Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director, Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Economic Development Board

Location: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua Counties, New York State

Reports To: Board of Directors, Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Economic Development Board

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Application Deadline: March 14, 2025, 3 PM

Organization Overview:

Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Economic Development Board (STW) office is located in Salamanca, NY. STW is the regional planning agency for Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties in Western New York.

Our Mission is to help coordinate and enhance planning and development activities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties to promote social, physical, and economic development in these counties.

STW assists 124 towns and villages with diverse topics, including community and economic development, community planning, data and information services, environmental and energy planning, regional services, local food planning, local government and community assistance, and water source management.

Southern Tier West seeks to improve the quality of life for the region's people and assure that the "people of the Southern Tier West region have access to adequate occupational, educational, and recreational opportunities; environment; health care services; housing; public safety; and transportation.

The entity is authorized by New York State law and has existed for over 50 years. STW utilizes sub-agencies to provide a wide variety of support to the three counties including the Southern Tier Railroad Authority, Western Region Corporation, Southern Tier West Business Resource Center, Southern Tier West Angel Fund, Southern Tier West Development Foundation, and Southern Tier Enterprise Development Organization.

Position Overview:

The Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Economic Development Board (STW) seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director to lead the agency in its mission to foster sustainable economic growth, community development, and regional planning within Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties. The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, oversee day-to-day operations, and work closely with local government officials, community organizations, business leaders, and state and federal agencies to promote the region’s growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents. The Executive Director works for and reports to the 16-member STW Board. This position includes oversight of STW-affiliated agencies and entities that involve revolving loan funds, STW Building, railroad authority, and others noted in the overview.

The job environment is office work performed in a moderately quiet office, with visits to offices of municipal, and state officials, tribal governments, or staff members. Frequent virtual meetings and phone conferences with the same. Requires the operation of a vehicle, and the operation of standard computer and office equipment. Makes frequent contact with Regional, State, and Federal Agencies, departments, and organizations; public presentations; night and weekend work is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Provide visionary leadership for the agency, developing and implementing strategies that align with the region’s economic, social, and environmental needs. Lead efforts to build regional partnerships and collaboration.

• Regional Planning & Economic Development: Oversee the development and implementation of regional planning initiatives, including land-use policies, infrastructure planning, and economic development projects. Work to secure funding and resources for regional development efforts.

• Grant Administration & Fundraising: Identify, pursue, and manage grants, funding opportunities, and other resources to support the region's planning and development activities. Oversee the preparation of grant proposals, reporting, and financial compliance.

• Board & Stakeholder Engagement:* Report to and collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization meets its goals and objectives. Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including elected officials, local governments, businesses, non-profits, and state/federal agencies.

• Staff Management & Development: Oversee, mentor, and manage a professional team of staff members. Foster a positive, collaborative work environment while promoting professional development opportunities and capacity-building.

• Policy Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of the region with state and federal officials and participate in state and national policy discussions related to economic development and planning.

• Fiscal Oversight & Reporting: Manage the agency’s budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with all applicable regulations. Provide regular financial updates to the Board and maintain transparency regarding financial health and resource allocation.

• Community Engagement: Promote public awareness of the Southern Tier West’s programs, services, and initiatives. Build relationships with local communities and foster active participation in the agency’s initiatives.

Qualifications:

• *Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Significant relevant work experience can be substituted for degree requirements. (Master’s degree preferred).

• *Experience:

Minimum of 7-10 years of senior management experience in regional planning, economic development, public administration, or a closely related field. Experience working with local government entities and community stakeholders is essential.

• *Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking and leadership capabilities.

• Expertise in regional planning, economic development principles, and public policy.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and public relations skills.

• Experience in managing staff and fostering a collaborative, inclusive work environment.

• Ability to write and secure grants and manage funding initiatives.

• Strong fiscal management skills and experience overseeing budgets and financial processes.

• Self-motivated, good organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.

• **Knowledge:

Familiarity with the economic and social landscape of the Southern Tier of New York State is highly desirable. Knowledge of state and federal funding programs and economic development policies is a plus.

Experience with relevant software applications including MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS software.

• **Attributes:

• Visionary, innovative, and solutions-oriented.

• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across diverse groups.

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.

• A commitment to transparency, ethics, and accountability in leadership.

How to Apply:

Applications are due by 3 PM on March 14, 2025. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references to Donald McCord, Chairman of STW via email as a PDF packet at dmccord@westfieldny.com Please include "Executive Director Application" in the subject line of your email.

We reserve the right to reopen the application process if a suitable candidate is not selected or accepts the offer of employment presented.

The Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Economic Development Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Urban planning, Economic Development: 7 years (Required)

Location:

• Salamanca, NY 14779 (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Salamanca, NY 14779 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salamanca, NY 14779: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $95,000