INVITES YOUR INTEREST IN THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Columbus, Ohio
Your extraordinary vision, talent and leadership have caught our attention. We invite you to learn more about the unique opportunity to be the Executive Director of one of the most prominent, exciting and influential organizations in the central Ohio region. DISCOVER THE MID-OHIO REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (MORPC) MORPC is a diverse, dynamic and growing Regional Planning Commission that is an independent, nonprofit association of local governments in the 12-county central Ohio region. MORPC is also the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Columbus area. MORPC s planning, programming and public policy efforts have garnered national attention and awards in the areas of transportation, housing, energy, environment, economic development, local food production and land use. MORPC membership includes 44 local governments that represent over 1.6 million citizens in the fastest growing region in Ohio. The Commission is MORPC s governing body and is responsible for its overall policies, strategic direction, functions, and funds. The Commission takes action on committee recommendations, discusses current and emerging regional challenges, and receives briefings on issues facing the region. A staff of 80 employees led by the Executive Director carries out the agency s mission, strategic goals, policies and program. The annual budget is $15 million and is funded primarily by grants and contracts from a multiplicity of government agencies, foundations and private organizations. As the federally designated MPO, MORPC develops and approves regional transportation plans, project funding and policies to enhance mobility of people and goods, reduce congestion and meet air quality standards. Please visit MORPC s website at www.morpc.org for further information. PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This position - one of the most important in the central Ohio region - requires a professional who not only has a strong command of public policy issues at the local, state and national levels, but also is skilled in the art of advocacy and effective collaboration. Together with the significant challenges and expectations of this position, MORPC s next Executive Director will have a truly significant career opportunity to make a difference in the policy decisions, development trends and governmental service delivery activities that will shape and define the region s landscape, economic vitality and quality of life well into the future. The Executive Director is selected by and reports to the Administrative Committee (which functions as the Commission s executive committee). The Executive Director should be agreeable to establish residence within MORPC s membership jurisdiction, and be committed to a reasonable tenure with MORPC. COLUMBUS FACTS:
HUB OF LOGISTICS INDUSTRY DUBLIN IRISH FESTIVAL Photo courtesy of Rickenbacker International Airport RED, WHITE AND BOOM CENTRAL OHIO GREENWAYS TRAIL COLUMBUS ARTS FESTIVAL Columbus, Ohio an exciting vibrant city. A midwestern Style Capital - New York Times ARENA DISTRICT
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: SERVING MORPC LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEMBERS Supports MORPC s membership through application of its programs and services. Assists Commission members with intergovernmental issues involving the state, counties, townships, and municipalities. Highly responsive and proactive in interacting with MORPC members. POLICY DEVELOPMENT Updates and carries out MORPC s Strategic Plan and other policy documents. Conducts federal, state and local advocacy on behalf of members. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND AGENCY IMAGE Represents MORPC before a variety of government, business, and stakeholder organizations in the region, state, and nation. Develops and maintains a broad base of community contacts in order to create new opportunities for MORPC and its members. Enhances recognition of MORPC as a vital resource to the community, government entities, and businesses. Builds and strengthens coalitions to achieve MORPC goals. Develops unique, meaningful partnerships in the region that will further enhance MORPC s leadership on key issues important to its membership and central Ohio. Enhances the agency s visibility and reputation through media interviews and presentations. Delivers speeches to councils, commissions, nonprofits, chambers of commerce and professional groups. Achieves statewide and national visibility for MORPC by serving on boards of appropriate regional, statewide and national organizations and task forces. AGENCY OVERSIGHT Serves as the chief administrative and executive officer of MORPC staff with responsibility for overall management of the agency including structure, personnel, financial, and implementation of the policies and programs. Manages agency s dayto-day operations, programs and services through department directors consistent with MORPC s governing documents and policies, cultural diversity plans, and grant and funder requirements. In consultation with MORPC Board leadership provides staff support and guidance to the Commission and its committees. Identifies and proposes to the Commission new initiatives, and secures funding to underwrite them. BE PART OF MAKING A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN OUR REGION...EACH AND EVERY DAY. Now more than ever, the issues we face on a daily basis require the guidance, thought and leadership of someone with an inner passion to bring sustainable change to the way we live, travel and protect the environment in our region. The challenge is not without rewards. The personal satisfaction and monetary benefits are both more than worthy. In addition, you will live in a thriving, exciting metropolitan city that has brought national attention for its love of the arts, music, quality education and overall great place to raise a family. At MORPC, every day is rewarding because the sound decisions you are making are changing lives and patterns that bring positive changes to thousands of people.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE REGION AND THE NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MORPC is one of the few agencies with a regional view of central Ohio. This is especially true for transportation and infrastructure needs. Address the region s transportation infrastructure needs and funding in order to effectively move workers, goods and services by road, rail and air. Strengthen consensus on what are the most important priorities to continue the economic prosperity that has benefitted the region. Balance the needs of the central city, suburban communities, rural areas, and the region as a whole while educating the region about the benefits of regionalism and co-operation. To effectively accomplish its role in the region, MORPC must regularly audit itself including reviewing its mission, core principles, priorities, and the agency s committee and staff structure. The multitude of local governments and growth patterns in central Ohio are proving to be financially unsustainable. MORPC should continue to provide a forum and working groups for local governments to share and co-ordinate services. MORPC should continue to promote best practices for development that result in a better quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities and at a lower cost of services provided by local governments. Transportation and affordable housing near places of work and other daily destinations are paramount. CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP The Executive Director s role is one of leadership, not only of MORPC, but in the region. As such, the Executive Director should have a collaborative, consensus-building, self-confident personality, with a keen sense of vision. Entrepreneurial, innovative, visionary who brings fresh ideas and perspectives to the region, while respecting its traditions, history, and economic and cultural diversity. Creative in the analysis of regional development and preparing local, regional and statewide policies to promote economic development. Capable leader who can hold staff accountable for results and who supports the development of a high performing staff with wide-ranging skills, styles and responsibilities. Adept in addressing inter-governmental policy concerns such as with governmental services and regulations. Effective in collaborating on legislative initiatives. Able to lead public and private sector groups through the infrastructure challenges we face as a state, region, and metro area. Successful at balancing a wide variety of issues simultaneously. Able to remain neutral when placed in difficult political conflicts. UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF MORPC Sensitive that MORPC is driven by its local government membership. Understands the difference between public and private sectors and that MORPC is a public agency. Understands the internal and external requirements of the position including MORPC s role as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Effective at fundraising and developing a diversified funding base for MORPC. CREEKSIDE, GAHANNA OHIO
COMMUNICATIONS AND COLLABORATION: Ability to have a clear vision and understanding of the region and grasp a wide range of issues and constraints. Possess an open, straightforward and diplomatic style. The ability to listen, communicate well and facilitate consensus. An approachable individual, with proven interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written communicator. Effective public speaker who can successfully be the face of MORPC. Ability to interact successfully with elected officials. Able to motivate local public and private sector leaders to address challenges facing the region. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Master s in Planning, Public Administration, Transportation, Engineering, MBA or an equivalent degree. Appropriate experience may substitute for the educational requirements. Seven to 10 years public sector experience at the CEO or department director level in regional planning and/or other governmental organizations; some private sector experience may substitute for public service experience. Experienced in management and public administrative practices, especially those of regional planning commissions; ability to plan and coordinate the many functions, special events and activities of a regional planning commission. THE 12-COUNTY CENTRAL OHIO REGION Central Ohio is young, diverse and growing. Today, with a population of over 2 million people, more live in the 12-county region of central Ohio than the entire state of West Virginia. Home to Ohio s state capital, Columbus, the region also boasts the No. 1 ranked zoo, public library and science museum in the nation. Cultural diversity ranges from rural to international cosmopolitan and the economy encompasses everything from logistics to science and technology. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE AND GROWTH The region is expected to add an estimated 600,000 people over the next 40 years. It added 235,900 over the past 10 years alone. Central Ohio has been the most rapidly growing area in Ohio for several decades. Urban sprawl and concern over the economic costs and continued ability for local governments to provide public services to sprawling development have been a topic of discussion for several years. Between 2000 and 2010, over 100 square miles of agricultural land were lost to development. In addition to ethnicity and culture, the age structure of the region is also changing. Owing in part to a large university population, the region has historically been young. The median age of the region in 2010 was 35.7 compared to the national median of 37.2. Recognizing their importance to a vibrant economy, community leaders have made attracting and keeping young professionals a priority. However, the region is not immune from the aging trend that is sweeping the nation. There is concern that many communities and neighborhoods were not developed to be walkable or with mixed land uses to accommodate the needs of young or aging residents, and be attractive to young professionals. Attention is being given toward creating lifelong communities through modified land use development trends, and emphasizing complete streets to accommodate travelers on bike, transit, foot, car, or freight to support the attractiveness of central Ohio to residents and businesses. ECONOMIC PROFILE AND GROWTH There are nearly a million jobs in central Ohio and the strength of the economy lies in part to the diversity of its industries. Central Ohio is fortunate to have prominent elements of the medical, higher education and government sectors. Agriculture is also a fundamental element of the central Ohio economy. Moving goods is a critical piece of the local economy. Seamless connections between rail and highway exist due to investments in intermodal facilities. Columbus is a rail fulcrum. The region has connections to east coast ports and is situated within one day s travel of over 44 percent of the total U.S. and Canadian population.
COMPENSATION The starting salary for the Executive Director of MORPC will be market competitive depending upon the qualifications, experience and record of achievement of the successful candidate. MORPC provides an excellent benefits package. MORPC expects to pay reasonable relocation expenses for the new Executive Director. HOW TO APPLY For additional information on this outstanding opportunity, please contact James L. Mercer, President/CEO, The Mercer Group, Inc. at 770-551-0403 or via e-mail at jmercer@mercergroupinc.com. To the extent permitted by law, confidentiality of applicants will be maintained. Resumes, cover letters and salary history should be received by close of business September 28, 2012 via e-mail, hard copy or fax, to: James L. Mercer, President/CEO The Mercer Group, Inc. 5579B Chamblee Dunwoody Road, #511 Atlanta, GA 30338 Voice: 770-551-0403 Fax: 505-466-4185 E-Mail: jmercer@mercergroupinc.com Website: www.mercergroupinc.com This Recruitment Brochure describes MORPC and outlines the qualifications and experience considered important for candidates for the position of Executive Director. It will be used as a guide in the recruitment process, providing specific criteria by which applications will be screened and individuals selected for final interviews. The brochure was approved by the Executive Director Search Committee. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MORPC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, or any other protected class in employment or the provision of services. MORPC DOWNTOWN HEADQUARTERS
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission Columbus, Ohio