Community and Economic Development Director

Are you a driven individual who has experience bringing communities together to seek solutions to difficult issues? Do you have a passion for and interest in helping to support our region and communities in areas including transportation, regional economic development, land use and public infrastructure, natural resources and environmental protection, public safety and emergency management, housing and human services, education, and workforce development? COIC is looking for a talented Community and Economic Development Director, highlight the opportunity to shape a vibrant future for Central Oregon, emphasizing the impact of their leadership on community growth and economic prosperity to join our team! This is a salaried position at $6,922.00 - $11,442.00/Monthly, DOE and Qualifications. The ideal candidate will have experience overseeing planning and implementation of community and economic development activities at local or regional levels. Come join the COIC team and work for an organization serving and doing great things in Central Oregon!

First review of applications will be Thursday, April 24, 2025

Role of Department:
As a regional Council of Governments, COIC’s mission includes providing a means for the region to work together to identify issues and needs which are regional in scope; achieve concurrence for cooperative actions; and achieve goals in areas including transportation, regional economic development, land use and public infrastructure, natural resources and environmental protection, public safety and emergency management, housing and human services, education, and workforce development.

Job Purpose:
Oversee the planning and implementation of COIC’s community and economic development activities within the region, including development and implementation of the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and managing COIC’s Economic Development District functions. Oversee and/or participate in regional community and economic development planning and implementation efforts to address organizational, programmatic and capacity building issues within the region. Oversee and manage CED and Loan Department teams including coaching and mentoring staff and handling performance management. 

The Community and Economic Development Director will administer and develop COIC’s economic development district functions, and advance strategic interests in regional planning, problem solving, and regional coordination activities. The CED Director will ensure that all CED program activities are consistent with COIC’s strategic plan, and support regional efforts to improve the economy, create jobs, and support quality communities.

COIC MISSION
COIC supports the region as a trusted leader and partner, helping communities identify and address their unique and common needs through collaboration, shared service delivery, technical assistance, information sharing, and resource development.

Diversity and Inclusion:
COIC values the diversity of the people we hire and serve. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and fostering a workplace in which individual differences are appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways which elevates the delivery of our services to Central Oregon Communities.

Essential Functions:
A person employed in this position must possess the capability to perform the following duties to be considered for this position. The duties are essential functions requiring the critical skills and expertise needed to meet job objectives. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position and is subject to change. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. Employment remains AT-WILL at all times.

Program Leadership

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for Community and Economic Development department work areas including, but not limited to: Community Development, Resilience and Environment, Housing, Economic Development/Loans Program.
• Work with member communities, the CED team and COIC Executive Director, and other appropriate partners to identify needs, identify COIC's role, and build programs to address needs.

Economic Development District Management

• Convene or facilitate regional, federal, state and local economic development programs and projects.
• Identify regional community/economic development needs and develops strategies for addressing those needs.
• Prepare the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
• Serve as a point of contact, trusted leader, and Economic Development District subject matter expert.
• Communication and collaborate with Oregon Economic Development Districts and the Economic Development Administration (EDA) state coordinator.

Grant and Funding Development

• Oversee and complete preparation of the EDA Planning Grant application and implementation of planning grant activities.
• Oversee and perform department development activities, including project planning/scoring, partnership development, and development of grant applications and contracts.
• Develop procurements and sub-contracts as appropriate.
• Monitor department budget and ensure sufficient grant and contract funding to support staff and advance department goals.

Department Management

• CED staff management, including assigning and monitoring staff work, performance reviews, and all other aspects of personnel management.
• Provide leadership, direction, training, and professional growth for the members of the CED team.

Other

• Develop and maintain effective and harmonious and reasonable work relationships with others.
• Maintain regular and predictable work attendance in accordance with COIC policies.
• Travel to, attend, and present at COIC Board meetings, various committee meetings, and special events including after hours meetings on a monthly basis/ as needed.
• The above list of Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities is a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities and should not considered as all-inclusive. Additional duties and tasks can and will be assigned as needed or required.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of grant and other funding sources and their standards for successful application;
• Knowledge of community and economic development and application of economic theory;
• Ability to research and prepare grant applications;
• Ability to compile and analyze economic and related statistics;
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365;
• Interpret and apply federal and state program requirements based on statutes, regulations and program guidelines;
• Organize and facilitate effective meetings, prepare and give presentations;
• Represent agency to various businesses and community leaders, local government officials and State and Federal officials;
• Work independently and diplomatically;
• Work with diverse groups and varied individuals;
• Must maintain client and agency confidentiality;
• Must have the ability to work as part of a team;
• Must have the ability to communicate and interact positively;
• Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment;
• Ability to manage time effectively and efficiently;
• Must pass a criminal background check;

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Community Economic Development, Public/Urban Planning, Business Administration, Economics, Natural Resources, or Sociology; plus at least four (4) years of professional work experience in the area of CED including development of programs, development of long- and short-range goals and plans, overseeing budget and grants, and progressively responsible management or supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience to sufficiently perform the essential duties of the job will be considered. Public sector experience desirable.


Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:
While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to clearly communicate in person or over the telephone. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee may be required to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. Employee will be required to drive a motor vehicle to travel to various work sites, and to attend after hours meetings and presentations. Reasonable accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Moderately low level of personal risk encountered while performing assigned work. Job conditions involves normal risks and discomforts associated with an office environment.

Exposure to Confidential Information: Financial Information (loans), Employee Records

COIC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary : $6,922 - $11,442