Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, Staunton, Virginia, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Board of Commissioners of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) is seeking a dynamic visionary leader for its position of Executive Director. Created in 1969, the CSPDC is one of 21 planning district commissions (PDCs) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The CSPDC is the largest PDC geographically encompassing 3,420 square miles and has a population of 304,000. The CSPDC serves a region of distinctive places including rural communities, small towns, cities, and two growing metropolitan areas. It serves the 21 localities that include the counties of Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, and Rockingham; the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonsburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro; and, the towns of Bridgewater, Broadway, Craigsville, Dayton, Elkton, Glasgow, Goshen, Grottoes, Monterey, Mount Crawford, and Timberville. The region is located in the beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley at the crossroads of I-81 and I-64 and is home to James Madison University, Virginia Military Institute, Washington & Lee University, Southern Virginia University, Mary Baldwin University, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, Blue Ridge Community College and Mountain Gateway Community College.
The CSPDC with a staff of 15 professionals provides high quality planning, technical assistance, and facilitation of services that address local, regional, and state needs in an innovative, timely, and cooperative manner. It is the only PDC in the Commonwealth that administers two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and that operates a public transit system. Additionally, it is the official Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Local Development District, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development District (EDA), and the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Local Development District for the Central Shenandoah region. CSPDC also is an active partner of GO Virginia which is an economic development initiative by Virginia’s senior business leaders to foster private-sector growth and job creation through state incentives for regional collaboration among business, education, and government.
The selected Executive Director will provide strong leadership and vision to support the CSPDC Board as well as play a leadership role representing the CSPDC at the regional table of public and private leaders and organizations.
The ideal candidate for the Executive Director position will be a versatile, proven executive who has thorough knowledge in the fields of planning, grantsmanship and community and economic development. They will have knowledge of the principles and practices of intergovernmental relations and public administration. They will have the ability and experience to direct and supervise a staff of professional employees and administrative personnel. They will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills and possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the functions of local, state, and federal government. They will have experience as a consensus builder among officials and partners to further the mission of the Commission and its member governments. Candidates must possess the knowledge and understanding of regionalism and have the ability to work regionally.
Interested candidates must be a graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, urban and regional planning, or relevant field. They should demonstrate significant professional experience in public administration with local governments or state agencies. A Master’s degree is preferred.
CSPDC offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, and vision health insurance, an employer matching pension plan, and vacation, sick, holiday paid time off. CSPDC offices are located in Staunton, VA. Compensation for the position begins at a base salary of $107,000 and will be offered at a salary based on experience and number of years of experience not to exceed $149,000.
Candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and four references to the CSPDC Executive Search Committee at jim.youngquist@icloud.com. Position open until filled. For additional information, please visit our website at www.cspdc.org. The CSPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Planner I/Planner II.
The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, a regional planning organization serving the local governments in the Central Shenandoah Region, is seeking a Planner I/Planner II. This position provides planning services for localities with a focus on housing, transportation, as well as economic development, environmental, emergency management, recreation, and capacity building. Duties include developing local and regional plans, writing and managing grants, making presentations, and completing reports. Duties performed under the supervision of senior staff. Bachelor’s degree in Planning, Public Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Ability to analyze information and develop creative solutions and/or alternatives required. Oral and written communication skills and ability to facilitate group meetings required. Computer skills including database management and Microsoft Office required. GIS experience is desirable. Marketing, social media, and graphic design a plus. Organizational, time management and interpersonal skills are needed to be successful in the position. To be considered send a resume and cover letter to Bonnie S. Riedesel, Executive Director, Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, 112 MacTanly Place, Staunton, VA 24401 or to rita@cspdc.org. Position is open until filled. This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary range: Planner I $40,000-$55,000; Planner II $45,000-$65,000 depending on job classification and qualifications. The CSPDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.