The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) seeks a strategic and collaborative leader for its next Planning Director. The Centre Region COG is a voluntary association, established in 1969, of the State College Borough and The Townships of College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris and Patton. The COG’s service area is approximately 150 square miles with a population of 94,625 which includes 45,000 University Students.

The COG provides Fire Protection, Emergency Management, Code Administration, Parks and Recreation, Library, Planning, and Refuse and Recycling services for the region. The COG has a budget of approximately $24 million and 96 full-time and 40 part-time staff and over 185 season and/or contract staff. The Planning Agency makes up approximately $1.6 million of the overall COG budget, between the Centre Regional Planning Agency (CRPA), the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO), and Refuse and Recycling program, and it employs 11 full-time staff.

The Centre Region offers abundant all-season recreational activities, historic communities, and the advantages of a progressive metropolitan community yet with the amenities and charm of a small community. The region is home to the Pennsylvania State University and is one of the most rapidly growing regions in the Commonwealth. The region offers a blend of urban, suburban, and rural characters with the vibrancy of the university amenities, including the arts, sporting events and a highly engaged and diverse community. Residents enjoy first class dining, shopping, and entertainment, along with outstanding medical care and K-12 education.

JOB SUMMARY: The Planning Director is the chief administrative position of the Centre Regional Planning Agency and serves as Secretary of the Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization. This position is responsible for the overall administration of the Planning Agency, which provides sustainability efforts, regional, local, and transportation planning services to member municipalities. The Refuse and Recycling Program is also housed in the CRPA. The Planning Director delegates considerable authority for the performance of technical and administrative activities but retains responsibility for results obtained. Work is performed under the general direction of the COG Executive Director. The Planning Director is expected to be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the Centre Region Council of Governments and the Centre Regional Planning Agency.

Opportunities for the next Planning Director include:
• Taking a leadership role in updating the Regional Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2013).
• Managing the Regional Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area in conformance with regional goals.
• Providing general guidance to senior staff and coordinating implementation of the annual work programs to complete regional transportation planning, regional sustainability initiatives, and regional refuse and recycling activities.
• Continuing to be an advocate for good planning practices in the region that have contributed to a high quality of life for residents.
• Assisting the leadership team of the organization to identify new revenue opportunities.

Position Requirements:
The next Director will be a diplomatic, tactful, and approachable leader who also can be strategic and adaptable. The successful candidate will be a facilitative and solution oriented individual and will have:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in regional, community, or environmental planning, public administration, or related field.
• Five to ten years of related experience in planning which must have included two years of project management or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Comprehensive knowledge of land use regulations, project, and program planning
• Knowledge of State and Federal planning programs and legislation.
• Demonstrated consensus building skills.

Selection Process:

The position will remain open until filled with the first review of application on September 11th.
To be considered for the position, please submit a cover letter including salary requirements, resume, and contact for five professional references to:

Rebecca Petitt, Human Resources Officer
rpetitt@crcog.net
814-272-1447

The Centre Region Council of Governments embraces diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.