Rural Development Specialist

The Rural Development Specialist is responsible for delivering the outcomes related to the Resource Rural grant. This will be accomplished through working alongside rural communities to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate community economic development programs that advance the capacity of rural communities to apply for state and federal funding. The Rural Development Specialist will develop standardized assessment tools and provide ongoing technical assistance to selected communities through trainings, toolkits, and coaching. The Rural Development Specialist will create work plans, and monitor progress toward achieving goals and objectives identified in the plan. Rural Development Specialists will identify opportunities to connect rural communities to WEDC funding opportunities and provide guidance on the application process. This project-based role is not to exceed eighteen months.

Salary Information

$64,400.00 - $80,500.00

Job Details

The Rural Development Specialist will spend a majority of their time in these activities:

• Lead and provide technical assistance, support, and skills training to impacted rural and Tribal communities (but not limited to).
• Develop community assessment tools for rural housing, community facilities, and community economic development initiatives.
• Facilitate strategic planning to identify innovative and diverse opportunities in rural areas.
• Identify resources and assist communities in obtaining funding to carry out the identified initiatives and recovery efforts.
• Create trainings and toolkits for rural communities that assist them in strategic planning, real estate development, program development/evaluation, and readiness for state and federal grant funding.
• Oversee and provide periodic assessment reports of technical assistance efforts with a final report at the end of the grant period.
• Implement and ensure compliance with the federal grant regulations.
• Support WEDC's mission through the fulfillment of other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience and training.
• Minimum of 4 years of project management experience.
• General understanding of governmental records management preferred.
• Economic development project management experience and a proven success record with state and federal grant writing strongly preferred.

Skills and Talents:

• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects; strong project management skills, planning, prioritizing, and organizing.
• Strong customer relationship management skills.
• Ability and sincere interest in assisting rural areas in the State through relationship building via individual cold calls to attending public events.
• Self-motivated with the ability to operate successfully independently to accomplish tasks and find solutions with little direction.
• Creative problem solving through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to service.
• Understanding of federal grants and resources for rural and Tribal communities a plus.

Other Requirements:

• State-wide travel will occur on a frequent basis, around 30% of the time. Travel is anticipated to include day and overnight travel.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance that meets minimum state requirements are required.
• This position is eligible for reimbursement according to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This position requires the employee to provide a mobile device that allows for phone, text, and email access.
• Based on the responsibilities of this position, this position may need to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

How To Apply

Applicants for this position must apply online at https://secure2.yourpayrollhr.com/ta/7760.careers?CareersSearch. Questions may be directed to HumanResources@WEDC.org.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.