Current Opening(s)
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), located in Duluth, MN, seeks a Planning and Development Director. This high-level position is responsible for leading and coordinating the work of ARDC Division staff, which is comprised of technical and professional planning and economic development staff. The ARDC Planning & Development Director has over-arching responsibility for the work of the division, including design, planning, and execution projects, developing staff work program, securing funding for programs and projects, developing contracts and grant agreements, overseeing the division budgets and ensuring compliance. This position serves as the lead liaison to both external and internal stakeholders on behalf of the Planning & Development Division including, but not limited to, the ARDC governing board and commission, elected officials, agency representatives, community leaders, non-profit boards, councils, and committees.
The ARDC’s mission is to serve the people of the Arrowhead Region by providing local units of government and citizens groups a means to work cooperatively in identifying needs, solving problems, and fostering local leadership.
Required education and experience (see additional: *knowledge, skills and abilities):
- Master’s degree and six years of job-related experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university with eight years of job-related experience; OR
- Two-year degree with ten years related experience; OR
- High school graduate and twelve years of related experience.
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), AICP and/or LEED AP, or similar certification preferred.
A valid driver’s license is required as this position requires moderate to frequent travel within the region, attendance at evening meetings, and minimal overnight travel.
Salary: $100,000-$120,000/year (based on experience)
ARDC offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (including family), dental, and life insurance, paid time off, MN PMFL, holidays, pension, and more.
Hours: 40 hours/week (exempt), M-F, position.
Location: Employees could be located in any of the seven NE MN Counties (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis), WI (Douglas County) or close proximity, to be able to routinely be in the Duluth, MN office. Work from home options may be made available in a hybrid model but employees are required to demonstrate successful performance.
Click here: Planning and Division Director for a complete job description, including *additional knowledge, skills and abilities required.
Candidates must follow the “Application Instructions” listed below to be considered.
Deadline to apply: October 9, 2026
Internship
2027 Transportation Planning Intern | Spring Internship
Semester Opportunity: Apply by: Approximate Start Date:
Spring 2027 November 15, 2026 January 4, 2027
Hours: 10-16 hours per week, Monday – Friday (flexible based on availability and business needs)
Wages: $12.00/hour (undergrad); $15.00/hour (grad student);
Benefits: ARDC offers Earned Sick and Safe Time and MN Paid Family & Medical Leave for interns
Location: Duluth, MN (May allow occasional remote/hybrid work.)
What would I do?
Interns will assist the MIC’s planning and communications staff with a variety of transportation planning work. For a copy of the job description, click here.
To learn more about the MIC, visit: https://dsmic.org/about/
Qualified internship candidates must:
- Be enrolled at a college or university registered for intern credits–preferably in a Planning, Geography, or related program (Note: If a specific registration period is closed or not yet open, candidates must sign a letter of intent to register for internship credits at the next available registration period.)
- Be able to conduct field work outdoors, sometimes in less-than-ideal weather and outside regular office hours.
- Be able to work in person at the ARDC Duluth office (majority of the time).
- Be able to work remotely via internet connection and Microsoft Teams (at times).
- Be competent with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Teams).
- Have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record (to drive agency vehicle to events and field work locations).
- Be able to lift up-to 30 pounds.
To be considered, intern applicants must follow the ARDC Application Instructions listed below.
Applicants must follow the “Application Instructions” listed below to be considered.
ARDC Application Instructions
To be considered for a position, interested candidates must submit a resume AND download and complete the following forms by clicking on the “LINK” next to each document below:
- Application for Employment (LINK)
- Certification and Authorization Statement (LINK)
- Data Practices Advisory (LINK)
- Applicant Data Record (voluntary) (LINK)
Completed application materials may be submitted:
- By email to kmattila@ardc.org
- By mail to ARDC, Human Resource Manager, 221 W. First Street, Duluth, MN 55802
Applications must be received by the position closing date. If selected for an interview, we will contact you. Applicants should update the ARDC with any changes to their contact information. Any questions may be directed to Krista Mattila at 218-529-7543 or kmattila@ardc.org.
Reception of Applications: ARDC only accepts applications in response to a job posting. A completed application packet with original signatures is required when applying with ARDC, and resumes in lieu of the completed application packet are not accepted. All sections of the application must be completed for consideration. Resumes may be attached to the completed application. Applications will remain on file for one year.
Equal Opportunity Statement: The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, marital status, familial status, place of residence, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, Veterans, and any other protected category as defined by statute. Read ARDC’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement: ARDC is committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees and of the communities we serve.
