The National Association of Regional Councils is searching for the next Executive Director to lead our headquarters in Washington D.C. 

As a national public interest organization, the National Association of Regional Councils works with its members to shape federal policy, foster intergovernmental cooperation, and create thoughtful dialogue about opportunities to make communities better across the country, from transportation and workforce development to disaster recovery, climate change, and public safety.

We place a high value on networking and collaboration. The regions we serve include major metropolitan urban areas to suburban and rural settings. We host three major conferences a year and staff several working committees and interact with various federal agencies and legislative committees on the hill.

The Executive Director leads and manages the organization, overseeing operations, finances, programs, staff and volunteer leadership. The Executive Director is responsible for strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to achieve our mission and goals. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors composed of local elected officials. This advisory board of member organizations engages with public and affiliated organizations. It is the Executive Director’s responsibility to maintain and enhance the organization’s reputation as an informed, objective and skilled representative of regional organizations.

Responsibilities

•   Provide leadership, management and oversight of all aspects of the organization’s operations and responsibilities and report to the Board of Directors
•  Oversee policy development and program design, report preparation and public presentations
•  Responsible for preparation of the annual budget, fiscal management, policy initiation and strategic planning and approval by the Board of Directors
•  Work with outside accounting services and volunteer Finance Committee members, prepare and present accurate financial information to organization leadership on a regular basis
•  Direct management of staff to oversee all aspects of implementing the work program including grant requirements, financial obligations, membership and communications materials
•  Direct the preparation and execution of three conferences each year
•  Serve as the public face of the organization in communications with partner organizations, federal agencies, Congress and other stakeholders.
• Work cooperatively with governing bodies, partner organizations, federal agencies, and various stakeholders
•  Lead as a consensus builder through dialogue and compromise when faced with differing opinions and competing priorities
• Enhance the organization’s continued fiscal viability and financial health base through development of grant opportunities and sponsorships
• Maintain and enhance the organization’s membership base through outreach and communications
• Assist outside accountants in the preparation of the annual audit and present to Board of Directors
• Work with communications staff to develop written and online materials that support members
• Provide a positive work environment that challenges, inspires and motivates agency staff, so that employee retention remains high, and the agency can recruit highly qualified staff in the future
• Maintain cost controls relative to all agency contracts and consistent with the agency budget
• Pursue, prepare or oversees the preparation of grant applications for projects and programs, to meet the agency’s goals, priorities and financial needs
• Ensure the agency compliance with all relevant local, state and federal laws and regulations and supervises staff to ensure that compliance
• Update the Board and Executive Directors Council on pending legislation, government policy matters, and funding opportunities and present the findings of studies undertaken by staff
• Advocate for policies, regulations and legislative initiatives that respond to the needs of the region and its communities

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of directly relevant work experience with demonstrated supervisory and personnel management experience
• Bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, or a related field is required
• Master's degree is preferred
• Work experience in the public sector, preferably with a regional agency or planning-related organization is highly desirable
• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices applied in regional planning is preferred
• Core knowledge in key areas of transportation, housing, environmental protection, sustainability, economic development, energy, and climate issues preferred
• Demonstrated success in writing, securing and managing complex grants is highly desirable
• Strong understanding of finance, accounting principles and budget development is required to ensure performance and accountability
• Familiarity with laws, regulations and policies relevant to our member programs desirable
• The ability to prioritize multiple tasks, responsibilities and projects, sometimes under considerable time pressure, is necessary
• Outstanding organizational, leadership, communication and presentation skills are required

Important Information

• Applications close on November 30th, 2023
• Interview process will start by January 2nd, 2024
• Anticipated hire date is March 1st, 2024