and makes hiring recommendation; assesses training needs and arranges for training; retreats and in-service training; appraises job performance, provides feedback, makes salary recommendations, and takes necessary action to improve job performance; recommends disciplinary action; encourages professional development activities; and serves on the Personnel Management Committee in policy development. 
• Supervises PED staff in program planning, implementation, marketing, records management and reporting.  Administers and directs PED programs including but not limited to Census, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Revolving Loan Fund, Auburn-Opelika Metropolitan Organization, Rural Planning Organization, Purchasing Cooperative, State and Federal Grants, Mobility Management and Community Planning Initiatives.  Responds to complaints and takes appropriate corrective action; develops forms and trains staff in use of forms; provides technical assistance to PED staff and contractors; conducts staff meetings; and supervises interns and volunteers.  Reviews program reports and related documents to ensure quality and legal compliance; prepares departmental and special reports; monitors budget expenditures; monitors contractor compliance; conducts compliance assessments of grants and programs; and negotiates grants and contracts. 
• Serves on planning and economic development committees and organizations; responds to requests concerning PED and agency services and programs; presents informational programs to organizations; attends community meetings; represents LRCOG at meetings upon request.
• Attends professional conferences, workshops, and seminars; and maintains knowledge of developments in field and regulatory environment. 
• Serves as member of executive leadership teamof LRCOG; may work with consultants; andperforms related tasks as requested.

Qualifications:  Master’s degree is required with a background in public administration, planning, business, or economics.  Experience in grant writing/management, budgeting, financial planning, program development, and human resource management is preferred.  Five years’ experience related to planning and economic development that must include supervisory or management experience or equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.  A copy of the job description can be requested from Lisa Sandt at lsandt@lrcog.com.

Grade 13/Salary Range/General Appointment Position:  $69,767 – $104,647

How to Apply:  Send cover letter, resume and references to:   Lee-Russell Council of Governments, Attention:   Lisa Sandt, Executive Director, 2207 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, Phone (334) 749-5264, Fax (334) 749-6582 or email lsandt@lrcog.com.  

Date and time of Open Vacancy Posting:   August 12, 2021 at 11:00 am CST

Date and time of Open Vacancy Removal:  Position will remain open until it is filled. 

LRCOG is an equal opportunity employer.

Title of Position:        Community & Economic Development Senior Planner

Position Type:           Full-Time, FSLA Exempt

Pay Range:                $44,808.90 – $67,213.36/year based on qualifications and experience

Benefits:                     Health, dental and life insurance; enrollment in State Retirement system;                                       paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Location:                    Northport, Alabama

The West Alabama Regional Commission (WARC) is looking for a dedicated individual to join our team as a Senior Planner.  The preferred candidate will have economic development experience and be eager to assist the region’s communities address their unique needs and opportunities.  Under the direction of the Community and Economic Development Director, the Senior Planner performs responsible, professional work focused on implementation of programs and projects of importance to the region.

Essential Job Functions:     

• Assist with the preparation of plans and reports.
• Carry out planning activities to support economic development including the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and associated resiliency and recovery strategies.
• Assists member governments, communities, and business owners in determining needs and priorities; and, identify state, federal, or non-profit programs to meet those needs.
• Prepares and administers grants from State and federal programs.
• Promote WARC’s revolving Loan Fund programs to business financing professionals and entrepreneurs, and assist prospective borrowers.

Required Skills:       

• Writing skills to compose business letters, reports and grant proposals. 
• Reading skills to identify and comprehend pertinent information; to understand instructions, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to effectively organize, prioritize and multitask work assignments and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Considerable ability to organize and facilitate meetings.
• Strong interpersonal communication and group presentation skills.
• Knowledge of personal computers and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
• Knowledge of issues surrounding rural community and economic development.
• Knowledge of commercial lending and business assistance programs.
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements, business plans, credit reports and other information pertinent to loan applications and approvals.
• Ability to maintain and safeguard confidential data in accordance with appropriate state and federal regulations.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, have a valid Alabama driver license and proof of automobile insurance.

Required Education and Experience:        A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban, City or Regional Planning, or closely related field, plus three years of experience. A Master’s Degree may be substituted for two years of experience. Economic development experience preferred. 

How to Apply:           Mail cover letter, references and resume to:

                                    HR Manager
                                    West Alabama Regional Commission
                                    P. O. Box 509, Northport AL 35476                                     

                                    or email to: michelle.carter@westal.org. 

*Resumes will not be accepted without a cover letter and three professional references.

Closing Date:             Posting will remain open until position is filled.

For more information on West Alabama Regional Commission, visit our website at www.warc.info.

West Alabama Regional Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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 $52,020 – $78,028 (Grade 9) based on experience and qualifications. 

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. 

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 June 9, 2021 and continue until filled.  LRCOG is an equal opportunity employer. 

Type of Appointment:   General Appointment

External/Open Posting Time/Date:  May 26, 2021

External/Open Posting Closing Time/Date:  June 9, 2021

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.