Executive Director

COMPENSATION :

85,000-$115,000 plus Full Benefits

Website : RiverHills.cc

GENERAL PURPOSE :

The River Hills Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission (RHEDD) is seeking a seasoned professional to lead the regional agency serving Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington Counties, as well as the 25 cities and towns within those Indiana counties. This region is home to over 287,000 people. The RHEDD offices are located in downtown Jeffersonville, IN. The RHEDD houses the EDA supported Economic Development District and the Rural Transportation Planning Organization, as well as other technical assistance and services. The Executive Director of the River Hills Economic Development District and Regional Planning Commission (RHEDD) is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the RHEDD Full Commission and Executive Boards. Under general policy direction from the RHEDD Executive Board, the Executive Director is responsible for the implementation of executive level administrative, supervisory and fiscal management decisions, as well as conducting the public relations duties associated with the day to day operations of the RHEDD on behalf and for the benefit of its member organizations. The Executive Director will implement the policies and directives of the RHEDD Board through :

Effective and efficient administration of the RHEDD Departmental Organizations; Provide enhanced communication between various echelons of the organization and the Board and the public; Representation of the RHEDD at the Federal, State, and local levels; and, Provide highly responsible and responsive administrative support to the Board and performance of other related duties as deemed necessary.

KEY CHALLENGE AND OBJECTIVE : The core challenge for the Executive Director of the RHEDD is to understand the shared concerns of member organizations and to build consensus around activities that can be jointly pursued in the future, as well as ensure the value of the existing programs for the benefit of the entire organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

ADMINISTRATION : Direct, manage and implement the goals, programs, policies and priorities established and approved by the RHEDD Board; Assist the RHEDD Board in determining strategic long term plans and annual goals for the organization; Facilitate and develop the preparation and presentation of the annual RHEDD budget for adoption by the RHEDD Board and coordinate and implement the administration of the final adopted budget; Prepare fiscal reports, policy reviews, or other studies as required and make presentations or have the appropriate staff make presentations to the Board regarding the status of implementation or action versus the stated or directed goals and objectives of such polices or programs; Coordinate the preparation of the RHEDD meeting agendas and evaluate requested agenda items; Inform the RHEDD Board of pertinent items on agendas that require attention or concern; provide background information on matters being presented to them; Represent the RHEDD in meetings with representatives from other jurisdictions, private industry and members of the public to respond to inquiries, resolve problems, negotiate agreements, and study potential changes which impact the RHEDD Region; Respond to citizen complaints directly by gathering facts, determining solutions or referring to appropriate staff for corrective action; Maintain a public organizational presence in the press and communities of the RHEDD region, and ensure ongoing, open and informative communications with the membership; Implement and monitor system of financial controls and reporting required for fiscal accountability to the Board, grantor agencies, the Indiana State Board of Accounts, the Economic Development Administration and other appropriate State and Federal offices; Responsible for supervision and management of financial statements, Indiana State Board of Accounts audits, and related issues such as identification and resolution of shared expenses. Negotiate contracts and agreements and present options on a variety of administrative, fiscal and special projects; analyze and prepare recommendations on special contract requests; monitor the administration of terms and conditions of all contracts or agreements with the RHEDD and upon knowledge of any violation thereof, report the same to the RHEDD Board;

MANAGEMENT : Provide leadership and direction to RHEDD Staff to facilitate achievement of the RHEDD goals and objectives; continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of RHEDD service delivery methods and procedures;

Supervise the activities of the departments assigned to the Executive Director; assess and monitor work load, monitor expenditures of annual budgets applicable to those departments under the direct control of the Executive Director, and monitor internal reporting relationships; coordinate department activities with other departments and agencies as needed; Identify opportunities for improvement and direct the implementation of changes; Coordinate and facilitate regularly scheduled meetings with RHEDD staff and / or Department Directors, to identify and resolve issues, act on opportunities and assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; Promote an amiable working environment, provide opportunities for board and staff development and identify and encourage opportunities for staff and board interaction; Assume full management responsibility for all assigned services and activities of the RHEDD organization including but not limited to; All Human Resources processes and procedures including the responsibility for development and implementation of personnel policies and compensation schedules with the approval of the RHEDD Board; and the responsibility for hiring, supervision, evaluation, compensation, coordination, development and discipline of staff; Maintain a close working relationship with each member jurisdiction, keeping members involved and informed on the programs and activities of the organization and on issues of regional concern; Responsible for membership relations including training, orientation and development of new board members and insure collection of annual dues; Assess member needs on an annual basis, identify opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation, and report to members on the availability of resources and convey this information to staff and the Board; Advise the Board and staff on issues of legislative activity, regional cooperation and related policy and programmatic opportunities and considerations, participate and interface with the legislative process as directed by the Board; Coordinate with other external organizations as directed by the Board and as needed to coordinate RHEDD programs, activities and resources; Act as a liaison between the RHEDD Board, Elected Officials, staff and the public to disseminate information, directives and policies on behalf of the RHEDD Board; Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as required and or assigned by the RHEDD Board.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS : Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration or a closely related field and a minimum of 5 years senior level management experience is required. Experience in the public sector in Indiana is strongly encouraged. A master’s degree is preferred however, related experience and / or training or combination of experience, training and education will be considered.

Profile of the Traits of the Ideal Candidate :

Hardworking

Enthusiastic

Engaging

Organized

Dedicated

Trustworthiness

Responsible

Flexible

Constant

Learner

Proactive

Positive

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge of operations, services and activities of governments including concepts of administrative relationships with Counties, Cities and Towns; Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration; Knowledge of the principles of employment practices such as supervision, training, performance evaluations; Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing public meetings; Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local codes, laws and regulations; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Computer skills : Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite of programs; Office Equipment : Ability to operate standard office equipment including telephones, calculators, copiers, fax machines, cell phone, etc.; Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints and to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Boards, the business community, consultants, developers, governmental agencies, and the general public; Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical theory; apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations; Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents; Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and formulate conclusions;

Criteria For Evaluation :

The RHEDD Board will complete an annual evaluation in December or January each year for the Executive Director. Annual performance goals are established in the formal review process and reflect the requirements of this position as described above and will also include; initiative, motivation, research, analysis, communication and supervision skills, attitude, mature judgment, flexibility, ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines, coordination with staff, Board and membership, and growth in capabilities, skills and technical ability to effectively complete duties and responsibilities.

• This description is not intended and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be a reflection of the principle job elements essential for making compensation decisions.