Director of Planning and Community Development

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director of Planning and Community Development leads and manages the planning and management activities for future expansions of EO Companies' programs, services, and facilities.

The Director works closely with public-private partners, such as employers, governments, community and economic development organizations, and education institutions, to develop strategies to drive educational and economic opportunities that improve both economic prosperity and the quality of life.

Day-to-day activities and responsibilities of the Director include relationship management, project planning, research and analysis, development, grant writing and administration, recordkeeping, budget management, and other administrative duties.

The Director of Planning and Community Development plays a critical role in EO's strategic decision-making process and analyzes market trends, evaluates growth opportunities, and provides recommendations to the President and CEO. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to align organizational strategies and ensure effective execution.

Essential functions

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain professional and effective working relationships with staff, consultants, elected and appointed officials, community partners, and the public
• Develop community consensus by providing community education and outreach through presentations to stakeholders
• Schedule and conduct meetings with advisory councils and partners to present progress reports and discuss other challenges

Project Planning, Research, Analysis, and Development

• Manage planning and development activities including work plans, deadlines, and project consultants
• Implement and manage planning projects, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and within budget and the scope of work
• Manage complex planning studies, development applications, and review consultant proposals and reports
• Conduct site selection and evaluation processes to access factors such as zoning regulations, infrastructure availability, and community needs to determine the most suitable locations for project development
• Manage the design-build team including architects, general contractors, engineers, construction managers, and other consultants to ensure adherence to project budget and schedule, cost containment, and quality control.

Writing and Grant Administration

• Research, identify, and recommend new state and federal grant opportunities related to expansion projects, as needed.
• Manage the development of grant proposals, applications, and project scopes of work for local governmental, state, and federal funding
• Submit grant reports and documents following the project award
• Administer RFPs and contracts by applicable standards, regulations, and reporting requirements

Administration, Recordkeeping, and Budget Management

• Ensure that the President and CEO is kept fully informed on planning activities and about any trends, events, or emerging issues of significance to the organization's success.
• Interpret financial statements and develop project budget documents, budget adjustments, process purchase orders/requisitions, and approve expenditures
• Interpret and apply Federal, State or local departmental rules, policies, and regulations in accordance with prescribed procedures and guidelines, and ensure federal compliance
• Assist with status reports to the EO Board of Directors
• Work with the President and CEO to finalize awarded agreements and contracts.
• Perform related work including data entry, filing, support services, and other duties as needed

Competencies

• Demonstrated critical analysis, customer service, conflict resolution, decision-making, leadership, team building, time management and motivational skills
• A high standard of professional and ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully hand stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality, and respect and observe organizational protocol
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment, multi-task, meet deadlines, and perform under pressure
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a flexible work schedule and adjust it as required by changing activities
• Proven experience in project/budget planning and development, implementation, and management
• Ability to facilitate meetings and groups
• Ability to work professionally with diverse agencies, groups, and individuals, using active listening skills
• Extensive knowledge of the philosophies, principles, practices, and techniques of planning
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate technical and complex information clearly both verbally and in writing
• Experience with state and federal agencies and programs that support community and economic development
• Experience accessing and using data sources

Work environment

This position is based in the Abingdon, Virginia office.

Physical demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

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