Job Description


This position is a full time limited duration appointment.  Only has grant funding for two years.  


SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Oregon Cascades West Council of Governments (OCWCOG) staffs the Cascades West Economic Development District (CWEDD), a four county region comprising Lincoln, Benton, Linn and Lane counties, which is administered by the Economic Development Administration (EDA). CWEDD received a grant from the EDA as part of the CARES Act to help the region recovery economically from the COVID-19 pandemic. This included funding for a regional disaster economic recovery coordinator.


Under the supervision of the Community and Economic Development Director, the Economic Recovery Coordinator works with local governments to help implement their Covid-19 economic recovery priorities; builds and strengthens regional collaborations among government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses; and assists in planning for and funding key economic infrastructure such as broadband expansion. The position requires strong skills and demonstrated success in federal grant writing, economic development, strategic planning and meeting facilitation. Familiarity with community-based economic development models preferred. Excellent writing skills and the ability to work independently and accomplish tasks with minimal supervision are needed. This is a grant-funded position expected to last two years.


ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES 

• Implement economic recovery and resilience plans with the goal of rebuilding resilient and sustainable communities throughout the organization’s region;

• Assist in local, state, and federally led coronavirus recovery planning efforts among the most highly impacted communities;

• Serve as a liaison between local, state, and federal partners in order to speed the recovery process through strategic technical assistance and local capacity augmentation for the highly impacted communities within the organization’s jurisdiction; 

• Work to strengthen existing and build new collaborations among government agencies, nonprofit organizations and businesses to support business recovery and expansion, value chain analysis and infrastructure development within key economic sectors in the region.

• Maintain strong relationships with partners and conduct outreach to broaden collaborations and increase awareness of projects.

• Assist with planning, grant research and writing, and implementation of projects prioritized by sector collaborations.

• Maintain information regarding development needs within the District boundaries.

• Meet with members of local government, public and private agencies, schools, businesses and civic groups to present information concerning development resources.

• Project management.

• Participate in CED staff meetings and provide support for other projects as requested.

• Other duties as assigned.


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 and events. OCWCOG staff are predominantly working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once in-person interactions resume, this position is expected to have significant travel across the economic development district.


 SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Community and Economic Development Director.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Supervision is not a primary responsibility of this position.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Training

• Graduation from a four year college or university in planning, public or business administration, economics or field related to job duties experience; master’s degree preferred; 

AND

• A minimum of two years related experience in the field; 

OR

• Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job required.  Experience must have provided a thorough knowledge of federal and state grant programs, Oregon land use planning laws and issues, and community and economic development techniques.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrate strong organization and time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure, multi-task, and meet scheduled deadlines.
• Experience developing and implementing innovative policies, practices, and strategic directions and initiatives.
• Knowledge and application of methods/techniques for community outreach and engagement.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex data, problems, and issues.
• Strong project and contract management skills and experience.
• Good report writing skills and the ability to make and support recommendations.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and to deal resourcefully with the media, other employees, agencies, departments, the public and elected officials.
• Ability to identify issues of concern and effectively resolve them.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Experience that demonstrates a broad understanding and support for project management.
• Media resources for community-service programs. 
• Preparing a long range plan to accomplish specified goals and objectives. 
• Solicit and maintain program support from a variety of organizations, groups and audiences. 
• Basic understanding of budgeting and requirements
• Prepare accurate, persuasive and concise written material for a variety of audiences. 
• Speak persuasively in a variety of settings before a variety of audiences. 

Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements

Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver’s License, or have the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the assigned 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

Starting salary is $26.83-35.96/hourly dependent on qualifications. A step increase will be awarded upon successful completion of a probationary period (typically six months), and then annually thereafter to the top of the range. 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). In addition to PERS, OCWCOG pays into Social Security. 

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 long-term care.

Holiday Leave – OCWCOG provides ten and one half (10 ½) fixed holidays, plus two (2) personal days during each fiscal year.

Additional Benefits – Deferred compensation options, Long-term care Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Credit Union memberships, and options to participate in pre-tax Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.

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


General Information:

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), pursuant to Article 14 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.


TO APPLY

You must submit the following application materials to be considered as a viable candidate:


A current resume that clearly describes your experience, skills, and/or knowledge related to the requirements of the position and demonstrates that you meet qualifications of the position listed above.


A cover letter explaining how your background, experience and training qualify you for this position. Please describe your experience and training specifically as they relate to the Desired Attributes.


If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans’ preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans’ preference points, you MUST attach to your application materials the following required documentation:


• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.

• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veteran’s disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs for the ten (10) point preference. 


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. 

To apply scroll down to the bottom and click Apply.  The Position Number for this position is 202043.