Planning and Development Director

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission; Duluth (MN); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Pension

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) in Duluth, MN seeks a Planning and Development Director to lead the Planning & Development Division, guiding staff on planning and economic development projects, and ensuring program funding and grant management.

The director serves as the primary liaison to the board, elected officials, agencies, and community partners, directing contracts, budgets, and compliance while shaping regional growth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and several years in related work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification in CEcD, AICP or LEED AP preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regionally.
• Experience leading economic development and urban planning efforts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Planning & Development Division and coordinate staff work across planning and economic development projects.
• Secure funding, develop contracts and grant agreements, and oversee budgets and compliance.
• Serve as liaison to ARDC board, officials, agencies, and community partners.

Skills

Economic development

Urban planning

Public speaking

Staff supervision

Budget management

GIS knowledge

Grant writing

Negotiation

Data analysis

Policy analysis

Education

Master’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Two-year degree

High school diploma

CEcD / AICP / LEED AP

Tools

Excel

GIS software

Budget software

MS Office

Grant management software

Job description

Job Duties

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), located in Duluth, MN, seeks a Planning and Development Director. This high-level position is responsible for leading and coordinating the work of ARDC Division staff, which is comprised of technical and professional planning and economic development staff. The ARDC Planning & Development Director has over-arching responsibility for the work of the division, including design, planning, and execution projects, developing staff work program, securing funding for programs and projects, developing contracts and grant agreements, overseeing the division budgets and ensuring compliance. This position serves as the lead liaison to both external and internal stakeholders on behalf of the Planning & Development Division including, but not limited to, the ARDC governing board and commission, elected officials, agency representatives, community leaders, non-profit boards, councils, and committees.

Minimum Education Required

Required education and experience (see additional: *knowledge, skills and abilities):

Master’s degree and six years of job-related experience; OR

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with eight years of job-related experience; OR

Two-year degree with ten years related experience; OR

High school graduate and twelve years of related experience.

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP and/or LEED AP, or similar certification preferred.

A valid driver’s license is required as this position requires moderate to frequent travel within the region, attendance at evening meetings, and minimal overnight travel.

Minimum Experience Required

Required education and experience (see additional: *knowledge, skills and abilities):

Master’s degree and six years of job-related experience; OR

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with eight years of job-related experience; OR

Two-year degree with ten years related experience; OR

High school graduate and twelve years of related experience.

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP and/or LEED AP, or similar certification preferred.

A valid driver’s license is required as this position requires moderate to frequent travel within the region, attendance at evening meetings, and minimal overnight travel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

1. Considerable knowledge of economic development and urban & regional planning principles, and modern planning/zoning practices.
2. Knowledge of the theory, principles and techniques of economic development and planning professions.
3. Considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances, and codes pertaining to a wide variety of planning topics.
4. Demonstrated ability to supervise staff in all aspects of economic development and urban and regional planning processes to support communities with business retention and expansion, development efforts, current and long-range planning efforts, zoning and subdivision code revisions, comprehensive planning, small area plan development, or plan review.
5. Considerable experience in public presentation and communication skills – ability to facilitate meetings/group discussions, handle conflict situations, and assist in synthesizing solutions when several different viewpoints are to be accommodated.
6. Ability to understand and manage high profile sensitive or controversial political situations.
7. Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
8. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or board of directors.
9. Ability to respond to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
10. Strong problem solving and negotiation skills.
11. Basic working knowledge and familiarity with GIS programs and applications.
12. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
13. Demonstrated ability to manage a budget and expenses, and ability to forecast for future staffing needs and contract changes.
14. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
15. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations, including abstract and concrete variables.
16. Excellent writing skills, including the ability to write proposals and grant applications.
17. Proficient computer skills including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
18. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and recognize opportunities.
19. Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
20. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form.
21. Ability to work independently in a collaborative work setting and maintain effective interpersonal relationships by conducting business in a professional manner.
22. Highly organized and detail oriented with ability to establish priorities, identify and solve problems, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and delegate responsibility
23. Maintain standards for quality per ARDC’s mission.
24. Other duties as assigned or requested by Supervisor.

Shift

First (Day)

Number of Openings

1

Public Transportation Accessible

Yes

Veterans Encouraged to Apply

Yes

Physical Required

No

Drug Test Required

No

Compensation

$100,000.00 - $120,000.00 / Annually

Postal Code

55802

Job Type

Full Time

Place of Work

Hybrid

Job Benefits

ARDC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (including family), dental, and life insurance, paid time off, MN PMFL, holidays, pension, and more.