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Job Opportunities: Deputy Director of Operations

Starting Salary Range:$80-$95K
Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance and paid vacation & sick leave.

Do you take a proactive approach to problem-solving? Are you an excellent communicator and have strong analytical skills? Do you enjoy leading people and developing operations plans? Are you ready to make a real difference in the effectiveness and efficiency in the provision of economic development services, and governmental programming? If so, you have found the ideal position as SEDA-COG’s Deputy Director of Operations.

Our vision is to be the most trusted and highly regarded community and economic development agency in the Commonwealth! To do that we have to operate differently than yesterday, we need to measure our impact to the communities we serve differently, and we need to deliver enhanced value to our region with an entrepreneurial spirit. .This position is critical to realizing this vision by ensuring optimal agency performance and strengthening the productivity and efficiency of day-to-day business operations, all in alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and cultural values.

The Deputy Director of Operations reports to and works closely with the Executive Director and is the “second in command” of the organization, stepping in when the Executive Director is unavailable or unable. The position involves overseeing and improving the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of several programs and is expected to help provide organizational leadership while supporting the SEDA-COG mission.

A priority role of this position is to support the Executive Director by mentoring, coaching, and supervising Program Directors, and Division Chiefs, enabling them to achieve their program goals and to maximize their potential impact. The work of this position also includes ensuring the delivery of high quality services and evaluating staff performance, policy adherence, and facilitating conflict resolution. An additional primary function of this position is to identify and explore opportunities for synergy, efficiency, and cross-training across program areas within SEDA-COG.

The Deputy Director of Operations helps promote, support, and execute the strategic visions, goals, and directions of SEDA-COG as well as keeping the Executive Director appraised of all program issues and accomplishments.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Management

  • • Positively influence a culture of collaboration, recognition, and celebration in all activities and responsibilities.
  • • Acts as SEDA-COG representative/spokesperson for meetings, events, and other occasions when Executive Director is unavailable.
  • • Work with Executive Director on organizational strategic planning and ensuring strategic plan goals and objectives are communicated through all levels of the organization and are being met.
  • • Oversee and work with Program Directors and Division Chiefs to ensure optimum service delivery, efficient operations, compliance, and provide general guidance and technical assistance, as needed
  • • Facilitate interaction, coordination, and collaboration between programs, teams, divisions, and administration.

Operational Excellence

  • • Assess, manage, and coordinate processes, procedures, and systems by ensuring that consistent and efficient workflows are in place.
  • • Create a system whereby metrics, guidelines, and standards of efficiency and effectiveness can be tracked and evaluated across all programs and departments. Assist program and department leaders in establishing appropriate metrics, guidelines, and standards for their area.
  • • Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes while identifying areas for improvement; implement new or strengthened workflows that will increase productivity and performance.
  • • Work with the Operations Administrator to ensure all contracts are in compliance with internal policies and regulatory guidelines/requirements.
  • • Coordinate Strategic Initiative activities, identify potential funding sources and develop applications and work plans for proposed initiatives.
  • • Work with Human Resources to identify new agency policies.
  • • Work with Human Resources to assist in creating and maintaining positive work environment and engaged employees.
  • • Administer and complete special projects, as assigned.

Planning & Execution

  • • Communicate high-level organizational strategies and goals to all departments, and work with their respective leaders to establish program/department operational plans in support of organizational strategies and goals.
  • • Develop short/long-term operational plans and assess the health of the organization on an ongoing basis.
  • • Establish a system to enable tracking and evaluating progress to plan.
  • • Oversee and ensure customer satisfaction including instituting policy, process, and metrics to evaluate customer satisfaction.
  • • Coordinate changes and integration efforts along with Information Technologies Group (ITG)and Communications, where appropriate.

Executive Team Duties

  • • Work with the Executive Team to help define new and innovative business strategies that align with SEDA-COG’s mission, vision, and culture.
  • • Assist the organization to implement business strategies in a thoughtful and concise fashion.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to communicate business strategies and vision in a clear manner.
  • • Help to plan, process, focus, and achieve the organization’s growth goals by providing assistance with the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan.
  • • Work with the Executive Team to evaluate and measure agency-wide and departmental business performance as it relates to the SEDA-COG mission, client need, and bottom-line improvement.
  • • Acts as an advisor on overall agency affairs.

