Workforce & Economic Development Planner

Workforce & Economic Development Planner

Workforce & Economic Development Planner – Rutland Regional Planning Commission

Location: Rutland, Vermont

Position Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $50,000–$80,000

Final date to receive applications: 02/19/2026

Application URL:

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission (RRPC) is seeking a Workforce & Economic Development Planner to support workforce development, economic planning, and regional collaboration across the Rutland Region. This position focuses on workforce programming, employer and training partnerships, grant‑funded initiatives, and regional economic development coordination, working with municipalities, employers, schools, nonprofits, state agencies, and regional partners. This is a project‑focused position that blends program management, grants, and community coordination.

• Coordinate and implement the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, including partnerships, reporting, and compliance.
• Organize and support the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board (RRWIB), including meeting coordination, agendas, and stakeholder engagement.
• Support the development and ongoing management of the West Central Vermont Economic Development District (WCVTEDD) and its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
• Maintain and advance regional workforce and economic development initiatives, including career pathways, employer engagement, and training programs.
• Assist with grant writing, grant administration, reporting, and compliance for workforce and economic development programs.
• Coordinate projects, consultants, and partners across multiple funding sources and initiatives.
• Support regional and municipal economic development planning, data analysis, and implementation.
• Plan and facilitate meetings, workshops, and events with employers, educators, workforce partners, and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with RRPC staff across transportation, land use, housing, and energy programs to integrate workforce and economic development goals into regional planning.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in planning, public administration, economics, workforce development, education, or a related field.
• Familiarity with or interest in workforce development, economic development, and regional planning systems.
• Understanding of or interest in federal and state workforce and economic development programs, including U.S. Department of Labor grants.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with data analysis, reporting, or GIS is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently and collaboratively, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in grant writing, project management, and public‑sector or nonprofit work.

• Experience with workforce development programs, employer engagement, career pathways, or education and training initiatives.
• Familiarity with federal or state grant programs (USDOL, EDA, ACCD, or similar).
• Experience working with employers, school districts, training providers, or economic development organizations.
• Experience with facilitation, meeting management, or coalition-building.
• Background in public engagement, communications, or data‑driven planning.

• Opportunity to work on high‑impact workforce and economic development initiatives that directly support local employers, students, and jobseekers.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Strong emphasis on professional development and training.
• Competitive salary range of $50,000–$80,000 with a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Employer‑paid health, dental, and life insurance
• Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS)
• Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development support
• Flexible/hybrid work schedule

For consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume (PDF) to Devon Neary, Executive Director, devon.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The Rutland Regional Planning Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer.