Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged.
 

ABOUT OREGON CASCADES WEST COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCWCOG)

The Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) is governed by a Board of Directors, with one locally elected official, representing each member government. OCWCOG was formed in 1970 as a voluntary association of governments. Our members include the three counties, 20 cities, the Port of Newport, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. Geographically, OCWCOG spans a region from the crest of the Oregon Cascade Mountain Range to the Pacific Ocean. OCWCOG helps communities collaborate to solve problems and connects member governments, businesses, and individuals with a wide array of resources.
 

As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, OCWCOG carries out a variety of local, State, and Federal programs. OCWCOG can provide for, or on behalf of, its member governments any service that they are authorized to provide. A few examples include helping businesses find appropriate capital, helping seniors and persons with disabilities plan for independent living, or coordinating local road improvement priorities. Most of its funding is provided by way of contracts to administer specific services. More information is available at OCWCOG’s website, www.OCWCOG.org.

Currently, OCWCOG employs a staff of about 200. Non-management employees are represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). OCWCOG maintains offices within each of our counties, with the administrative staff and the majority of employees working out of the OCWCOG owned Cascades West Center in Albany. The OCWCOG facility in Toledo is home to our Senior and Disability Services (SDS) staff that serves clients in Lincoln County. A leased space in Corvallis houses both the Benton County Veterans Services and staff that support the Corvallis Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Community and Economic Development Director is a key Executive leadership position for the Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments. With a current budget of almost $18 million annually, this department represents approximately 1/3 of the organization’s total revenue and expenditures. This department provides land use and transportation planning to member agencies who cannot afford full-time staff.  We also provide small business lending, staffing for multiple regional or local transportation related entities, staffing for a non-profit agency, and run a transportation brokerage. Furthermore, this position is expected to envision how Community and Economic Development integrates with the Seniors and Disability Services, and Community Services programs, to assist people throughout the region.
 

The Director provides overall management and direction to the Community and Economic Development (CED) department which has a wide breadth of programs with many dedicated funding streams. Hosts the Economic Development District for Lane, Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties. Directs and oversees the work activity of professional staff engaged in city, county and regional development, planning and service provision. Specifically, this position covers a very diverse set of functions within the agency including grant management and writing, land use and transportation planning and economic development planning and activities; including provision of several commercial loan products, and the operations of Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) brokerage. This position identifies and fosters community economic opportunities within the region. Convenes stakeholders to collaboratively develop and implement community development projects with an emphasis on equitable service delivery and community outcomes.
 

Performs position duties in a manner that promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully.  Fosters and maintains a diverse and inclusive team. Engages in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work-related associations. Develops good working relationships with department and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates openness of constructive feedback and suggestions, to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

     Strategic Program Direction and Oversight 50%

• Works with Executive Director, Board of Directors, and management team to establish department goals and workplan. 
• Actively engages in community driven transportation and land use improvements and services while maintaining transparent communication with the public about OCWCOG's vision and goals for transportation, land use, and economic development.
• Responsible for the administration of an Economic Development District, including convening elected officials and stakeholders to update and implement a five-year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
• Represents the Community and Economic Development Department and the agency in interactions with federal, state, and regional agencies, local governments and others.
• Provides oversight to the Transportation Program Manager, staff and associated groups and committees to develop and implement transportation planning programs including two Metropolitan Planning Organizations, an Area Commission on Transportation and Regional Transportation Options; each of which are their own independent decision-making bodies and have their own membership groups.
• Communicates effectively, accurately, and consistently to multiple partners and stakeholders on politically charged community projects and initiatives.
• Seeks national and state resources to aid community, transportation, and economic development programs for the region and member jurisdictions; participates in national and statewide efforts to maintain and improve these resources.
• Directs and provides support to land use planning staff to deliver contracted planning services across the region.
• Provides direction and oversight to the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Brokerage
• Directs and provides oversight to the agency’s small business lending program.   
• Provides various contracted services throughout the region to support local member agencies.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with elected officials. 
• With an equity lens, utilizing data, and best practices, provides policy and program recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Works with the Executive Director and Communications staff to develop internal and external communication strategies. Develops and makes recommendations to the Executive Director, and Board of Directors to develop and implement public information strategy.
• Manages planning, developing, and marketing of Community and Economic Development programs.

Contract and Grant Administration 20%

• Drafts requests for proposals and contracts; coordinates the negotiation and modification of contracts; makes recommendations to Executive Director and Board of Directors for approval of contracts.
• Prepares or approves narrative and financial reports in coordination with program and contract management staff.
• Oversees the preparation and administration of federal and state grant applications.
• Oversees administration of contracts in the areas of community and regional planning, transportation systems planning and development, community facility development, economic development and non-emergent medical transportation services.
• Establishes procedures and systems and monitors operations to assure compliance with agency policy, federal and state rules, regulations, and contractual requirements.
   

      Fiscal/Budget Administration 15%

• Provides fiscal oversight for the department by monitoring fiscal data for the planning, operation, direction, and budget of CED’s business operations.  
• Coordinates with the Finance Director and Executive Director to ensure compliance with all contracts including the State of Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Health Authority, federal Economic Development Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and others. 
• Prepares department budget based on available resources, program objectives and cost projections.
• Approves, monitors and oversees the documentation and proper allocation of expenditures assuring compliance with approved budget and staffing levels.
• Makes adjustments to programs as needed to ensure fiscal prudence.
• Identifies new revenue streams and innovative program expansion areas.

