Local Government Advisor

About the role

The Local Government Advisor supports regional planning and community development initiatives through research, data analysis, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive and long-range plans, manage grant-funded projects, and provide guidance to local communities.
• Conduct research and analyze data to support regional planning and community development initiatives within the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) region.
• Prepare strategic and long-range plans related to multi-disciplinary regional planning for communities within the GADD region, including, but not limited to, comprehensive planning, water, wastewater and stormwater management, and economic development.
• Organize and administer federal, state, and local grant-funded programs, including, but not limited to, Community Development Block Grant, Appalachian Regional Commission, Rural Development, and Economic Development Administration projects.
• Provide guidance, technical assistance, and support to local governments, utilities, and special districts.
• Identify and pursue new initiatives, funding, and grant opportunities aligned with regional development goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate projects to ensure compliance with regulations, timelines, and objectives; and.
• Draft reports, presentations, and recommendations for regional planning efforts.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in government, history, geography, business administration, 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.
• Experience: Entry Level Position. One (1) year of related experience and/or related internship preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for extended periods of time;
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time;
• Reach, stoop, crouch, and bend;
• Fine motor skills;
• Operate a vehicle;
• Able to lift and carry 30 pounds;
• GPS field collection in urban and rural areas.

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;
• Requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping;
• Work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment;
• Frequent interruptions.

Tools, Equipment, And Vehicle Use

• Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.);
• Fleet/personal vehicle(s);
• Cellular/tablet device;
• Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2 GPS collection equipment.

Knowledge

• National Environmental Policy Act;
• Professional Services Procurement;
• State and federal funding programs;
• Grant writing and project administration processes;
• Local government and non-profit operations, organization, functions, and challenges.

Skills

• Oral and written communication;
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

Abilities

• Be present and punctual;
• Prioritize work and meet deadlines;
• Work under stressful situations with patience and tact;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and the public;
• Teamwork;
• Exercise initiative and judgment;
• Initiate, organize, and manage planning initiatives and projects.