Executive Director – Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the OVRDC Executive Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation of the agency, its services and  programs; for overall supervision and coordination of agency staff; for overall coordination of agency grant and other contract requirements, plans, documents and reports; for representing the agency at public meetings, conferences and in membership associations; and for acting as the primary representative of the agency in negotiating with other governments, organizations and associations and signing contracts on behalf of OVRDC.

Essential Job Duties:

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and other closely related or similar duties may be assigned.

The Executive Director is responsible for:

• carrying out policy decisions as directed by the Executive Committee or other OVRDC Standing Committees;
• serving as the Secretary of the Commission and in this role oversee the preparation of agendas, minutes and other appropriate material for the Executive Committee, other committees and the Full Commission;
• keeping the Executive Committee informed concerning state and federal legislation affecting the region;
• distributing and promoting official policies and resolutions passed by the Executive Committee including the representation of such positions to federal and state legislators and agency administrators;
• establishing a vision and plan for the agency;
• coordinating OVRDC’s development policy to acquire funds for the operation and administration of the agency;
• providing overall coordination of agency planning and evaluation;
• overseeing the development and implementation of a regional work program and strategic plan;
• coordinating overall regional project planning and project development process;
• overseeing and coordinating submission of applications, budgets and progress reports;
• promoting multi-county development planning as a concept and process;
• coordinating and communicating with state and federal programs and staff;
• overseeing preparation of financial records and fiscal reports;
• providing information to Executive Committee and commision members regarding federal and state grants and assistance opportunities;
• supervising the provision of information regarding technical assistance, training and other Commission activities through the web site and through special mailings;
• speaking to groups and clubs on the Commission activities;
• serving as the Equal Opportunity Counselor for the agency and oversee/implement OVRDC’s affirmative action plan;
• meeting at least annually with the Personnel Committee and making recommendations regarding staff assignments, promotions, raises and revisions to the Operations and Personnel Policies Manual and Table of Organization;
• oversee the recruitment and hiring of staff as well as recommending to the Personnel Committee and Executive Committee, qualified candidates for Director level positions;
• enforcing provisions of “Operations & Personnel Policies Manual”;
• reviewing and approving of staff’s time and travel sheets;
• approving overtime and leave time of staff members;
• attending professional meetings, conferences and workshops and representing OVRDC at federal and state meetings;
• responding to inquiries concerning services of the Commission;
• contracting with private consulting firms when necessary, as well as contracting with local governments to provide services;
• providing assistance to county caucuses and OVRDC committees; and
• performing other duties as directed by the Executive Committee

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrate knowledge and experience with managing a multifaceted development agency.  Experience in coordinating staff and multifaceted work program activities.   Experience in research, planning, and economic development.  Experience in working with local, state and federal agencies, programs, and officials.   Experience in working with business and industry officials.  Knowledge of state and federal programs.  Ability to analyze and evaluate community needs, resources, and services.  Ability to organize and direct assistance activities for local communities.  Experience in making presentations, writing plans and reports and in preparing state and federal grant applications.  Knowledge of and ability to analyze and relate state and federal legislation to District operations.  Ability to analyze difficult planning and development issues and programs and to develop a positive course of action.  Ability to prepare applications for funding sources.   Demonstrate good professional judgment and public relations ability.  Experience in using personal computers and standard word processing, spreadsheet and database software.  Demonstrate good oral communication skills, good written communication skills, inductive and deductive reasoning ability and complex problem solving ability.

Credentials and Experience:

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in planning, public or business administration, political science or related field with at least three to five years supervisory experience and five to ten years planning and development experience in a public or non-profit development agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience in working and coordinating activities with other agencies. No special license or certification required.

Special Requirements:

Ability to work well with others and undertake joint projects; willing to participate in special training programs, conferences, workshops, and classes as required; willing to wear clean, neat, business-like and business casual-like attire; willing to work outside regular office hours as needed; willing to travel utilizing own vehicle.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Responsible for supervision of all staff; directly responsible for supervision of Finance Director, Planning/Development Director, Administrative Assistant, Public Information Coordinator, and Program Secretary; has input into all staff’s performance evaluations.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

Normal office working conditions and associated physical demands.

For more information or to apply, please visit www.ovrdc.org/employment.