Job Opportunity: Director, Regional Planning and Research Division

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a quasi-federal partnership agency providing advocacy and grants to support community and economic development in Appalachia, a 13-state region. The Commission is a very small organization consisting of a federal co-chair and the governors of the member states, with a staff of approximately 60, most of whom are not federal employees.

Position Summary
The director of the Regional Planning and Research Division is responsible for the leadership, direction, and management of the Commission's regional planning and research division. The incumbent serves on the senior management team and is the senior advisor to the executive director on research and planning issues and other key management issues affecting the Commission, its customers, and staff. As division director, the incumbent plans, develops, implements, directs, and evaluates the work of a subordinate staff, including planning, economist, cartographic, and transportation professionals. This is not a federal position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conducts a broad range of regional planning activities and special projects appropriate to ARC.
• Prepares and implements the annual ARC research prospectus within a limited budget.
• Conducts the ARC transportation program, including oversight of the Appalachian Development Highway System.
• Develops and implements a system to evaluate ARC program activities.
• Provides advice and guidance to the Commission on program options and opportunities and policy alternatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience in directing and conducting regional planning and/or research in the economic development field.
• Strong knowledge of the principles of program evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and translate conclusions into useful program guidance.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate planning or project challenges for the purpose of making decisions and recommendations to meet organizational goals.
• Ability to effectively coordinate multiple project activities with internal and external teams, groups, or organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, as evidenced by audience, subject matter, complexity, and sensitivity.
• Ability to lead a multidisciplinary team.

Additional Requirements:

• United States citizenship.
• Advanced degree in regional planning, economics, or closely related field.
• Ability to successfully pass a background investigation.
• Submission of application materials by midnight on the closing date.

Salary and Benefits:
Pay will be commensurate with experience. This is not a federal position; however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he/she is entitled to continue his/her retirement, life and health insurance benefits, and leave entitlements. A non-federal selectee will be offered a generous, comparable benefits package.

How to Apply
Applicants should submit a resume or other form of application; a cover letter or separate statement addressing the qualifications for the position; and a copy of the most recent performance appraisal (if available) by email, fax, or mail to:

Appalachian Regional Commission
Human Resources Office, Suite 700
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009-1068
Email: hr@arc.gov
Fax: 202.234.8599