Community Development Planner II - Southeast Region

State of North Carolina; Raleigh (NC); Remote; USD 61,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

State Health Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

TSERS/401(k)/457 plans

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Commerce seeks a Community Development Planner II (NS) to lead and implement economic development plans across rural communities in the Southeast region. You will supervise a planning team, provide technical assistance, and build capacity for regional projects.

The role requires strong communication, collaboration with state and local officials, and the ability to deliver measurable outcomes in investment, business growth, and job creation.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of technical planning methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental administration, especially at the local level.
• Working knowledge of governmental programs and services pertinent to the planning and management assistance process.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, and to coordinate work of a team of planners.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local officials and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise development and implementation of economic development plans for Southeast NC.
• Coordinate strategic economic development planning, TA, and grant guidance for rural communities.
• Develop new tools and programming to improve the Rural Planning program.

Skills

Technical planning

Local government administration

Government programs knowledge

Communication & coordination

Relationships with officials/public

Education

Master's degree in planning

Master’s degree in Public Administration

Bachelor’s degree in planning-related field

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Agency Information

• Agency: Department of Commerce
• Division: Rural, Economic Development
• Job Classification Title: Community Development Planner II (NS)
• Position Number: 60081200
• Grade: NC17

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, national and international organizations to fulfill its mission to improve the economic well‑being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. The Department connects businesses with the site locations, workforce and infrastructure they need to succeed in one of the nation's top states for business. We also connect local communities with the grants and funding they need to attract new business and ensure future prosperity.

Description of Work

The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center works in regions, counties, cities, towns, downtown districts, and in designated North Carolina Main Street communities, to inspire placemaking through building asset‑based economic development strategies that achieve measurable results such as investment, business growth, and jobs.

This position serves as the primary point of contact for local governments in the Southeast region of the state, supervising the development and implementation of economic development plans. This position serves as a lead team member and conducts and facilitates strategic economic development planning, technical assistance and capacity building, training and education, and grant and funding guidance to all rural communities, towns, and counties in the Southeast region. This position is also charged as a team member to assist with improving efficiencies of the Rural Planning program, developing new tools, resources, and programming to continue to make improvements to the program that result in increased investment, business growth, and job creation in designated program communities. The work is performed independently under the general supervision of the Rural Planning Program Manager and is reviewed through periodic reports, conferences, and evaluation of results achieved.

Note: Applicants invited to interview for the position will receive a written assessment exercise after their interview which includes the preparation and submittal of a presentation on an economic development planning scenario.

Qualifications

Working knowledge of technical planning methodologies.

Working knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental administration, especially at the local level.

Working knowledge of governmental programs and services pertinent to the planning and management assistance process.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, and to coordinate work of a team of planners.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local officials and the general public.

The posting will close and stop accepting applications at 11:59 pm on the night prior to the closing date posted above.

Compensation and Benefits

Recruitment Range: $60,881 - $62,707

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with a home-based location and supports the Southeast region of the State. The position requires travel including some overnights. Must have a valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 90‑days of employment.

State Benefits

• 12 Annual Paid Holidays and monthly accrual of vacation and sick leave
• North Carolina State Health Plan administered by Aetna
• Supplemental Benefits including Flexible Spending Accounts, Accident Insurance, Cancer & Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Dental, and Vision
• NC State Retirement (TSERS), 401(k), and 457 savings plans
• WeSave Employee Discounts
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree in a planning curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and two years experience in planning in which one year was in a team lead or supervisory role.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration, including planning courses from an appropriately accredited institution and two years experience in planning in which one year was in a team lead or supervisory role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to planning, including courses in planning from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of specifically related planning experience in which one year was in a team lead or supervisory capacity.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Re-Entry for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Our Agency supports the Governor’s Executive Order 303 which seeks to re‑employ individuals that were previously incarcerated. Formerly incarcerated individuals are invited to apply for any vacant Commerce position(s) in which they believe they are qualified.

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer who embraces an Employment First philosophy which consists of complying with all federal laws, state laws, and Executive Orders. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process or while on the job. Commerce does not provide employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout employment. We are committed to reviewing requests for reasonable accommodation at any time during the hiring process and throughout employment. Applicants requesting and receiving an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax by the vacancy closing date. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD‑214 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) to their applications. Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach a NGB 23A (RPAS) if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. If a former member of the NC National Guard who served for at least 6 years and was discharged under honorable conditions, they must attach either a DD256 or NGB 22.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.