Planning and EconomicDevelopment Specialist

The Lee-Russell Council ofGovernments is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Planning andEconomic Development Specialist within its Planning and Economic DevelopmentDepartment.  The PED Specialist is primarilyresponsible for assisting local and regional efforts related to communitydevelopment, economic development and planning. 

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

This position requires an abilityto perform research, prepare and assemble written materials and specializedplans, assist in the coordination and/or participation in regionalenvironmental, growth and quality of life initiatives; and conducting otherrelated activities such as data gathering, technical analyses and mapping aswell 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 presentationsin a variety of local government settings

·        Ability to work on multiple projectssimultaneously with competing deadlines

·        Ability to work independently but also onproject teams

·        Effective in working directly with electedofficials, local government staff, state and federal government staff, andcommunity stakeholders

·        Bachelor’s degree in Planning, PublicAdministration or closely related field

Preferred:

·        Master’s degree in Planning, PublicAdministration or closely related field 

·        Grant writing and administration experience

·        Professional experience with communitydevelopment projects and/or plan preparation 

·        Experience in the use of GIS programs

·        One year of related work experience

This position reports to theLee-Russell Council of Governments Planning and Economic DevelopmentDirector.  The range for starting annualsalary is $50,504-$75,755 (Grade 9) based on experience andqualifications. 

To Apply:  Send a completeresume, 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 isan equal opportunity employer. 

External/Open Posting Date:  October15, 2019

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

Examples of Planning and Economic Development SpecialistDuties:

Ø  Assistlocal government staff and officials in developing and submitting state and/orfederal grant applications (including guidance for procurementrequirements).  Provide grantadministration assistance for funded projects. 

Ø  Conductresearch on additional funding sources for local and regional governmentinitiatives.  Prepare and submitapplications as directed. 

Ø  Servesas the contact person for the Rural Planning Organization

Ø  Assistin the preparation and development of local and regional planning activities toinclude but not limited to comprehensive plans, special study plans, hazardmitigation plans.

Ø  Conductscommunity and demographic research and/or field surveys. 

Ø  Assistin preparing public communications for local governments, stakeholder groupsand the public through electronic, voice and written means.

Ø  Advisesother departments on contract and grant procedures.

Ø  Respondto questions and conduct follow-up research on state and federal programs

Ø  Attendworkshops and trainings for professional development

Ø  Preparewritten and graphic materials for meetings, presentations, and publications.

Ø  Performsrelated duties as requested by the Planning and Economic Development Director,Executive Director and members of LRCOG Leadership Team.