Other Related Duties

  • • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge Requirements

  • • Practical first-hand experience handling both internal & external engagements.
  • • Exceptional managerial and diplomacy skills.
  • • Strong relationship-building skills.
  • • Ability to facilitate change management to achieve alignment and engagement
  • • Knowledge of continual improvement and process improvement strategies and approaches
  • • Experience in navigating the complexity of federal and state programs and activities.
  • • Effective communication (verbal and written) including public speaking.
  • • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
  • • Continual learner demonstrating a vital interest in future trends of importance for the organization.
  • • Proficient with Microsoft Office programs.

Education and Experience

  • • Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Development, Business Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • • Minimum of 7 years of experience in organizational management and employee oversight, program development, and strong understanding of community and economic development.
  • • Experience implementing successful process evaluation and improvement plans
  • • Experience in program development, management, and operations.
  • • Experience in financial management including understanding and interpreting financial statements, establishing, and monitoring budgets, capital improvement processes, and basic understanding of operating under grant requirements.

Preferred Education and Experience

  • • Master’s Degree in a related field
  • • Work experience in county or municipal governance
  • • Knowledgeable in Human Resources best practices

Certifications and/or Licenses

  • • Valid PA Driver’s License

Applicants are expected to supply a letter of application that elaborates on how their career has prepared them for this position along with a resume or curriculum vitae via mail or email to:

Rosemary Orner, Executive Assistant
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road,
Lewisburg, PA 17837
rorner@seda-cog.org

This position will remain open until filled, and candidates will be evaluated as their application materials are received.

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA, serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org

SEDA-COG…Building strong economies & strong communities

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation Secures $1,350,000 Grant for Georgetown Heights Elderly Housing Complex Improvements

Dalmatia, PA– The SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is thrilled to announce the securing of a $1,350,000 Housing Options grant funds from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, aimed at facilitating crucial improvements to the Georgetown Heights elderly housing complex located at 113 Georgetown Heights, Dalmatia.

Investing in Our Elderly Community
Georgetown Heights, operating under Dalmatia Elderly Housing Associates, L.P., is a pivotal 3-story housing complex, spanning 26,523 square feet and comprising 24 apartments (2 two-bedroom and 22 one-bedroom units). This grant will be instrumental in implementing several enhancements to the facility, ensuring it continues to provide a secure, comfortable, and accessible living environment for its residents while meeting current ADA compliance standards.

SEDA-COG manages Georgetown Heights on behalf of the HDC. Leslie Osgood, chief of the SEDA-COG’s rental housing department stated, “We are thrilled and honored to receive the $1,350,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency for Georgetown Heights in Dalmatia. This funding will enable us to make significant improvements to the property, including replacing the roof, installing new HVAC systems, and upgrading apartments and community areas to meet current ADA compliance standards. If any funds remain, our goal is to further enhance sustainability by installing solar panels, making Georgetown Heights a potential net-zero energy building. We are committed to creating a safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly community for our residents.”

A Commitment to Quality Living and Environmental Sustainability
The grant funds will be judiciously utilized to replace the roof, install new HVAC systems, and upgrade apartments and community areas. Furthermore, in a bid to promote environmental sustainability and potentially establish the site as a net-zero energy building, any remaining funds will be allocated towards the installation of solar panels.

About SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation
SEDA-COG’s Housing Development Corporation provides and maintains quality, safe, accessible, and affordable housing options for SEDA-COG’s 11-county region elderly population.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.


About the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated more than $17.6 billion of funding for more than 195,250 single family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 103,328 rental units, distributed approximately $239 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,860 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars. The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

For more information, please contact Kristen Moyer, Chief of Staff, SEDA-Council of Governments, at 570-522-7212 or kmoyer@seda-cog.org

Lockwood 1 of 4 Pennsylvanians Selected as an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow for 2023-2024

New class of 40 fellows represents public, private, and nonprofit sectors across Appalachia’s 13 states Washington, DC, September 26, 2023 — Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the 40 fellows selected for the 2023-2024 Class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a free leadership and economic development training opportunity for individuals currently living and/or working in one of ARC’s 13 Appalachian states.

