Job Summary:
This role is responsible for supporting communities looking to develop tech-based economic development strategies with the support of our technical assistance process. CORI/RISI has developed a model for building tech economy ecosystems in rural America that introduces remote work strategies, scalable tech entrepreneurship development programs, and computer science training to small towns. This role is strategic and a change agent/catalyst to support communities as they build their tech economies and work creatively to close the rural opportunity gap.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- None.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Provide direct capacity-building support to communities, independently lead projects with community leaders to:
- Perform an assessment for helping rural communities understand what will enable tech-based economic development
- Prepare and present quantitative data analysis of community’s economic indicators
- Identify and help engage key local leadership and partners necessary to ensure strategy development and deployment centers diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Lead virtual and in-person strategy sessions
- Support communities to achieve fundraising and partnership goals for applying to federal grant programs like the Economic Development Administration’s Build to Scale grant program
- Internally collaborate with organizational staff to support communities in the long term
- Improve processes and tools used in capacity-building work with rural communities
- Assist with administrative functions that support technical assistance to communities, including:
- Coordinating and building schedules, managing community and project documentation, tracking project activities
- Adhering to all RISI policies such as travel policy requirements, managing expense filing, and maintaining proper filing systems
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Required Skills/Attributes:
- Demonstrated familiarity with the theory and application of economic development principles and methodology
- Ability to execute quantitative data analysis and translate into a clear accessible story
- One or more years in program coordination, preferably related to economic or community development
- Exceptional verbal communication skills, including active listening, small group facilitation, and public speaking
- Demonstrated ability to interact well and manage relationships with a diverse range of people, experiences, and constituencies
- Self-directed, and able to thrive in a collaborative team environment
- Strong writing skills and experience developing powerful deck presentations
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks/projects in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment
- Strong computer skills, including use of Google Suite, web-based collaboration and project management tools, and virtual presentation platforms
- Committed to the belief that rural America provides real economic opportunity and that sustainable, future-focused development is necessary to bridging geographic and economic divides facing our country
Education and Experience:
- 3+ years of relevant experience in professional services, aligned or adjacent subject matter, rural economic development, or public sector at the federal/state/local level
- Preference for experience with specific practice area of adjacent subject-matter expertise, though not required
- Experience with facilitating meetings and workshops and/or giving presentations
- Strong computer skills, including use of Google Suite, web based collaboration and project management tools, and virtual presentation platforms
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Travel via car and/or airplane
Location: This is a remote position and will be part of a distributed team. However, travel will be required for strategic planning and alignment with teams, including program-related travel to various communities and travel to RISI’s headquarters in Hartland, VT.
Benefits
- Personal and professional development opportunities
- Health, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance
- 15 days PTO (accrued) plus 8 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
- Employer matched 401k after 90 days
- The salary for this position is $65-70k (depending on experience)
At this time we are not considering candidates from the West Coast due to time zone scheduling complexities.Must be authorized to work in the US – no sponsorship offered at this time.
You’ll enjoy working here if:
- You value an entrepreneurial culture that encourages teammates to think boldly, take risks, and learn from experience
- You appreciate an independent work environment that supports diverse work styles and preferences
- You want to be part of collaborative and interested team that finds opportunities to engage each other and have fun (whether in the office or dialing in)
- You like the idea of an open and transparent organization that embraces honest conversations and new ideas
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer-people of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. We are interested in your ambitions, personal experiences, great ideas, and passions, and believe that everyone’s unique story and perspective adds value to our organization.