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NORTHWESTERN INDIANA REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL
NIRPC — AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY
NIRPC operates as a cooperative of local governments
within the area. It is currently comprised of fifty-three
members. In addition to the municipal appointments,
the County Councils, County Boards of
Commissioners, and County Surveyors appoint one
member each, as does the Governor. The Commission
or the Executive Board meets monthly. NIRPC's
meetings are open to the public and there is a place
on every agenda for public comment.
This is an outstanding opportunity to become Executive Director
of a dynamic and progressive regional council of local
governments serving the citizens of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte
counties in Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana region is
part of the U.S. Census Bureau's Chicago Metropolitan
Statistical Area (MSA). NIRPC provides a forum that enables the
citizens of Northwest Indiana to address regional issues relating
to transportation, the environment, and community and
economic development. NIRPC, as a recipient of federal funds,
is subject to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended, and the Americans With Disabilities Act
(ADA). Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race,
creed and national origin.
The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission
(NIRPC) is a multi-purpose, sub-state, area-wide planning
agency. NIRPC was originally established as the Lake-Porter
County Regional Transportation and Planning Commission in
1965, pursuant to State-enabling legislation. An amendment to
this legislation in 1973 provided the Commission with its current
name and allowed for the addition of new member counties.
Under this provision, La Porte County joined NIRPC in 1979.
In 1996 the legislation was again amended to provide a seat
on the Commission for all of the mayors in the three county
region. The legislation was again amended in 2003 to provide
for representation of all 41 cities and towns in the all three
counties, and to specify that representatives must be elected
officials. The legislation under which the Commission operates is
contained within Indiana Code Title 36, Article VII, Chapter 7.
The Commission’s planning area is strategically
located at the southern tip of Lake Michigan and
represents an integral part of the greater Chicago
metropolitan area. The Commission's planning area
is comprised of the three participating counties of
Lake, Porter and La Porte, located in the northwestern
corner of the State of Indiana. It consists of 770,815
people (2010 Census) and covers 1,520 square
miles. There are forty-one cities and towns and fortyfour townships within the NIRPC planning area.
One of the most important designations NIRPC has received is that
of Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for northwestern
Indiana. MPO's are responsible, together with state departments
of transportation and public transit operators, for carrying out the
transportation planning process for urbanized areas.
Northwest Indiana is a diverse and dynamic region whose
complexities are reflected in the regional transportation system.
The NIRPC planning area includes arguably some of the most
strategic and critical links in the national transportation system.
These factors combine to make the role of MPO for northwestern
Indiana extraordinarily challenging.
IIn addition to planning responsibilities in the environmental and
community development areas, NIRPC provides staff services for
the Kankakee River Basin Commission.
The FY2012 Budget is approximately $3.5M with a significant
portion of that being contracts. There is a staff of 27 persons.
• About 72% of the budget is derived from federal funds (both
directly and through State funding) with the Indiana
Department of Transportation providing the largest amount
of funding.
• About 16% is from County appropriations; 5% from shared
service program fees, 3% from KankaKee River Basin
Commission and about 2% comes from non-governmental
sources and interest income.
Mission Statement
• To serve as Northwest Indiana’s Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO), and act as the designated recipient
for certain public transit funding.
• To generate meaningful dialogue and cooperation on
issues of common concern.
• To contribute to the development of a common vision
pertaining to Northwest Indiana’s future.
• To provide a forum in which elected officials and other
decision-makers can develop and implement solutions to
regional problems.
• To promote public-private partnerships.
• To provide a common voice for Northwest Indiana in its
communications with the state and the federal government.
PROGRAM AREAS
The Commission carries out its Mission within three
substantive domains:
• Transportation
• Environment (air, water, and land).
• Community and Economic Development
• Transportation: NIRPC coordinates the region's urban
transportation planning process. This function is performed in
cooperation with the Indiana Department of Transportation
and other transportation stake holders.
