Coal Community Development Manager

Under the direction of the Navajo County Economic Development Director, manage relationships with and support the development process for companies and utilities interested in siting and constructing Coal Community Transition projects and clean energy technology projects in Navajo and Apache Counties. This is a two-year, grant-funded position. (Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

• Work with REAL AZ Local Government staff and developers to negotiate acceptable community benefit agreements outside of permit requirements, which may include but is not limited to use of local labor, philanthropic giving, addressing siting issues and payments to Local Communities. (These will not be shared with Planning and Zoning Staff and Commissioners. Developers can share these agreements with Supervisors and community leaders as appropriate).
• Local employment training program augmentation (Northland Pioneer College, NAVIT and others workforce trainers) ensuring projects support these workforce training programs.
• Work with communities to implement coal community transition projects that align with the Regions Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities (BRECC) Plan
• Develop and make available information to developers on County approval processes, general land and transmission availability, local work force and other data.
• Serves as the point of contact for entities seeking to develop solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and energy storage projects in the REAL AZ Region.
• Support economic development efforts pertaining to Economic Diversification as a result of closing coal-fired power plants and coal mines in the region.
• Develop and maintain relationships with leading developers as companies work through siting and approval processes.
• Educate and serve as a liaison to local landowners on the County process for coal community transition and renewable energy development.
• Represent the REAL AZ Regional Members in statewide and regional planning forums, conferences and other economic development and planning meetings.
• Coordinate with electric utilities to ensure energy development is able to interconnect to the transmission system and advocate for the regions electrical needs with utilities.
• Maintain a database of all current and prospective projects and their development status. Develop periodic reports on development status and make presentations to County Supervisors and Municipal Council Members and others as needed.

• Knowledge of county policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of renewable energy and storage technologies.
• Knowledge of project development and management of construction projects.
• Knowledge of electrical systems in the region.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, statutes and regulations governing renewable energy and storage development.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public.
• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.
• Skill in working independently and team environments.

Bachelors Degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Construction Management, Municipal Planning or closely related field; and a minimum of five years experience in economic or project development. Prior experience working for a renewable energy/technology development company is desirable. Position Location Individual must live in Apache, Navajo or Coconino Counties and be willing to travel throughout Apache and Navajo County. Position may be a combination of remote and in-person work.