Economic Development Project Manager

About the role

The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission (NWARPC) is seeking an Executive Fellow to advance long-term regional transportation governance in Northwest Arkansas. The FUSE Executive Fellow will explore and define a clear and achievable pathway towards advancing the impact of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Mobility Authority (RMA).

Responsibilities

• Conduct a comprehensive listening tour with key stakeholders to understand current transportation needs, governance constraints, political considerations, and public expectations.
• Evaluate potential governance and legal models for the Regional Mobility Authority, regional stormwater management governance, and other opportunities for formal regional cooperation.
• Translate analysis into action by defining and assessing viable models for a Regional Mobility Authority or similar entity, including implications for representation, accountability, funding, and voter legitimacy.
• Develop a structured approach for engaging municipalities, regional agencies, employers, philanthropic partners, and community stakeholders to support shared understanding and coordinated decision-making.
• Build a public-facing concept framework and phased roadmap outlining pathways toward potential voter consideration, including interim actions, decision points, and readiness milestones.
• Establish governance frameworks, engagement practices, and decision-making structures that position the region for potential voter authorization.
• Strengthen the region's ability to coordinate transportation investment, secure sustainable funding, and deliver infrastructure that supports equitable mobility and long-term economic resilience.

Requirements

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in organizational transformation and change management, from practitioner to enterprise-level leadership.
• Experience synthesizing complex information into clear and concise recommendations and action-oriented implementation plans.
• Proven ability to develop and implement both strategic and operational project management plans.
• Data-driven and result-oriented problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication, with strong active listening and conversational skills.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building abilities, especially with diverse stakeholders.
• Confidence and professional diplomacy in interacting with individuals at all levels of various organizations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban planning, public policy, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience in regional planning, transportation, and/or governance.
• Knowledge of regional mobility issues and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and project management.
• Public engagement and stakeholder relations.
• Transportation planning and governance.
• Policy development and implementation.
• Collaborative problem-solving.

Benefits

The FUSE Executive Fellow will receive an annual salary of $95,000 and access to various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. This amount is not representative of market-rate salaries for the experienced professionals in our program but is intended as compensation for a year of public service.

Pay

$95,000 annually

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week