• Environment: NIRPC coordinates environmental planning in
the region. Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties straddle the
shore of Lake Michigan. The region is home to unique and
fragile flora, fauna, waterways, and land-forms that are under
significant pressure due to residential growth and a long
history of industrial activity.
• Economic Development: NIRPC is charged by the Indiana
General Assembly with the task of coordinating economic
development in the region.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
While continuing current and ongoing programs, NIRPC expects
to address a number of important issues and challenges in the
next several years. Some issues relate to broad policy matters.
Some are more specific to particular internal operational,
organizational and management matters. The Commission
completed the 2040 Comprehensive Regional Plan, a Vision for
Northwest Indiana in June 2011 which contains a detailed guide
for the future.
The Commissioners are seeking an experienced, professional
Executive Director to assist them in analyzing and evaluating these
and other issues, and implementing programs which will best
serve the region.
The following issues and challenges are not listed in order of
priority or importance, but are set forth to give candidates a sense
of the type and scope of issues which the Commission will be
addressing. The list is not to be considered as exhaustive, nor
should the statements be interpreted as endorsing any particular
course of action.
• Lead an economic development component to meet the
mandate of the State Legislature.
• Coordinate economic development with existing private, notfor-profit, and public organizations.
• Raise the profile and public's awareness of NIRPC's
programs, goals, and positive impacts on the region.
• Stabilize and develop funding sources to meet Commission
goals and objectives.
• Implement the agency-wide, long-term strategic plan.
• Coordinate and implement a regional land use plan.
• Manage and analyze tax-base sharing concepts and
programs.
• Provide programs and services that meet the needs of
member governments, save them money, and take
advantage of multi-jurisdictional economic strength and
economies of scale.
• Lead the Commission and its members in implementing the
comprehensive lakefront plan.
• Lead and develop a more cohesive and accountable Staff
team, maximizing the input and utilizing the talents and skills
of all employees.
• Establish and continuously measure internal performance.
• Improve electronic communications
• Improve data processing technologies and processes to
further achievement of NIRPC goals and programs.
• Strengthen partnerships with regional, State, and Federal
governments, agencies, and legislators.
• Leverage opportunities provided by municipalities
collaborating through the regional council of governments
model
• Develop and strengthen the rural-urban and multi-cultural
opportunities within the region.
• Drive regional infrastructure studies and plans between the
various forms of transportation: road, rail, air and water to
create efficiencies for citizens and goods between end points
of destination.
EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR DUTIES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the
pleasure of the Commission. The formal duties and
responsibilities of the Executive Director are set forth in State
Statutes. In summary, the Statutes assign the following powers
and duties to the Executive Director:
• Serves as chief administrative officer and regular technical
advisor of the Commission.
• Appoints and removes the Staff of the Commission.
• Submits to the Commission, annually, or more often if
required, a status report on the operation of the Commission.
• May, with the approval of the Executive Board, execute
contracts, leases, or agreements on behalf of the
Commission.
• Shall be given access by all governmental agencies, upon
the Executive Director's written request, to all studies, reports,
surveys, records, and other information and material in their
possession that are required by the Executive Director for the
accomplishment of the activities and objectives of the
Commission.
• Proposes and administers an annual budget.
• Keeps the records, cares for, and preserves all papers and
documents of the Commission.
• Performs other duties and may exercise other powers that the
Commission or Executive Committee may delegate.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION
CRITERIA
The successful candidate for the Executive Director position of
NIRPC is expected to possess a combination of education, skillset, competencies, vision and commitment that enables him/her
to build a coalition in creating a broad/shared vision by the
many and diverse interests in the region. Graduation from a
college or university is required and a track record of proven
success in a similarly complex and diverse environment is
desired. Although not required, a Master’s degree is preferred.
Favorable consideration may also be given to applicants with
Urban or Regional Planning related experience and
backgrounds. Familiarity with Indiana regional planning issues
would be helpful, but is not required.
