PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), located in Duluth, MN, seeks a Planning and Development Director. This high-level position is responsible for leading and coordinating the work of ARDC Division staff, which is comprised of technical and professional planning and economic development staff. The ARDC Planning & Development Director has over-arching responsibility for the work of the division, including design, planning, and execution projects, developing staff work program, securing funding for programs and projects, developing contracts and grant agreements, overseeing the division budgets and ensuring compliance. This position serves as the lead liaison to both external and internal stakeholders on behalf of the Planning & Development Division including, but not limited to, the ARDC governing board and commission, elected officials, agency representatives, community leaders, non-profit boards, councils, and committees.

The ARDC’s mission is to serve the people of the Arrowhead Region by providing local units of government and citizens groups a means to work cooperatively in identifying needs, solving problems, and fostering local leadership.

Required education and experience (see additional: *knowledge, skills and abilities): 

• Master’s degree and six years of job-related experience; OR
• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with eight years of job-related experience; OR
• Two-year degree with ten years related experience; OR
• High school graduate and twelve years of related experience.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP and/or LEED AP, or similar certification preferred. 

A valid driver’s license is required as this position requires moderate to frequent travel within the region, attendance at evening meetings, and minimal overnight travel.

Salary: $100,000-$120,000/year (based on experience) 

ARDC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (including family), dental, and life insurance, paid time off, MN PMFL, holidays, pension, and more.

Hours: 40 hours/week (exempt), M-F, position.

Location: Employees could be located in any of the seven NE MN Counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis), WI (Douglas County) or close proximity, to be able to routinely be in the Duluth, MN office. Work from home options may be made available in a hybrid model but employees are required to demonstrate successful performance.

For a complete job description, including *additional knowledge, skills and abilities required visit:  https://ardc.org/careers/. Candidates must follow the “Application Instructions” listed on ARDC’s website to be considered.

Deadline to apply: October 9, 2026