Community Development Internship Jobs in Elkhart, IN

Commitment to Citizen Service

 Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian’s governmental operations.  Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members.  To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.  

 Position Summary: This is an exempt management position with key responsibility in the efficient management & proactive development of Pokagon Band community resources. Responsible for leading community development planning to include implementing and managing the activities mandated in Article IV – Tribal Lands with the Tribal constitution. Additionally, this position will lead land-use, community, infrastructure, road, emergency management and other planning initiatives. Manages building permit process, inspection compliance, and planning document archives. This position is also responsible for enforcement of the Band’s Sign Ordinance and assisting with enforcement of building and land use Acts, Ordinances, and Policies.      

 Essential Functions:

• Proactively address and resolve customer concerns and explore and implement methods and procedures for improving departmental workflow and service to all stake holders.
• Assist with the development and implementation of short and long term departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures in alignment with the Pokagon Band’s vision, mission, expected outcomes, and strategic initiatives. 
• Coordinate with the department Director and other staff on work plan development and scheduling.
• Provide leadership and consultation in all areas of planning; represent Pokagon Band on matters of infrastructure & development planning, and regional and local planning initiatives.
• Research and help secure private and public funding to support projects.
• Prepare, maintain, and update Classification of Tribal Lands document and work cooperatively with other departments and boards in achievement of these items.
• Provide integrated planning expertise to the Government Team and Land Use Board.
• Prepare, maintain and update Tribal Long Term Land Acquisition and Development Plan.
• Work with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician to maintain GIS-based database.
• Assist with the review, analyses, and preparation of position papers on planning issues and policies as they pertain to Tribal properties. 
• Assist with the development of tribal ordinances concerning land use and natural resources to preserve, protect and enhance Tribal resources.
• Manage the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Reservation Road (IRR) Tribal Transportation programs. To include grant planning and reporting.
• Develop positive relationships and interface with private partners, regional, state and local agencies. 
• Supervise interns and temporary employees. 

 Non-Essential Functions:

• Perform other related functions as assigned. 

 Equipment:

• Standard office equipment.  
• Systems used:  MS Office applications, Arc GIS, and Internet.

 Position Requirements:  

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree highly preferred, in a planning related field from an accredited institution whose program of study has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the United States Department of Education. 
• Minimum of five (5)-years of related experience.
• Professional certification as a Certified Planner. 
• Ability to plan and coordinate capital projects. 
• Demonstrated experience with grant management, implementation and budgeting.
• Knowledge of the operational and technical problems involved in the administration of a specialized program and methods of planning, developing, and administering programs.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and legislative processes related to the work.
• Knowledge of factors in the analysis of data to provide the basis for long-range planning of land and resource uses and their management.
• Knowledge of the methods of compiling, organizing, writing and presenting the results of environmental impact studies.
• Knowledge of the procedures and methods of statistical analysis; ability to prepare charts, maps, and other graphs to show the analysis of data; ability to analyze and evaluate data.
• Excellent presentation, communication (both oral and written), and interpersonal skills; strong ability to speak effectively before groups and respond to questions effectively. 
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times and maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate program and administrative activities of a complex, interrelated, and interdependent nature where unknowns and numerous contingency factors are involved.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures relevant to program areas based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.
• Ability to prepare projections in such areas as land use, water use, and population for planning reports and studies required. 

 Indian Preference:

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

 Physical Requirements:  

• Work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment. 
• Frequently required to talk and hear. 

 Work environment:

• Office and/or outdoor environment. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Standard office equipment available.

 Competencies:

• Using Financials
• Continuous Learning
• Project Management
• Quality Focus
• Organizational Savvy