Executive Director

SUMMARY OF JOB

The South Western Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) is a regional government in Burns Flat, OK that serves an eight-county region of urban and rural communities. The Authority is currently seeking an Executive Director, who will hold a crucial position within the organization. This role involves working under the policy guidance of the Board of Trustees and requires strong administrative experience related to state and federal grants, contract compliance and reporting, fiscal management, budgeting with indirect cost allocations, human resources, and delivery of programs and services while working with local governments. The Executive Director must collaborate with stakeholders across the region, identify partnerships that support the agency's goals, and consistently assess the agency's outreach and program delivery effectiveness. Additionally, the Executive Director is responsible for planning and implementing various programs, including 9-1-1 communications, the Area Agency on Aging, community and economic development, rural transportation planning, rural fire, and substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery. Furthermore, this individual manages the day-to-day operations of SWODA and serves as the agency's representative when interacting with other agencies and individuals.

The Executive Director is responsible for all administrative and operational issues within the organization. This includes developing monthly agendas for board meetings and overseeing the agency’s activities. The executive director is tasked with hiring staff to carry out programs and services, establishing and implementing policies and procedures to support the agency’s operations, and fulfilling all legal and contractual requirements for the agency. Additionally, the executive director is responsible for developing strategies and goals and should have experience working with legal and policy issues, including legislative procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides guidance and direction to management staff including division directors and all employees regarding rules and policies necessary to carry out programs and services of the agency.

2. Oversees development and implementation of administrative policies for procurement, personnel management, travel, budgeting, auditing, contracting, and any other policies necessary to ensure operational integrity and compliance with all statutory and contractual requirements.

3. Promote the multi-county approach to planning and development of programs involving local leaders of major public and private interest. Inform communities of activities and opportunities for development and act as a catalyst between representative groups.

4. Directs and manages all aspects of employment including salaries, hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, and terminations.

5. Oversees development of outreach and communications for the agency’s members, constituents, legislators, and other appropriate organizations.

6. Directs the fiscal management of the agency regarding budgeting, auditing, financial reporting, and contracting.

7. Oversees management of the agency’s activities, bylaws, meetings, and requirements related to their specific duties.

8. Ensures agency compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations and is responsible for working on or identifying any legislative issues at the federal or state level that directly impact the agency’s programs and activities.

9. Serves as the agency’s primary contact and communicates the agency’s position and information for legislators, and regional, state, and federal agencies.

10.Represents agency at business meetings, legislative sessions, and government functions.

11. Works closely with the agency’s Board of Trustees as the budget, audit and strategic planning committee and carries out special projects for the agency.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage subordinate program directors. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of all departments. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in public administration, planning, business management, political science, or related field.

Experience with grant management, public sector budgeting, and contract management. Experience working in the following fields important: economic and community development, public safety and emergency communications, area agency on aging/seniors’ programs, and general planning and development. Experience with grant and contract management and government budgets is necessary.

POSITION SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

1. Accountability – Holds self and others accountable for rules and responsibilities.

2. Directives– Demonstrates an ability to balance a participatory management style with the need for strong leadership.

3. People Management – Hires qualified employees, effectively delegates to management staff, and ensures agency policies support a fair and productive work environment.

4. Judgment – Demonstrates critical thinking based upon in-depth data gathering, corroborating information, consideration of others’ input, and personal values and ethics.

5. Organizational Skills – Manages with attention to detail, thoroughness in reporting, use of effective processes, and provides oversight on program implementation.

6. Professional Confidence – Demonstrates an ability to communicate effectively with others about current topics, trends, and experiences in their primary field while seeking out challenging new tasks or projects.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to perform the essential job functions consistently safely and successfully with the ADA and other federal, state, and local standards. Ability to maintain regular punctual attendance consistent with the ADA and other federal, state, and local standards. Must be able to lift to 25 pounds. Must be able to talk, listen and speak clearly on telephone.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid driver’s license, have dependable transportation for travel within the region, and proof of vehicle insurance as required by the State of Oklahoma.

SALARY RANGE

Depending on qualifications and experience salary ranges from $39.37 - $46.75 per hour.

To apply, please submit a current resume by mail or email to the Human Resources Coordinator listed below.

Stephanie Haworth

Human Resources Coordinator

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority

420 Sooner Drive

PO Box 569

Burns Flat, OK 73624

(580) 562-5035

stephanie@swoda.org

South Western Oklahoma Development Authority provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39.37 - $46.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Burns Flat, OK 73624 (Required)

Work Location: In person