The Local Government Advisor is responsible for supporting regional planning and community development initiatives through research, data analysis, and strategic planning. Key duties include preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities to advance growth and development goals.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning Development and Implementation:
Involves preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities. This duty will consist of:
- Conduct research and analyze data to support regional planning and community development initiatives within the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) region.
- Prepare strategic and long-range plans related to multi-disciplinary regional planning for communities within the GADD region, including, but not limited to, comprehensive planning, water, wastewater and stormwater management, and economic development.
- Organize and administer federal, state, and local grant-funded programs, including, but not limited to, Community Development Block Grant, Appalachian Regional Commission, Rural Development, and Economic Development Administration projects.
- Provide guidance, technical assistance, and support to local governments, utilities, and special districts.
- Identify and pursue new initiatives, funding, and grant opportunities aligned with regional development goals.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project implementation.
- Monitor and evaluate projects to ensure compliance with regulations, timelines, and objectives; and.
- Draft reports, presentations, and recommendations for regional planning efforts.
Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and technical assistance needed to support the planning and project development needs of the Gateway counties and cities.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in government, history, geography, business administration, public administration, or other related field required.
- Certification and Trainings: Valid Driver’s License required. CDBG Project Administrator Certification must be acquired and maintained after hiring.
- The employee will be expected to attend professional development trainings related to specialties.
Experience: Entry Level Position. One (1) year of related experience and/or related internship preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; ability to lift and carry 30 pounds; and GPS field collection in urban and rural areas.
Sensory Requirements:
Sight; Hearing; Speaking.
Working Conditions:
Indoor office conditions; outdoor data collection or project site visits during various weather conditions and on various terrains; and possible wildlife/animal encounters during outdoor data collection or project site visits; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions.
Availability and Travel:
Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); regular travel within region and state; occasional travel outside of the state; and able to travel multiple days at a time.
Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use:
Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); fleet/personal vehicle(s); cellular/tablet device; and Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2 GPS collection equipment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge:
- National Environmental Policy Act.
- Professional Services Procurement.
- State and federal funding programs.
- Grant writing and project administration processes; and.
- Local government and non-profit operations, organization, functions, and challenges.
Skills:
- Oral and written communication.
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
- Attention to detail.
- Meeting organization and facilitation.
- Project and budget management; and.
- Data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis.
Abilities:
- Be present and punctual.
- Prioritize work and meet deadlines.
- Work under stressful situations with patience and tact.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and the public.
- Teamwork.
- Exercise initiative and judgment; and.
- Initiate, organize, and manage planning initiatives and projects.
This position will remain open until filled.
Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.