Also sought is a well-rounded key executive who is a strong
leader with effective public relations skills and who can effectively
deal with a number of challenges. The successful candidate will
also be an independent thinker, be consistent, and be able to
withstand pressure and someone who has experience in a similar
complex environment. The next Executive Director should be a
proven problem solver, be able to resolve conflict and be
someone who can influence outcomes while maintaining
impartiality. Also sought are proven interpersonal and
negotiating skills, experience in effectively dealing with
transportation planning, environmental planning and economic
development, a consensus builder, someone who has a
commitment to sustainable development and a quality
environment, someone who gets out and meets with community
leaders and various stakeholders, someone who builds trust and
lasting positive relationships, and someone with a professional
calm demeanor.
.
State Statutes require that the Executive Director must be qualified
by training and experience in the management of public
agencies and be knowledgeable in planning. In addition, the
Executive Director will need to possess a background of
experience and skills necessary to provide a balance of strong
leadership with a collaborative approach to working with elected
and appointed officials of cities, counties, townships, and state
and federal agencies and legislators. In addition, the ability to
work effectively with the business community and a wide variety
of organizations and institutions is critical.
Successful experience in working in a multi-cultural environment
is critical. Previous regional planning commission and/or COG
executive experience is important. Salary for the position is
negotiable, depending upon experience and qualifications.
EDUCATION AND
EXPERIENCE
Possession of a baccalaureate degree is required; an advanced
degree(s) in planning, public policy, management, political
science, public administration or related fields is highly preferred.
A minimum of seven (7) years experience required.
• Has demonstrated progressively responsible, executive-level
management and administrative ex- perience, preferably in
a regional organization which has successfully managed
regional issues and programs.
• Has sufficient experience to evaluate NIRPC's organizational
structure, staffing, activities, and operations, ensuring that
the organization is properly staffed to carry out policies and
plans for the current and foreseeable future.
• Has knowledge of metropolitan area local government
structures, processes, and operations, as well as being
familiar with legislative and regulatory processes of state
and federal government agencies.
• Has experience in developing measurable performance
criteria and measuring for continuous improvement.
• Has the experience and ability to interact successfully and
positively in an open, participatory climate, working
effectively with diverse groups represented by elected
officials, staff, business, citizens, institutions and intergovernmental agencies.
• Has the experience and ability to identify and propose
solutions for regional issues affecting the growth and
development of a rural/suburban/ urban metropolitan area
and provide staff direction for analysis and development of
policy recommendations for consideration of the
Commissioners and membership.
• Has familiarity with information technology and computer
systems as they may be utilized in support of NIRPC's
mission and services.
• Has experience and established contacts involving obtaining
grants and funds from the State and Federal government,
corporate or private sources; also, have experience in the
selection of technical consultants, and in the negotiation and
administration of consulting contracts.
• Has had responsibility for preparing and administering
financial plans and budgets and providing appropriate and
timely analyses of financial matters to the Commission.
• Has knowledge of transportation
programs and funding, including
environmental justice and other
planning and program requirements;
and understands the economic, land
use, and community development
impact of transportation planning.
• Understand and has experience
working with a broad spectrum of
transportation programs including
roads, public transit, and connections
to rail, air, and water transportation
systems.
• Has appropriate experience and
ability to positively and effectively
foster inter jurisdictional cooperation.
• Is knowledgeable about "cutting edge" innovations relating
to regionalism which have been successfully advocated/
implemented in similar regions of the country.
• Is experienced in taking the initiative in providing strong
leadership and vision in assisting the Board to identify,
analyze, and thoroughly deliberate and address policy
questions which are critical to meeting the objectives of the
organization and effectively confront the challenges and
opportunities facing the region.
• Has experience developing strategic planning practices which
anticipate future opportunities, issues and concerns, assisting in
development of annual and longer range implementation plans
and direction for the organization and the ability to provide a
sense of direction to a complex, multi-interest organization.
