Director of the Center for Local Government Finance and Policy - Michigan State University

Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff

Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources

Department: Agricultural Food And Resource Economics

Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Agriculture, Fixed Term Faculty, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly

Working/Functional Title: Director of Ctr for Local Gov't Finance and Policy

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension and the MSU Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE) invite applications for a full‐time appointment as Director of the Center for Local Government Finance and Policy.  The academic rank is Associate or Assistant Professor (fixed-term), depending upon education and experience. This is an annual (12-month) appointment with a 100% Extension/Outreach assignment.  The initial appointment will be for three years, with reappointments of 1-3 years, depending upon successful performance. The position start date is anticipated to be January 1, 2023. 

The primary role of the Director is to engage in outreach and provide leadership for the Center to undertake applied research. The Center's mission is to conduct applied research and carry out extension and outreach education in support of Michigan local and tribal governments. The Center’s work is built on the existence of core knowledge and practice in: 1) local and tribal government legal, financial and operational mechanisms; and 2) state government legal frameworks affecting local governments. This work is successful when a strong applied research foundation is combined with working knowledge of local government practices and connections to state and local officials and other stakeholders. The Center’s work is focused on Michigan but has also contributed to work both nationally and internationally in the local government sphere. Currently, the Center uses external grant funding to support an Associate Director and Academic Specialist to conduct activities. The Center team also will work closely with MSU Extension’s Government and Community Vitality Team to provide training and serve local and tribal governments throughout the state. 

The position provides technical and education assistance to state, local, and tribal governments in such areas as budgeting and finance, intergovernmental contracting, consolidation of public services, state and local taxation, governmental organization, and other emerging state and local government issues. The position requires the abilities to engage in applied economic and policy analysis of key issues facing state and local governments, develop supporting educational materials, and publishing results in appropriate outlets.

The Director also works with colleagues in designing, coordinating, and presenting educational programs for appointed and elected Michigan local government officials.  On-going established programs include training newly elected officials and board/committee chairs in budgeting and finance, as well as workshops for local officials on new federal and state programs, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining strong working partnerships with Michigan’s local government associations.

The successful candidate will have an office on the main campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.  Some travel is required. 

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Agricultural Economics, Economics, Public Finance, Public Administration, Public Policy, law or related field

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in agricultural economics, economics, public finance, public administration, public policy, law or related field.  Five years or more of professional experience is required.

Desired Qualifications

Experience leading a Center or Institute is helpful as is success in securing external funding to support activities. 

Required Application Materials

Upload the following required documents:

a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position and statement highlighting how your experiences align with the position;

b) current curriculum vitae;

c) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals; and

d) contact information for three professional references.

Together-we-will Statement

The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/

Special Instructions

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Mark Skidmore, Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1039, USA, mskidmor@msu.edu, 517-353-9172.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/09/2022

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Apply Here

https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/511331/astasc-prof-fixed-term

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/center_for_local_government_finance_and_policy/

Community Planner - Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Who: Federal Highway Administration

What: The community planner position is under our Professional Development Program and is open to recent graduates (students expected to graduate this spring or who have graduated within the previous two years). The FHWA Professional Development Program is a two-year program consisting of on-the-job training, developmental assignments, and a leadership skills academy. Each component is designed to facilitate practical learning while maximizing individual talents to help set the course for a professional career with FHWA.  

Apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/563811000

Zoning Coordinator - City of Flint

Who: City of Flint

What: The City of Flint Zoning Coordinator functions as part of the Planning and Zoning Division which falls under the Department of Planning and Development for the City of Flint. The P&D Department is comprised of 4 divisions: Blight & Neighborhood Stabilization, Building & Safety Inspections, Community & Economic Development and Planning & Zoning. The position will perform a variety of tasks in support of the P&D Department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Zoning Coordinator works under the guidance and direct supervision of the Planner III. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Management skills are required to provide oversight of contractors, Planner I, and planning interns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.

1. Coordinate the application, review and enforcement of zoning ordinances. Involves: Conduct plan review of permit applications, plan review of planned projects and facilities for compliance with zoning ordinances. Manage and coordinate zoning plan reviews along with supporting field inspection and enforcement efforts. Provide technical training and support to Department employees. Provide technical support and code interpretation to architects, engineers, contractors, developers, City departments, Mayor, City Administrator, City Council and the general public.

2. Coordinate zoning ordinance requirements with fire department, the county health department and state agencies.

3. Oversee administrative support and development. Engage with developers, businesses, business leaders, attorneys, real estate agents, brokers, concerned citizens, community groups or associations, and politicians regarding application of zoning ordinances to specific existing or planned projects or facilities.

4. Research and investigate proposed projects and facilities. Prepare zoning certificates, compliance notices, use permits, or reports.

5. Review and analyze existing codes; make recommendations on and facilitate implementation of new codes.

6. Prepare resolutions and other legal documents related to the administration of the zoning ordinance

7. Provide technical support and prepare applications for review to the City Planning Commission and Historic District Commission. Participate in deliberations of these commissions.

8. Provide recommendations regarding zoning appeals and technical support to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

9. Prepare applications as a special exception or variance for presentation to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Check drawings for compliance. Request maps for location of structures and improvements. Research the history and legal status of cases.

10. Supervise any assigned staff.

11. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND TRAITS

1. Zoning codes and ordinances

2. Long range, current, urban, and transportation planning theory and best practices

3. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

4. Public speaking and public relations methods to persuade, negotiate, and mediate issues

5. Clear concise oral and written communication skills to prepare and present technical training, reports, and public speaking engagements

6. Interpretation of oral, written, mathematical, legal, statistical and regulatory information dealing with zoning ordinances, regulations and enforcement

7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, officials, customers, vendors, contractors, regulatory and funding agencies and the general public

8. Management of multiple cases and the ability to meet strict deadlines

9. Familiarity with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA)

10. Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

A. Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, planning, urban development, architecture, engineering or related field, or

B. Equivalent combination of training and increasingly responsible professional and technical work experience in a Planning and Zoning or City/County Administrator’s office administering zoning ordinances, reviewing site plans and performing other relevant work which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

C. Zoning Administrator Certificate or related certification within one year of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree in planning or related field Experience in Historic Preservation planning Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping software is highly desirable.

*Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of city management.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to travel to community meetings.

2. Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings and conferences.

3. Have a valid driver’s license and ready access to a motor vehicle

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Government and Community Vitality Educator - Michigan State University

Who: Michigan State University

What: MSU Extension’s (MSUE) government, leadership, and community engagement programs, located within MSUE’s Community, Food and Environment Institute, engage participants in learning skills of good governance, how to communicate with purpose, and how to collaborate on solving complex issues in order to improve their communities. Participants leave MSU Extension educational programs with a deeper understanding of their civic responsibilities and roles within their own communities, increased confidence to make decisions, additional skills and information to better manage community resources, knowledge of how to implement best practices, and an understanding of the importance of building quality places in Michigan. The application of knowledge and skills gained from good governance programs builds stronger civic infrastructure.

City of Detroit Planner III/IV (Mobility) - Deadline 11/1

CITY OF DETROIT invites applications for the position of: Planner III/IV (Mobility)

SALARY: $67,174.00 - $96,394.00 Annually OPENING DATE: 10/04/17 CLOSING DATE: 11/01/17 11:59 PM DESCRIPTION: The Planning and Development Department is seeking to fill a new Mobility planning position with a Planner III or IV (Urban Design). The position level and salary will depend upon experience. Planner III/IV (Mobility) will be responsible for managing the advancement of the Inner Circle Greenway Framework Plan and planning of additional greenways; managing a citywide campaign for bike-pedestrian safety; and partnering with public, private and citizen partners in an inclusive effort to advance pedestrian and bike infrastructure projects. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: The Planner III (Mobility) performs a variety of planning and design functions including but not limited to: Performs advanced professional work related to a variety of planning assignments; Manages complex planning studies and development applications, and reviews consultant proposals; Reviews and processes complex comprehensive plan amendments, rezoning recommendations, annexations, site plans, and plats; Develops project budgets, administers bidding processes, and verifies contract expenditures and compliance; Conducts research and prepares statistical reports on land use, physical, social, and economic issues; Provides professional planning assistance to member communities on varied land use projects; Develops transportation plans, studies, and analyses on a regional basis; Works in regional program areas relating to natural / water resources planning, community development, hazard mitigation, and others; Performs field inspections to gather data relevant to the development review process and/or to verify that development projects comply with approved plans; Schedules and conducts meetings with advisory boards and elected officials; Presents reports and other findings to staff, Planning & Zoning Board, and City Council members, and serves as a liaison to such committees; Attends a substantial number of evening and weekend meetings; and Plans, assigns, and coordinates the work of Planner I and II, and other clerical and administrative staff.  The Planner IV (Mobility) performs a full range of planning functions including but not limited to: Develops and directs the most complex plans or proposals affecting urban design; Monitors the review and amendment of the City's Master Plan urban design components and other city plans; Serves as a liaison to government officials, social scientists, lawyers, developers, the public, or special interest groups to formulate, develop, review, or address issues regarding urban design; Reviews and advises on proposals and plans; provides necessary recommendations; Reviews and directs design criteria and specifications for various short and long-range urban design activities; Oversees computer utilization for various technical urban design projects and studies; Advises planning officials on project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, regulatory conformance, or possible alternatives; Prepares, analyzes, and presents complex reports on related data using oral, written, and graphic forms of presentation; Oversees complicated field investigations, site surveys, impact studies, or other research to compile and analyze data on economic, social, regulatory, or physical factors affecting urban design; Reviews sites, plans, and ongoing construction to ensure compliance with proposals or certain local, State, and Federal regulations; Proactively shapes and manages the City's urban design roles and responsibilities as established by the Master Plan, City policy, and departmental mission, policy, and practice; Provides lead urban design direction to citizens, contractors, departments, management, etc.; Responds to the most complex complaints and inquiries in a professional and proactive manner; Oversees educational information and programs; Coordinates and reviews the work of lower-level planners; and Manages plans for sustainability projects or programs to improve energy efficiency, minimize pollution or waste, or conserve natural resources; utilizes LEED and other best practices for sustainability plans and programs. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education Planner III (Mobility) -- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in urban planning, architecture, public policy, or a closely related field. Planner IV (Mobility) -- Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study. Experience Planner III, three (3) years of professional experience in urban design, urban planning, transportation/ mobility/streetscape planning and implementation. Planner IV, four (4) years of professional experience in urban design, urban planning, transportation/ mobility/streetscape planning and implementation. Strong project management experience. Technical knowledge of transit, bicycle and pedestrian systems. Knowledge of bike/pedestrian safety, preferred. Experience with city government or transportation departments, preferred. Must demonstrate proficiency with integrated word processing and spreadsheet functions. License/Certificates Possession of a certification sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be required. Equivalency Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis. Background and Other Checks Applicants may be subject to background, criminal, and credit checks. Identification Valid government issued identification will be required at time of hire. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Subjects and Weights: Oral Appraisal - 80% Evaluation of Training, Experience, Personal Qualifications (TEP) – 20% Total of Oral Appraisal  & Evaluation of TEP= 65%(Min) - 100% (Max) PLEASE ATTACH A RESUME TO THE APPLICATION (INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED)