Climate Resilience Planner

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is hiring a full-time Climate Resilience Planner in Duluth, MN, to lead climate adaptation planning in the Lake Superior Coastal Region. Responsibilities include project management, establishing a regional resilience collaborative, incorporating indigenous knowledge, building community capacity, and securing funding. The Planner will also liaise with stakeholders and supervise planning staff, contributing to strategic development and advancing climate resilience initiatives.
About the position

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is seeking a full-time Climate Resilience Planner to lead regional climate resilience and adaptation planning efforts in Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Region. This position is pivotal in achieving program goals through five overarching objectives: establishing a regional resilience collaborative, incorporating indigenous knowledge and practices, building community capacity, creating a regional resilience plan with pathways to implementation, and providing resources and technical support to communities. The Climate Resilience Planner will be responsible for full project management, which includes designing, planning, and executing projects. This entails developing a comprehensive work program that requires approval from the supervisor, securing funding for various programs and projects, developing contracts and grant agreements, and overseeing program budgets. In addition to project management, the Climate Resilience Planner will act as a liaison with public officials, agency representatives, and community leaders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. The role also includes assisting in the supervision of Planning Assistants, Associate Planners, Planners, fellows, and interns, fostering a supportive and productive work environment. The Planner will serve as the lead staff member for ARDC-related non-profit boards and committees as needed, contributing to strategic development alongside division leadership. This position is essential for advancing climate resilience initiatives and ensuring that the ARDC meets its goals in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Responsibilities
• Lead regional climate resilience and adaptation planning efforts in Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Region.
,
• Establish a regional resilience collaborative to enhance community engagement and participation.
,
• Incorporate indigenous knowledge and practices into planning efforts to ensure culturally relevant solutions.
,
• Build community capacity to address climate resilience challenges effectively.
,
• Create a comprehensive regional resilience plan and develop pathways for its implementation.
,
• Provide resources and technical support to communities to facilitate climate adaptation efforts.
,
• Design, plan, and execute projects related to climate resilience and adaptation.
,
• Develop a work program and secure necessary approvals from supervisors.
,
• Secure funding for programs and projects through grants and contracts.
,
• Oversee program budgets to ensure financial accountability and sustainability.
,
• Act as a liaison with public officials, agency representatives, and community leaders to foster collaboration.
,
• Assist in the supervision of Planning Assistants, Associate Planners, Planners, fellows, and interns.
,
• Serve as the lead staff for ARDC-related non-profit boards and committees as needed.
,
• Assist division leadership with strategy development for climate resilience initiatives.

Requirements
• Four-year degree in a related field with four years of pertinent experience.
,
• Two-year degree with at least six years of pertinent experience.
,
• Master's Degree in a related field with at least two years of pertinent experience.
,
• Eight years of pertinent experience in relevant fields.
,
• Experience working with boards, committees, and government entities, including local and tribal governments.
,
• Demonstrated professional leadership experience is essential.
,
• Experience with regional planning, climate resilience and adaptation, or sustainability is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits