Planning Director

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  Identifies researches, evaluates, and tracks federal, state, and local funding opportunities; participates in strategic decision-making with regional and national staff.  Writes, plans for, and submits government grant proposals and responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for California operations; maintains records of submissions and conducts follow-up and analysis.  Participates in various regional and national program planning functions, including new program implementation and ongoing development/improvement of our programs.  Tracks and analyzes funding (and related) policy and legislation.  In coordination with Development staff, writes selected private and corporate foundation grant proposals, concept papers, and related documents; works with Development and Planning staff to develop strategies for key foundation and corporate prospects and donors.  Coordinates regional research activities, including internal program evaluation, data analysis, outcome reporting, systems improvement, and liaison with external evaluators and research partners.  Participates in development of grant applications for funding of research projects and in identification of potential projects for publication.  Manages regional research/resource library, including acquisition of materials and promotion of accessing of resources by clinical staff.  Supports and participates actively in strategic planning and related processes for California operations.  Maintains and develops relationships with community partners including other providers, government agencies, researchers, and community members.  REQUIREMENTS; Excellent oral and written communication skills, with great attention to detail.  Experience with program development and data analysis; understanding of strategic planning and budgeting processes.  PC literate with knowledge of word-processing and spreadsheet software; internet and database experience preferred.  Calmness and efficiency needed to perform activities involving many details and frequent changes.  Ability to prioritize appropriately makes independent decisions, and work well under tight deadlines and different personalities.  Aptitude for exercising confidentiality, good judgment, diplomacy, and tact.  Maintenance of a positive image and professional appearance.  Graduation from accredited college or university; Master?s degree in public administration, public health, social services, or related area strongly preferred.  Three to five years grant writing experience, preferably with both public and private sector prospects; certification in grant writing preferred.  Two years research, evaluation, and/or data analysis experience.  General commitment to social and health services, with at least a working knowledge of substance abuse and related issues.