DHR International POSITION SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE: REPORTING TO: THE ORGANIZATION: WEB SITE: Federal Co-Chairman and the State Co-Chairman Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) WWW.ARC.GOV ARC S MISSION The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a unique partnership between the Federal and State governments. ARC's mission is to be a strategic partner and advocate for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia. ARC HISTORY In the mid-1960s, at the urging of two U.S. presidents, Congress created legislation to address the persistent poverty and growing economic despair of the Appalachian Region. A few statistics tell the story: One of every three Appalachians lived in poverty. Per capita income was 23 percent lower than the U.S. average. High unemployment and harsh living conditions had, in the 1950s, forced more than 2 million Appalachians to leave their homes and seek work in other regions. In 1960, the Region's governors formed the Conference of Appalachian Governors to develop a regional approach to resolving these problems. In 1961, they took their case to newly elected President John F. Kennedy, who had been deeply moved by the poverty he saw during campaign trips to West Virginia. In 1963 Kennedy formed a Federal-State committee that came to be known as the President's Appalachian Regional Commission (PARC), and directed it to draw up "a comprehensive program for the economic development of the Appalachian Region." The resulting program was outlined in an April 1964 report that was endorsed by the Conference of Appalachian Governors and Cabinet-level officials. President Lyndon B. Johnson used PARC's report as the basis for legislation developed with the bipartisan support of Congress. Submitted to Congress in 1964, the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) was passed early in 1965 by a broad bipartisan coalition and signed into law (PL 89-4) on March 9, 1965. Page 1
THE AGENCY TODAY Today, ARC is composed of the Governors of the thirteen Appalachian States and a Federal representative, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The thirteen states are: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Commission s current annual operating level is approximately $80 million. ARC funds projects that address the four goals identified in the Commission's current strategic plan. They are: 1. Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation. 2. Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy. 3. Develop and improve Appalachia's infrastructure to make the Region economically competitive. 4. Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia's isolation. Each year ARC provides funding for several hundred projects in the Appalachian Region, in areas such as business development, education and job training, telecommunications, infrastructure, community development, housing, and transportation. These projects create thousands of new jobs; improve local water and sewer systems; increase school readiness; expand access to health care; assist local communities with strategic planning; and provide technical and managerial assistance to emerging businesses. The Federal representative serves as the Federal Co-Chairman with the state Governors electing one of their members to serve as the States Co-Chairman. On a day-to-day basis, each Governor is represented by a designated Alternate and collectively by the Office of the States Washington Representative. Program direction and policy is established by the Commission by the vote of a majority of the state members and the concurrence of the Federal Co-chairman. In this process, the state members represent both their individual and collective interests, while the Federal Co-Chairman brings to the table the Federal specifically the Administration s position. The Co-chairmen s Committee, composed of the Federal Co-Chairman and the current States Co-chairman, provides a continuing overview of policy implementation and Commission activities, and has authority to take actions in emergency situations or to take advantage of special opportunities. Page 2
The Commission s working partnership requires a high degree of coordination and joint action by the Federal Co-Chairman and the states in carrying out its mission. It is the responsibility of the to provide information and professional advice to all members of the partnership in an impartial and bi-partisan manner and to manage the Commission s grant and contract activities. The previous successfully served ARC for the past 20 years and has recently retired. Below is a current organizational chart. Page 3
POSITION SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES The is responsible for the administrative and fiscal operations of the Commission. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the is authorized to: Establish rules and procedures for staff operations; take action and delegate authority necessary for efficient administration; prescribe the internal organization of the Commission staff; and assign duties and functions of the staff. Review and make recommendations to the Federal Co-Chairman and/or the full Commission on all plans, projects and funding requests submitted by the states. Administer and supervise the staff by establishing and enforcing rules to ensure efficient management; delegate powers, duties and responsibilities where necessary; establish position qualifications and appoint, employ, remove and provide for compensation for the Commission staff. Develop the Annual Operating budget and submit it for approval of the Commission Members and oversee the financial resources of the Commission, including fiduciary responsibility for the Commission s retirement plan. Communicate staff papers and materials to the states and the Co-Chairmen s Committee and ensure equal access to information to the Federal and States offices; negotiate and administer contracts, leases and intergovernmental agreements; execute and enforce all Commission resolutions and policies. Consult and advise the Commission on the development of policies and initiatives. Report to the Commission at each meeting on the activities of the Commission and its Co-Chairmen s Committee; prepare an annual report on the Commission s activities for submission to the President and the Governors of the member states; perform any other duties that may be delegated to him/her by the Commission or the Co-Chairmen s Committee. Serve as Secretary to the Commission, ensuring that Commission meetings are recorded and minutes maintained; maintain an official repository of Commission documents. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS It is essential that a successful candidate have: Senior level management experience in the public or private sector, which includes the ability to manage human, financial and information technology resources strategically. Financial experience would include the creation and tracking of budgets and an understanding of financial statements. An understanding of economic development in a regional context, preferably the 13 state Appalachian Region. Experience and an ability to effectively represent the Commission s needs at the highest levels of Federal, state and local governments. A track record of creativity, versatility and experience in developing and implementing major policies and programs. Proven experience in successfully functioning in a politically sensitive environment. Core understanding of the Federal budget and Congressional appropriation process. Core understanding of public policy with advocacy experience. Previous experience and ability to create an environment in which innovation is encouraged. Outstanding skills in public speaking, writing and public relations. As funding comes for the Federal budget, Capitol Hill connections/rolodex is highly desirable and a track record of working effectively with elected officials. An appreciation and hopefully direct experience with applying IT to workplace operations and systems. Professional experience beyond traditional economic development organizations. Community development experience dealing with health care, education or job creation issues, etc. is desirable. Page 4
While not an absolute requirement, professional time or personal time spent in the Appalachian region is highly desirable. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The successful candidate should be: Adaptable - someone with the easy ability to deal effectively with people from all walks of life, from elected officials at the Federal level to members and officials of small Appalachian communities. A true team player with a genuine commitment to staff development, affirmative action and cultural diversity. A strategic thinker - someone who can envision and identify ways ARC can further develop its unique niche in the economic development space and continue to convey the return-on-investment value of ARC to a variety of audiences; A consensus builder, problem solver and honest broker. Someone who can officiate between the various Federal, state, and regional priorities and make the hard decision when necessary. Flexible style and have the ability to work with an annual budget which can substantially differ in amount from one year to the next without high levels of stress or anxiety. Energetic - someone who can, by example, work hard at exceeding expectations at all levels. An inspirational and respected leader. Someone with the gravitas to work at a peer level with political leaders at all levels of government, private sector business leaders, NGO leaders, and a dedicated staff team; An effective communicator - someone with the ability to define and passionately articulate the ARC s mission and work to diverse audiences; An entrepreneur - someone who can use natural ingenuity and critical thinking to build and strategically grow an organization that often times has limited resources and assistance; Humble - someone with their ego in check and can lead from behind when reporting to a Federal Co-Chair and a State Co-Chair. Balanced - someone with a sense of humor that can gracefully adapt to many moving parts and many personalities. Sensitive - someone who can sympathize and personally relate to the people that reside in this economically struggling region of the country, Above all, a passionate ambassador and promoter of the mission of ARC. The must wholeheartedly believe that the organization can continue to successfully advocate for sustainable community and economic development in Appalachia. EDUCATION A bachelor s degree is required. A master s degree in a field related to the position is highly attractive. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS U.S. Citizenship is required Advanced degree is not required, but preferred. Upon hiring, incumbent must successfully complete a federal background investigation. Frequent travel within the thirteen-state Appalachian region is required. SALARY AND BENEFITS Page 5
This is not a federal position; however, if a federal employee is selected for this position and transfers without a break in service of more than three calendar days, he/she is entitled to continue his/her retirement, life and health insurance benefits, and leave entitlements. A non-federal selectee will be offered a generous, comparable benefits package. The grade and salary for this position is: $165,300 per annum. APPLICATION PROCESS Please email a cover note addressing your qualifications as they pertain to the Experience and Qualifications section outlined above and a full chronological resume to: kschultze@dhrinternational.com DHR SEACH TEAM Wendy S. Pangburn Executive Vice President and Nonprofit and Association Practice Leader Washington DC Office David Smith Executive Vice President and Economic Development Practice Leader Pittsburgh Office Kathleen Schultze Associate Chicago Office DHR International 5425 Wisconsin Avenue, 4th Floor Chevy Chase, MD 20815 T: 202-362-2700 F: 202-237-0111 ARC is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for this and any other position will be based solely on merit. ARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. ARC will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Page 6