     Supervision 10%

• Provides Executive managerial leadership and conducts or oversees the recruitment, selection, and training of Department’s staff. 
• Works with CED management and staff to establish program and individual staff goals. Monitors progress toward goals and provides support to staff in meeting goals.  
• Supervises staff including assigning and prioritizing work, conducting performance evaluations, and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations.
• Supporting and coaching CED supervisors in personnel management
• Provides strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate staff and maintain a working environment of teamwork, innovation, and inclusion.
• Empowers staff by providing clear direction and establishing high standards of accountability.
• Model exceptional integrity, professionalism, and respect.

     OTHER JOB DUTIES 5%

• Performs other duties as directed by the Executive Director.
   

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an office environment utilizing a personal computer, telephone and a variety of office equipment. Position requires sitting for long periods of time and performing extensive computer work. Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings. This position may be eligible for occasional telework. 
 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general direction from the Executive Director which must be interpreted and applied to the program.
 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  

Provides direct supervision to and evaluation of Community and Economic Development staff, including management and supervisory staff responsible for several programs.
 

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a consensus builder with strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills, able to identify opportunities to build resilience through a lens of service equity across the region. They would exhibit the ability to bring together stakeholders from the private and non-profit sectors to work with government at the local, state, and federal levels. The ideal candidate will have a broad background with experience in land use, economic development, business lending, and transportation. Familiarity with the provision of human services and with natural resource issues further strengthens their resume.

The ideal candidate will have well-honed communication skills, including the ability to deliver compelling public presentations, craft written material for diverse audiences, and facilitate single event and multiple meeting processes.

The CED Program Director will provide vision and direction to a team of community development planners, business lenders, transportation service brokers and administrative staff. The ideal candidate will have the ability to support this group of talented, experienced and motivated individuals to sustain their commitment and creativity in an era of limited resources and public concern about the value of governmental services.
 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Training

Graduation from a four-year college or university (Graduate degree in one or more of these areas preferred) in planning, public or business administration, economics or related field. Six years of progressively responsible experience, including four years as a manager of a related body of work; or a satisfactory combination of equivalent education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job. Experience at the managerial level to include a broad knowledge of all or most of the following:  state and federal community, transportation & economic development grant programs, land use and transportation planning laws and practices, budgeting, financial analysis and business loan programs.
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of community and economic development programs, their financing, implementation and management.

Knowledge of budget development and fiscal administration.

Thorough knowledge of political processes at the local level.

Knowledge of federal and state legislation and regulations related to Community and Economic Development programs.

Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and management skills.

Ability to identify region-wide issues, devise effective strategies, and build consensus around solutions.

Ability to make effective presentations.

Ability to represent the agency before various citizen groups and public officials.

Ability to direct and coordinate staff work activity.

Ability to motivate and supervise staff.

Ability to maintain a cooperative work environment.

Ability to use innovative and creative approaches to problem solving.

Ability to operate a personal computer and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software.

Ability to travel throughout tri-county area and participate in state and national meetings as required.

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the three-county area.
 

If you are offered employment, the offer will be contingent upon the outcome of a criminal records check, and the information will be shared with Human Resources. Any criminal history will be reviewed and could result in the withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities. To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

This is a management service position. The salary range for the CED Director is $99,489 - $139,992 annually (depending upon qualifications) with longevity steps that reach up to $158,000. 

OCWCOG offers an attractive benefits package including:

Retirement – OCWCOG pays both the employer’s percentage, and employee’s six percent (6%) contribution into the Oregon Public Employees System (PERS). 
Insurance – For select plans, OCWCOG currently pays one hundred percent (100%) of the insurance premiums for the employee and their eligible dependents. The insurance package includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, alternative care, life, accidental death and dismemberment, as well as short-term disability and long-term disability. 
Holiday Leave – OCWCOG provides eleven and one half (11 ½) fixed holidays, plus two (2) personal days during each fiscal year. 

Management Personal Leave - Eighty (80) hours of additional personal leave is provided each FY. This leave must be used within the fiscal year and cannot be carried over into the next FY.
Sick Leave – Full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave each month.
Vacation Leave – Full-time employees accrue vacation leave each month, according to the following schedule: 
            0-36 months             - 8 hours/month
          37-72 months             - 10 hours/month
        73-144 months             - 14 hours/month
      145 months and above   - 16 hours/month

Additional Benefits – Options to participate in a pre-tax Health Savings Account or Flex Spending Account Deferred Compensation, Long-term Care Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and Credit Union memberships. 
 

TO APPLY
You must submit the following application materials to be considered as a viable candidate.

The position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter describing their experience related to the competencies listed in the Ideal Candidate Profile section. 

SUBMIT only the required materials. Reference letters or work examples should be kept for interviews.
 

Veteran’s Preference – OCWCOG provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with employment preference in accordance with Oregon law. Veterans may claim preference by submitting an OCWCOG Veteran’s Preference Form (available on the OCWCOG’s website at www.OCWCOG.org/Careers and the required documentation with his/her application material.

Our first application screening is scheduled for October 15th, but we may close the announcement at any time, when we have received an adequate number of applications. We cannot guarantee that we will consider applications received after the first screening date. We encourage interested applicants not to delay in applying. Applicants who most closely match the Ideal Candidate Profile and meet minimum requirements for the position will be interviewed.
 

If you have any questions, please contact HR at hrrecruit@ocwcog.org. In the subject line please include the position title and the posting number 202334.
 

To apply scroll down to the bottom and click Apply.