What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Federal Programs & Economic Strategy position at North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission?
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Provide high level strategic leadership and oversight of North Central’s federal economic development programs, including the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and Economic Development Administration (EDA). Lead regional implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and serve has the organizations lead on economic resiliency initiatives, recovery and long-range investment planning. This position plays a critical role shaping the economic future of the six-county region by guiding regional partners, leveraging federal and state funding, and ensuring that North Central remains a trusted and high-performing regional development entity.
RESPONSIBILITIES Essential functions of the job include but are not limited to the following:
1. Federal Program Leadership (ARC/EDA)
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Provide leadership over the full lifecycle administration of ARC and EDA investments, including both pre- award and post-award activities.
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Direct and oversee all project reviews, contract development, compliance monitoring, amendments, reporting, and closeout activities to ensure full alignment with federal regulations and performance standards.
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Monitor federal funding allocations and ensure regulatory compliance proactively positioning North Central and regional partners to compete successfully for emerging opportunities.
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Supervise and mentor staff supporting CEDS and related program activities.
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Maintain and enhance the ARC/EDA web presence as a regional resource and marketing tool to promote investment readiness and project visibility.
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Prepare and present monthly and quarterly Board reports, providing strategic analysis of funding activity, project status, compliance, and regional economic outcomes.
2. Regional Economic Strategy & CEDS Implementation
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Lead implementation and alignment of regional projects with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), ensuring it remains an actionable and results-driven framework for regional development.
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Lead and coordinate economic resiliency, mitigation, disaster recovery, and recovery planning initiatives ensuring regional preparedness and strategic reinvestment following disruptions.
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Serve as regional liaison for local, state, and federally led economic development and resiliency efforts.
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Facilitate and guide CEDS Committee engagement, ensuring meaningful participation, strong stakeholder representation, and effective communication across sectors.
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Lead development and implementation of the Annual Regional Investment Plan.
3. Community Development & Grant Development
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Provide strategic guidance and technical assistance to municipalities, counties, nonprofits, and regional partners to strengthen project development capacity and funding readiness.
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Identify and evaluate federal, state and philanthropic funding opportunities and lead partners with the development of competitive grant applications and supporting documentation.
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Support regional partners in navigating state and federal electronic application systems and compliance requirements, ensuring accurate submissions and successful award execution.
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Collaborate with public, private, nonprofit, philanthropic, and higher education partners to advance regional projects.
4. State Data Center Affiliate
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Serve as North Central’s official affiliate to the PA State Data Center, ensuring the organization remains a credible regional source for demographic and economic intelligence.
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Prepare required quarterly reports and renewal applications.
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Maintain and strengthen, demographic and economic data resources to support regional planning, grant activity, economic analysis, and regional decision-making.
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Represent North Central at ARC, EDA, DCED, and other regional, state, regional, and federal meetings advocating for regional priorities and advancing strategic partnerships.
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Participate in professional conferences , economic development forums, and interagency working groups as required as required.
REPORTING
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Monthly Board Reports
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Quarterly and Annual ARC/EDA Program Reports
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State Data Center Reports and Renewal Applications
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Regional Investment Plan
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Federal and State Grant Applications
INTERFACE: Internal - Must interface positively with all North Central staff. External - Must maintain positive rapport with community and economic development organizations, elected officials, financial consultants, staff members of federal and state agencies, business leaders and the general community.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education – 4-year degree in economics, public business administration, marketing, or related field, preferred. Experience – Community/Economic or Business Development experience to include experience with federal grants management processes and techniques consistent with sound business and industry practices including the ability to monitor, evaluate and administer assigned grants and develop specialized agreements for grants.
Pay: $62,424.00 - $76,469.40 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
Salary : $62,424 - $76,469