The 2023-2024 class comprises a diverse network of professionals representing all 13 Appalachian states and a wide spectrum of perspectives and sectors, including tourism, healthcare, education, civil service, and more. The nine-month curriculum is anchored by six multi-day seminars across the Appalachian Region, focusing on each of ARC’s strategic investment priorities, which aim to strengthen economic and community growth in Appalachia.

From October 2023 through July 2024, this class will focus on skill-building seminars and best practice reviews to prepare fellows to:

  • · Design effective economic development project proposals
  • · Integrate community assets into long-term economic development strategies
  • · Identify resources available to spark economic and community development
  • · Locate and access investment capital from a variety of public and private sources
  • · Prepare competitive applications for public grant opportunities
  • · Use expanded connections and leadership skills to create strong regional partnerships

“Growing and supporting the next generation of Appalachian leaders is integral to the future success of our region,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I send my sincerest congratulations to the newest round of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows, as well as my appreciation for all the work and passion they put into helping their communities thrive and compete.”

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) works with ARC through the Center for Strategic Partnerships to identify potential ALI Fellows. Jennifer Lench, Pennsylvania’s ARC State Program Manager said, “We are excited for the new round of fellows and what they will contribute to Appalachia Pennsylvania. We are also pleased that one of our Local Development District professionals was selected to participate.”

The fifth class of Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows were selected via a competitive application process to reflect the Appalachian region’s wide range of economic development challenges, opportunities, and strategies. Elizabeth Lockwood, Director, Project Development/Grants, Economic Development Program, SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), Lewisburg, was one of the 40 selected to participate. Lockwood said, “I’m honored to be chosen as one of the four Pennsylvanians to participate in this prestigious program and to have the opportunity to use the skills I learn to enhance community and economic development in the SEDA-COG 11-county region and Pennsylvania.”

“The Appalachian Leadership Institute supports leaders already doing amazing work across Pennsylvania and the entire Appalachian region,” said Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG’s Executive Director. “This program capitalizes on the incredibly talented people who are already invested in these special communities. When we invest in our people, we’re building a brighter future for generations to come.”

To learn more about the program, visit: arc.gov/leadership. To meet the 2023-2024 class of fellows and learn more about how they are working to transform their Appalachian communities, visit this link.

About the Appalachian Leadership Institute
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by the Appalachian Regional Commission in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact. Learn more at www.arc.gov/leadership.

About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation. Learn more at www.arc.gov

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

Job Opportunities: Energy Installer

Starting Salary $36,300

Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance and paid vacation & sick leave. Opportunities for career development and growth potential.

Primary responsibilities of the candidate include:

  • – Identifying the amount of energy lost in a household.
  • – Advising customers on home energy conservation practices.
  • – Ability to apply different types of insulation in confined areas such as attics/crawl spaces.
  • – Installing and/or sealing windows.
  • – Inspect equipment such as furnaces to ensure proper operation.
  • – Basic carpentry tasks
  • – Ability to perform work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • – Maintaining inventory and tools.
  • – Ability to travel daily within our seven-county territory.
  • – Ability to lift 50 lbs

Required qualifications/skills:

  • – Excellent customer service and communication skills
  • – Teamwork skills
  • – The candidate must have a valid PA’s driver’s license and a clean driving record.
  • – The candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, OSHA, and Department of Energy certifications within six months of hire.
  • – Ability to work out of either warehouse location (Lewisburg or Lewistown)

Preferred qualifications/skills:

  • – Construction, electrical, plumbing, and furnace experience preferred but not required.

Applicants are expected to supply a resume outlining work history, skills, and via mail or email to:

Amanda Owens, Human Resources Director
SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road, Lewisburg, PA 17837
aowens@seda-cog.org

SEDA-Council of Governments is a public development organization based in Lewisburg, PA,
serving 11 central Pennsylvania counties. www.seda-cog.org
SEDA-COG…Building strong economies & strong communities
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER