Region 1 Planning Council, Rockford, IL – Economic Development Planner (Infrastructure)

Applications accepted through Indeed – employer link available at http://r1planning.org/join.

Region 1 Planning Council (R1) is hiring a dynamic Economic Development Planner to develop and advance plans for broadband, road, rail, water, sewer, and Electric Vehicle infrastructure improvements in Northern Illinois. R1 is a newly-designated federal Economic Development District administered by the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Commerce Department.

This position will help the Director of Economic Development & Policy develop plans that support funding requests on behalf of public and private sector partners for broadband and other regional infrastructure improvements to catalyze economic development.

Ideal candidate possesses excellent analytical, problem solving, writing and communication skills and has passion for regional economic development planning. Macroeconomic and demographic research experience and familiarity with data collection and analytics is key. Ideal candidate possesses knowledge of concepts and strategies to advance broadband availability, affordability and adoption.

This is a full-time position, working on-site in our beautiful office along the riverfront in downtown Rockford, Illinois.

Key skills will include:
Strong project management: Takes initiative to problem-solve, develop plans, and follow-through projects to conclusion.
Work collaboratively with others to ensure the success and achievement of team members in the fulfillment of R1 priorities.

Illustrative examples of work to be performed include:
· Assists Director of Economic Development & Policy with management of three-county federal Economic Development District and maintenance of regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
· Performs technical research and analysis, planning, writing and project management to support planning, grant writing and assigned economic development projects.

Education, Training, Experience. Graduation from accredited institution with bachelor’s degree in business, economics, planning or a related field, plus 2 years relative experience. Satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be considered. ***Pay will be commensurate with experience.***

Compensation and Benefits: Rate of pay will take into consideration prior applicable experience, internships, and education. Full-time positions include a generous paid time off package including vacation, sick, personal, holiday, and floating holiday time, and access to health, dental, vision, and life insurances; flex, dependent care, and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; and retirement plans including IMRF pension and 457 deferred compensation.

About Region 1 Planning Council: R1Planning, a special-purpose, regional government agency, is an engine for regional collaboration and governmental efficiency in Northern Illinois. We serve a six-county area through long-term, multi-jurisdictional, and state and federal projects including analytics, funding, and planning.

What do our team members love about working at R1? Our team is passionate about doing work that makes a meaningful, multifaceted impact on the region and its residents. Team members enjoy working with one another, with a mix of individual and collaborative work that advances their skills, knowledge, and experience.

Disclosures
· We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the US. However, we cannot sponsor visas.
· Preference will be given to persons living (or willing to relocate within the first 60 days of employment) within a 45-minute commute.
· Employment is subject to drug screening.
· Region 1 Planning Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: From $42,500.00 per year; commensurate with experience

Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance