What are the responsibilities and job description for the Economic Development Planner position at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission?
POSITION SUMMARY
The Economic Development Planner is a full-time, salaried position with traditional weekday office hours and some evening meetings, travel, and events outside of regular office hours. Primary duties include developing, coordinating, and implementing programming and planning initiatives – including studies, grants, and committees – that support the economic vitality and community vibrancy of the region and its communities. This position is responsible for providing technical assistance to regional entities, local governments, and agency staff; connecting communities and organizations to funding resources; and establishing cross-sector regional partnerships to support community initiatives. This position reports to the Deputy Director. View the full position description, including areas of responsibility and principal duties, at mitcrpc.org/careers. Apply by 8/7/2026.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Education
A bachelor’s degree is required; public or business administration, economics, urban or regional planning, public policy, marketing, or related discipline is desired.
Experience
This position requires a minimum of four years’ professional experience directly related to community and/or economic development; municipal, urban, or regional planning; or related fields.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Strong understanding of the regional economic landscape, political and social climates, and community partnerships; awareness of region’s workforce and business development challenges and opportunities
- Familiarity with basic economic planning principles; ability to apply principles to identify strategies that diversify local economies, generate and retain private sector jobs and investment, and attract and retain talent
- Working knowledge of local, state, and federal funding mechanisms, grant opportunities, and community development programs
- Outstanding relationship-building and interpersonal skills and experience working with local, state, or federal governments; passion for building community support and demonstrated ability to bring people together to accomplish a common goal
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; thorough knowledge of proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation for the preparation of professional written reports, projects, and plans
- Adept at gauging audience dynamics and communicating complicated topics to diverse audiences with varying levels of subject matter expertise; ability to tailor and make effective presentations at meetings of governmental groups and at public events
- Exceptionally well organized and able to plan, prioritize, and adjust work tasks to meet and coordinate deadlines; ability to manage multiple projects and issues simultaneously and complete them on time with minimal supervision
- Maintains a professional, non-partisan public profile consistent with organizational values and the agency’s role as a neutral facilitator; ability to represent the agency in a courteous, pleasant, helpful, and professional manner within various informal/formal and virtual/in-person settings with office staff, elected officials, community partners, and the public
- Strong background in research and data analysis, report development, and/or project management
- Experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping technology, associated data visualization software and online applications, and database management
- Ability and willingness to provide, accept, and apply constructive feedback and respond positively and with an open mind
- Experience administering municipal, state, and federal funding programs
- Creative and effective problem-solving skills; ability to gather and interpret data and information to solve practical problems and produce innovative solutions
- Proactive and self-motivated; willingness and desire to improve and learn new processes
- Collaborative, flexible team player
- Detail oriented and passionate about quality
- Comfort with modern technology, computer systems, and file management software; proficient in Adobe products and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Ability to perform on-site field work and willingness to travel on business as needed