• Has financial management experience, and is an effective
communicator with a proven
record of positive public
relations and media interaction with strong public speaking
and writing skills, and, together with Board leadership, be
comfortable being a major spokesperson for NIRPC.
• Is capable of personally supervising the
preparation of
comprehensive, concise reports and recommendations
offering policy options and a recommended course of action
for policy review and consideration.
MANAGEMENT STYLE &
PERSONAL TRAITS
• Has the maturity, self-confidence, independence, and strength
of professional convictions to provide in- sights and counsel to
the Commission, being able to firmly and diplomatically
present professional views and carry out Commission
decisions in a timely, professional, and impartial manner.
• Is articulate and an effective communicator, orally and in
writing; someone who is comfortable listening to and
talking with a wide spectrum of people and actively seeks
a broad range of input from Commissioners, Staff, and
other stakeholders.
• Is a strong administrative leader with strong organizational
skills and able to successfully facilitate and assist Staff to
identify, analyze, prioritize, and implement administrative
and management programs which are critical toward
meeting both current and longer range needs of the
Commission in a timely and accountable manner.
• Is an outgoing, enthusiastic leader who can quickly earn
respect and credibility inside and outside the NIRPC
organization, possessing particular ability to instill confidence
and a positive image of NIRPC and its activities, programs,
and services; is capable of increasing the visibility and
relevance of NIRPC throughout the metropolitan area.
MANAGEMENT STYLE &
PERSONAL TRAITS
CONTINUED
• Has a flexible, facilitative, and open style and the ability to
function effectively in a demanding professional work
environment; be willing to devote considerable time to
"outside" and "after hours" meetings, events, and activities.
• Is accessible to regional community leadership and citizenry,
as well as personally initiating "out of the office" contacts
throughout the region and interaction with county, city, village,
rural, and town officials and personnel.
• Is someone who sincerely seeks and respects broad and
diverse public input as an important element in reaching
successful solutions.
• Is capable of attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining
highly qualified professional staff and teams, following a
strong team management approach in organizational
problem-solving, services delivery and administration of
organizational programs, activities and services in a
demanding work environment.
• Is personally and assertively supportive of affirmative action
and equal opportunity, encouraging efforts that increase
upward mobility among staff and increase opportunities for
minorities and women in NIRPC employment.
• Is a role model to staff, leading by example, supporting,
counseling, and mentoring others as appropriate, and be
sensitive to issues of employee morale with a reputation for
developing staff motivation; be enthusiastic and energetic and
project a sense of urgency to Staff.
• Has a personal respect and positive attitude toward public
service and public officials,
• Can develop and maintain effective relationships with peers
and representing other inter-governmental and public
interest groups.
• Is a skilled negotiator, one who can represent NIRPC well with
all constituencies and contacts, developing alliances and
partnerships with other organizations.
• Is personally sensitive to environmental and quality of life
concerns and issues, including air / water quality, open
space, and passive amenities.
• Has a demonstrated record of unquestioned integrity and
trustworthiness.
• Committed to live in Northwestern Indiana and want to make
a contribution to the future of the region.
• Be committed to a reasonable tenure with NIRPC.
• Is someone who can clearly and concisely present written and
oral information to decision makers.
• Has a reputation of political neutrality, yet be able to function
effectively in a political environment.
• Is comfortable maintaining a highly visible public profile,
communicating and championing Commission- approved
policy decisions and direction to the media and regional
groups and organizations.
HOW TO APPLY
Formal applications are to be sent to:
Jerald W. Bailey, Senior Vice President
The Mercer Group
3011 Sable Creek
San Antonio, TX 78259
Or email to: mercertx@sbcglobal.net
210-526-9789
Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission of Portage, Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NIRPC
does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual preference, age, marital status,
national origin, gender identity, political ideas or disability in employment or in the provision of services.