Principal/Senior Regional Planner

The Principal/Senior Regional Planner coordinates and implements regional planning initiatives, projects, and public administration services for local governments in the Gateway Region. The Principal/Senior Regional Planner will work in coordination with the Associate Director of Economic Development, the Disaster Recovery Planner, the Infrastructure Development Planner, and the GIS Project Manager to implement local and regional planning activities. This position will work in all facets of planning at both the local and regional. The position will have the opportunity to gain experience in multiple subject areas, including land use, transportation, and economic development planning, and will provide direct support to legislative bodies, public utilities, and planning commissions.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Regional Strategic Planning: Involves working with stakeholders to identify local and regional development needs.

• Facilitate and coordinate local and regional comprehensive planning initiatives;
• Collect, process, and assess local and regional planning data;
• Coordinate project identification and development;
• Draft and revise local and regional development plans; and
• Oversee and assist with the administration of the ADD’s regional planning programs.

Public Administration Services: Involves assisting local units of government in their efforts to deliver services to their constituents by providing technical assistance in the areas of training, personnel, research, finance, and procurement. This duty will consist of:

• Notifications of training and grant opportunities for local officials;
• Oversee the Area Development Fund grant program; and
• Provide technical assistance to local governments, SPGEs, and stakeholders.

Grant Writing: Involves preparing grant applications for various types of funding sources. This duty will consist of:

• Research potential funding sources;
• Develop proposals to meet the goals and standards of funding sources;
• Compose and package funding applications/proposals; and
• Maintain records of application submittals.

Project Administration: Involves coordinating project activities for various types of funding sources. This duty will consist of:

• Manage project schedules and funding administration activities;
• Communicate with stakeholders and clients;
• Maintain project documentation and records;
• Create and maintain project budgets; and
• Ensure all required forms, documents, certifications, submittals, and reporting are completed.

Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and technical assistance needed to support the planning and project development needs of the Gateway counties and cities.

Physical Requirements:
Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; fine motor skills; ability to lift and carry 30 pounds, and operate a vehicle.
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.

Availability and Travel:

Normal Business Hours; Nights/Weekends (Special Events/Training/Local Meetings); Regular Travel within Region and State; Occasional Travel Outside 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:

• Principles of economic development, public administration, and infrastructure planning;
• Federal and state laws and administrative regulations;
• Concepts, theories, principles, and practice of non-profit or governmental administration;
• Regional planning;
• Familiarity with Economic Development Administration programs, Department for Local Government programs, Appalachian Regional Commission, USDA Rural Development, FEMA funding programs, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet planning programs; 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;
• Use of computers and other office equipment;
• Reasoning, problem-solving, and organization;
• Analytical skills;
• Establishing and sustaining interpersonal relationships; and
• Organizing and maintaining accurate files and records.

Abilities:

• Be present and punctual;
• Prioritize work and meet deadlines;
• Work under stressful situations with patience and tact;
• Teamwork;
• Administer federal and state-funded programs;
• Identify workload, be flexible, and prioritize changing workloads;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, committee members, partner agencies, and the general public; and
• Attend city council, fiscal court, industrial board meetings, and staff working group meetings as necessary.

Salary Grade: 11

This position will remain open until filled.

Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in planning, geography, 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. AICP Certification preferred.

Experience: 

• Intermediate – Professional Level Position. Three (3) or more years of related experience. Master’s degree will substitute for one year of required experience.

About Gateway Area Development District:

Gateway Area Development District (GADD) is the regional council of government and federally designated Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, along with the federally designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration, serving Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties in east-central Kentucky since 1969. GADD is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of elected officials from the counties and communities within the region as well as non-elected citizen members representing the region’s social and economic institutions. GADD board and staff are committed to the regional planning, promotion, and coordination of programs for community, infrastructure, economic, and social development.

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