Job Description

The Local Government Advisor is responsible for supporting regional planning and community development initiatives through research, data analysis, and strategic planning. Key duties include preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities to advance growth and development goals.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Planning Development and Implementation: Involves preparing comprehensive and long-range plans, managing grant-funded projects, and providing guidance to local communities. This duty will consist of: 

• Conduct research and analyze data to support regional planning and community development initiatives within the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) region.
• Prepare strategic and long-range plans related to multi-disciplinary regional planning for communities within the GADD region, including, but not limited to, comprehensive planning, water, wastewater and stormwater management, and economic development.
• Organize and administer federal, state, and local grant-funded programs, including, but not limited to, Community Development Block Grant, Appalachian Regional Commission, Rural Development, and Economic Development Administration projects.
• Provide guidance, technical assistance, and support to local governments, utilities, and special districts.
• Identify and pursue new initiatives, funding, and grant opportunities aligned with regional development goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure effective project implementation.
• Monitor and evaluate projects to ensure compliance with regulations, timelines, and objectives.
• Draft reports, presentations, and recommendations for regional planning efforts. 

Other Duties: Involves any other tasks and technical assistance needed to support the planning and project development needs of the Gateway counties and cities.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in government, history, geography, business administration, public administration, or other related field required.
• Certification and Trainings: Valid Driver’s License required. CDBG Project Administrator Certification must be acquired and maintained after hiring. The employee will be expected to attend professional development trainings related to specialties. 
• Experience: Entry Level Position. One (1) year of related experience and/or related internship preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Sit for extended periods of time; stand and walk for extended periods of time; reach, stoop, crouch, and bend; fine motor skills; operate a vehicle; ability to lift and carry 30 pounds; and GPS field collection in urban and rural areas.

Sensory Requirements: Sight; Hearing; Speaking.

Working Conditions:

Indoor office conditions; outdoor data collection or project site visits during various weather conditions and on various terrains; and possible wildlife/animal encounters during outdoor data collection or project site visits; requires intermittent standing, sitting, or stooping; work requires consistent use of computer and phone systems as well as other general office equipment; and frequent interruptions. 

Availability and Travel:

Normal business hours; nights/weekends (special events/training/local meetings); regular travel within region and state; occasional travel outside of the state; and able to travel multiple days at a time.

Tools, Equipment, and Vehicle Use:

Standard office equipment (computers, printers, scanners, phones, etc.); fleet/personal vehicle(s); cellular/tablet device; and Trimble Geo7X / Trimble R2 GPS collection equipment.

Knowledge: 

• National Environmental Policy Act.
• Professional Services Procurement.
• State and federal funding programs.
• Grant writing and project administration processes.
• Local government and non-profit operations, organization, functions, and challenges. 

Skills: 

• Oral and written communication.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Attention to detail.
• Meeting organization and facilitation.
• Project and budget management.
• Data collection, management, interpretation, and analysis.

Abilities: 

• Be present and punctual.
• Prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Work under stressful situations with patience and tact.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, officials, and the public.
• Teamwork.
• Exercise initiative and judgment.
• Initiate, organize, and manage planning initiatives and projects.

This position will remain open until filled.

Gateway Area Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Gateway Area Development District (GADD) is the regional council of government and federally designated Area Agency on Aging and Independent Living, along with the federally designated Economic Development District by the Economic Development Administration, serving Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties in east-central Kentucky since 1969. GADD is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of elected officials from the counties and communities within the region as well as non-elected citizen members representing the region’s social and economic institutions. GADD board and staff are committed to the regional planning, promotion, and coordination of programs for community, infrastructure, economic, and social development.

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