RurAL Development Project Manager

Alabama Department of Commerce in Montgomery, AL is seeking applicants for a full-time RurAL Development Project Manager.

$62,163 – $89,284

ANNOUNCEMENT DATE: November 22, 2024
APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 13, 2024
PROJECTED START DATE: February 3, 2025

All resumes (mailed or electronic) must be received no later than 1:00 p.m. on December 13, 2024 to be considered. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

SYNOPSIS

Works under the direction of the RurAL Development Manager within the Alabama Department of Commerce to coordinate and deliver technical assistance, training, and resources to the rural counties within Alabama, as defined by the Legislature, for RurAL community and economic development ensuring that RurAL counties are as competitive as possible for economic development projects.

Work is performed with considerable independence and decision-making authority.

Duties and Responsibilities

RurAL Development is vast and varied both in theory and in application. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, these activities and programs:

Work with Commerce and other State personnel as needed to support the overall mission of the Alabama Department of Commerce RurAL Development.
Attend weekly staff meetings with Commerce Project Managers, reporting on past and future activities, programs and projects for RurAL.
Report directly to the RurAL Development Manager, assisting the RurAL counties with general support, project support (both with other project managers and as a project manager for those who do not qualify for Commerce-administered incentives), programs, resources, and events.
Work with Local Economic Development Organizations (LEDO) to create a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program in every county.
Work with project managers and with LEDOs, as requested, to assist rural counties with Requests for Information (RFI), Site Visits, and other preparation, research, or resources. These meetings may be with or without the company and/or site selector.
Support small business initiatives and entrepreneurship in cooperation with the Commerce Office of Small Business and related resources.
Support reporting procedures for new and expanding business and industry in cooperative with the Commerce Research Analyst.
Support Governmental Relations, Communications and Marketing with appropriate staff within Commerce and with any external partners or resources.
Assist in the creation of the RurAL Annual Report.
Assist in data analytics through the appropriate databases.
Execute Weekly Resource Meetings throughout the year, including scheduling, recording, posting, and facilitating the meetings.
Build relationships with all rural LEDOs and with all resource providers to ensure knowledge of needs and opportunities to meet those needs.
Execute Simulated Training and Readiness (STAR) program with partner agencies and Commerce staff throughout the year, as needed.
Deliver presentations to represent the scope of work of Commerce and RurAL, as needed. Presentations may be made with partner agencies, as needed.
Provide Local Leadership Forums as requested or as a need is identified within RurAL communities.
Meet with LEDOs as requested, or as needed, to identify assets and opportunities within the communities we serve.
Create regional opportunities for meetings throughout the state to effectively and efficiently disseminate resources and information from/with partner agencies to provide assistance and encourage collaboration, as well as general training, networking, and marketing.
Collaborate with the RurAL Manager to create the Annual RurAL Summit each fall.
Collaborate with LEDOs and partner organizations to assist in the identification of new sites.
Assist LEDOs with information regarding programs to assist in the development of sites, including but not limited to infrastructure, utilities, site prep, and buildings. This will include the Site Analysis, Improvement, and Development (AID) program to evaluate all existing sites for needs and opportunities.
Assist as directed with RurAL website additions, statewide rural meetings, and regional partnerships.
Attend conferences and trade shows as assigned to represent, or present for, RurAL.
Perform due diligence on companies as needed or requested.
Assist LEDOs with site selection within their county through partner agencies and local resources.
Assist LEDOs with policies, procedures, education, resources, and any other needs related to community and economic development.
Develop and implement activities and overarching programs that meet identified needs of the RurAL counties.

Program Development:

Assists in identifying and developing relationships with resources for RurAL developers.
Communicates professionally with company representatives, government officials, the general public, and staff.
Coordinates multiple projects concurrently for community and economic development for all RurAL counties.
Revise programs as needed.
Maintains positive working relationship with LEDOs, colleagues, and all resources.
Ensures programs are conducted in the most beneficial way for the county, region, or state.

Planning and Administration:

Plans and documents daily/weekly work schedule.
Maintains project schedule, reports, etc.

Special Projects:

Accepts and manages the development and implementation of special projects and other work-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Work Habits

Complies with all Commerce policies and procedures.
Plans daily/weekly work schedule.
Maintains housekeeping to organizational standards.
Interacts professionally with co-workers, general public and others as required.
Complies with Commerce policy regarding attendance. (Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of general office practices.
Ability to identify needed activities and programs across various fields of knowledge.
Skill in subjective and objective evaluations of potential new resources and programs.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Ability to effectively present information to individuals, small groups, or large conferences.
Ability to work flexible hours based on program needs.
Ability to set and meet deadlines and to handle multiple training projects concurrently.
Ability to follow established laws, policies, and procedures.
Ability to function in a fast-paced, high-capacity work environment.
Ability to work in a constant state of awareness.
Ability to interact professionally with county representatives, public officials, co-workers, and the general public.
Ability to function in a team-based environment.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Minimum two years’ experience specific to rural economic development. Baccalaureate Degree from a duly accredited institution required in in the field of Economic and/or Community Development, Public Administration, Planning, or a related area of specialization.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education or experience in the area(s) of grant development, agriculture, forestry, or knowledge of other related rural needs preferred.

Salary and General:

Initial placement will be based on experience and education applicable within a range of $62,163 – $89,284. Paid monthly. Excellent benefits package included.

Criminal Background Check:

The applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a Criminal Background Check consent form and to submit a nonrefundable $26.17 payment for the cost of the criminal background check. (Note: $26.17 fee is based on possession of an Alabama Driver’s License. The fee for the background check may be more or less if the driver’s license is not an Alabama license.) Permanent employment will be contingent upon the results of the criminal background check.

Resumes received by mail or email after 1:00 p.m. on December 13, 2024, will not be considered for review. Interviews are by appointment only. Successful applicants will be notified by email. If selected for an interview, applicants must travel at their own expense to the interview site. Male applicants between the ages of 18-26 must provide proof of Selective Service Registration when requested. Employment references may be requested during the application process.

APPLY

Resumes will be accepted by email at: RDPM@aidt.edu

Resumes will also be accepted by mail to the name/address below:

RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGER
ATTN: REGINALD TAYLOR AD OF OPERATIONS/HR
AIDT
ONE TECHNOLOGY COURT
MONTGOMERY, AL 36116

The Department of Commerce/AIDT is an equal opportunity employer. It is the official policy of Commerce/AIDT that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, gender, religion, creed, national origin, or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment. Commerce/AIDT will make reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants or employees with a disability. Commerce reserves the rights to withdraw, modify, or extend this job announcement at any time prior to the awarding of the position.

The Department of Commerce/AIDT participates in E-Verify, a Federal law that requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.