Community / Land Use Planner

Location: Fairfield, ME, with frequent time spent out of office and work from home flexibility available.

Classification: Full time, permanent

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is a community nonprofit organization that provides planning and economic development assistance to the towns in Kennebec, Somerset, and part of Waldo County. KVCOG is accepting applications for a Community Planner to join our team.

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:

The position of Community Planner is responsible for working with KVCOG’s other planners, delivering technical and administrative assistance to municipal and regional entities on a broad array of land use, development, environmental and infrastructure topics. The Community Planner will be required to provide the administration and oversight of projects/programs including contracts, budgeting, monitoring, reviewing, and reporting as assigned by the Executive Director. GIS experience is desirable, but not required.

The work is performed under the general supervision of the Executive Director. Work product is evaluated through observations, regularly held discussions with other staff, reports, and results obtained.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical planning and related assistance to municipal officials, by phone, in writing, and in person. Participate in providing education and training to local officials through workshops, individual assistance, newsletter articles, and other venues.
• Willingness to become familiar with new legislation and stay up to date with training opportunities.
• Work with local committees in drafting, review, and revision of local plans, ordinances regulations, and related materials. Assist in the implementation, interpretation and administration of plans and ordinances.
• Assist or provide advice in the review of development proposals under local ordinances.
• Correctly and efficiently utilizes and analyzes demographic, economic, environmental, tabular, and mapped sources of information for presentation in reports and to audiences in support of planning initiatives.
• Attends meetings of local, regional, and state groups and committees, planning seminars, and conferences. This includes evening meetings.
• Develops funding proposals and grant applications for delivery of service programs. Manages work programs and contracts in coordination with funding sources.
• Communicates, collaborates, and coordinates plans, tasks, and projects with other planners and KVCOG staff, local and regional groups, and governmental agencies.
• Prepares reports, plans, ordinances, and other planning-related documents utilizing word processing, presentation, database, and spreadsheet software, integrating computer generated maps (GIS) and graphics as necessary.
• Performs related work as required and any other assigned duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of a four-year college degree, preferably (not required) with specialization in planning or a related field or significant progressively responsible planning job experience. Considerable experience in planning and development is desirable but will train the right candidate.
• Proficiency with GIS is desirable.
• Experience of working with municipalities and state agencies is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of the principles, and practices, and applications of community and regional planning, municipal land use planning, design, development, and related field.
• Working knowledge of the principles, and practices, and applications of transportation planning.
• Knowledge and experience in administration and oversight of project contracts (work-planning, invoicing, reporting, budgeting, and liaising with the contracted partner.)
• Working knowledge of research techniques, with strong analytical skills and the ability to carry out a variety of research projects.
• Responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the in-house Census and State information databases. Includes an understanding of historical records and how to integrate annual updates and generate standardized outputs. This includes being the liaison with the Census Bureau and integration of Census data to the GIS system.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to present technical information and planning concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
• Up-to-date working knowledge of Federal and State legislation, programs, regulations, and procedures related to planning and the area of specialization.
• Ability to organize and facilitate group and committee discussions leading to clear and identifiable outcomes.
• Experience and skills to be an effective public speaker and communicator.
• Ability to communicate and establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, state, and federal officials, and colleagues in other public and private agencies and institutions.
• Ability to work under frequent time pressures and be able to keep several projects in progress at the same time.
• Willingness to travel, primarily within the central Maine area, and to attend frequent evening meetings, using personal vehicle for business use (mileage reimbursable).

This is a full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance. Short-term disability, paid time off, 13 paid holidays per year, 403(b) & MainePERS pension plan with agency match, flexible/remote work schedules, and more. Compensation is commensurate with experience. KVCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Salary range is 55K to 60K based on experience.)
Application should include a cover letter and resume and should emailed to the search committee at . Questions may also be emailed to this address.

Financial / Membership Specialist

Location: Fairfield, ME, with work from home flexibility available.

Classification: Full time, permanent

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is a community nonprofit organization that provides planning and economic development assistance to the towns in Kennebec, Somerset, and part of Waldo County. KVCOG is accepting applications for a Financial / Membership Specialist to join our team.

We are looking for this position to act as the liaison between our organization and our member communities and assist with financial and administrative duties.  The membership coordinator portion will be responsible for maintaining records, tracking membership figures, and coordinating with the Finance Director regarding the payment of membership fees. The Financial portion will be responsible for handling assigned financial and clerical tasks in the office and assisting the Financial Director with Financial procedures.

Membership Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Handling all questions and information requests regarding membership and KVCOG Services.
• Ensuring membership records are maintained and kept up to date both in house and on the KVCOG website
• Preparing membership marketing materials
• Organizing events and activities for existing and prospective members as well as monthly board meeting and annual general assembly meetings
• Annual dues calculations, invoicing and upkeep
• Coordinating with the Finance Director to track membership revenue
• Overseeing and tracking Joint Purchasing
• Developing a working knowledge of KVCOG’s varied project areas to communicate those services to members, non-members, and the public.

Financial and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Record and maintain board and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) meeting minutes
• Monthly update of RLF borrower files
• Maintaining an office supply inventory
• Responsible for upkeep of office equipment as needed, to include calling repair services
• Greeting visitors and members as needed
• Helping organize and maintain office common areas
• Performing general office duties and errands
• Project Billing/Mailing/scanning/filing as needed
• Creating, maintaining, and entering information into databases
• Recording cash receipts
• Accurately reconciling monthly credit cards with receipts
• Assembly, mailing and filing of vendor payments
• Assisting Financial Director and Executive Director as needed

Desired Qualities:

The ideal candidate for Financial / Membership Specialist would possess experience and familiarity with dealing with the public, internal office and bookkeeping procedures. Non-Profit accounting would be preferred but not essential. More important than experience is a willingness to learn, willingness to work as part of a small close-knit team and help where needed, as well a desire to learn new skills. KVCOG is interested in training the right candidate for this position if they express interest in learning these skills.

Ideal Requirements:

Advanced PC skills, including Microsoft Office Suite. Extensive skill in the operation of standard office equipment.

Ability to work in areas of confidentiality requiring discretion and judgment.

Ability to acquire considerable knowledge of administrative, operational, and procedural regulations and practices.

Ability to work both in teams and independently with little to no supervision.

Excellent Customer Service internally and externally.

Knowledge of principles and practices of bookkeeping and accounting (particularly as applied to nonprofit accounting) with the ability to contribute to the financial operation and reporting requirements of the organization.

Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to general accounting, finance and cash management.

Ability to perform assigned work accurately and efficiently.

Ability to keep varied records, to assemble and organize data, and to accurately prepare reports from such records.

Training and Experience Required:

Associate Degree or greater preferred. Will consider high school diploma with two to four years experience in office support and financial / administration position. Experience working in teams and independently, detail oriented and ability to manage time and varying deadlines is essential. Excellent communication skills including verbal and written is required. Strong PC skills required.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, short disability, paid time off, 13 paid holidays per year, 403(b) & MainePERS pension plan with agency match, flexible/remote work schedules, and more. Compensation is commensurate with experience. KVCOG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (Salary range is 45K to 55K based on experience).

Application should include a cover letter and resume and should emailed to the search committee at . Questions can be emailed to the same address.