Runway Group, based in Bentonville, AR is seeking a skilled, highly motivated, and entrepreneurial Policy Specialist.
About the Position
You’ll join a top-notch team and be responsible for tracking city and county policies and analyzing direct impact to investments by Runway Group and its entities. This position covers a broad range of tasks related to zoning and land use permitting, and requires the analytical, writing, and interpersonal skills necessary to work as part of a team on complex projects.
What you will do
Responsibilities
• Identify policy challenges and zoning opportunities and provide recommendations to staff on solutions
• Provide research and data from local, state, and federal sources to support Runway projects
• Craft strategies, talking points and memos supporting Runway’s position on development projects
• Design policies that support local revitalization
• Interpret municipal codes and ordinances on topics pertaining to development, outdoor recreation, green space and infrastructure
• Assist in the preparation of presentations for public meetings, community outreach, and workshops
• Assist with applications for review of projects under state regulations and local zoning regulations
• Track municipal and county policy changes and report out to Runway Leadership
• Synthesize findings and write effective communications in the form of engagement proposals, graphics, briefings, PowerPoint presentations, memos and reports for a variety of audiences
• Attend municipal council and commission meetings
• Field questions pertaining to city and county development, regulations and ordinances
Who we are looking for
The Runway Group seeks to recruit individuals with a demonstrated commitment to an inclusive quality of life, superior interpersonal and communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Qualifications required for your success
• 3+ years of work in a professional environment with significant expertise in government relations, urban design, public administration, or a related field
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and administrations, in the areas of urban design, master planning and public open space transformation
• Demonstrated understanding of urban planning related processes typical within cities (land use review, real estate development processes, etc.)
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to work independently
• Track record of creating data driven reports, memos and presentations; with a sharp eye for detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills showcasing a capacity to synthesize information and develop compelling narratives
• Bachelor’s degree required
Additional Helpful Experience Includes
• A master’s degree in urban planning, public policy, public administration or another related field
Personal attributes that support your success
• Ability to act as a trusted advisor to principals and colleagues while demonstrating expertise and integrity
• You are helpful, a team player, and show respect while collaborating with others
• You are results oriented and exercise sound judgment in your work
• A lifelong learner, who is inquisitive and solves problems with bold thinking and innovation
• A visionary who plans for the future with imagination and wisdom
• You are dedicated to achieving excellence and work with others to tackle the tasks at hand
About Runway
Runway is a holding company making investments in real estate, outdoor initiatives, hospitality, and businesses committed to moving Northwest Arkansas forward.
Runway is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Basic Qualifications
• 3+ years of work in a professional environment with significant expertise in government relations, urban design, public administration, or a related field
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government officials and administrations, in the areas of urban design, master planning and public open space transformation
• Demonstrated understanding of urban planning related processes typical within cities (land use review, real estate development processes, etc.)
• Track record of creating data driven reports, memos and presentations; with a sharp eye for detail
• Bachelor’s degree required
