Community Manager - Rural Innovation Initiative

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:

• Preference for experience with specific practice area of adjacent subject-matter expertise, though not required
• Adhering to all RISI policies such as travel policy requirements, managing expense filing, and maintaining proper filing systems
• 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)
• Internally collaborate with organizational staff to support communities in the long term
• Ability to execute quantitative data analysis and translate into a clear accessible story
• 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
• Exceptional verbal communication skills, including active listening, small group facilitation, and public speaking
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks/projects in a fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment
• Perform other duties as assigned
• 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
• Improve processes and tools used in capacity-building work with rural communities
• 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
• Coordinating and building schedules, managing community and project documentation, tracking project activities
• 15 days PTO (accrued) plus 8 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
• Assist with administrative functions that support technical assistance to communities, including:
• Health, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance
• 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
• Strong computer skills, including use of Google Suite, web based collaboration and project management tools, and virtual presentation platforms
• Lead virtual and in-person strategy sessions
• Identify and help engage key local leadership and partners necessary to ensure strategy development and deployment centers diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong writing skills and experience developing powerful deck presentations
• You like the idea of an open and transparent organization that embraces honest conversations and new ideas
• Demonstrated ability to interact well and manage relationships with a diverse range of people, experiences, and constituencies
• Experience with facilitating meetings and workshops and/or giving presentations
• One or more years in program coordination, preferably related to economic or community development
• You value an entrepreneurial culture that encourages teammates to think boldly, take risks, and learn from experience
• Employer matched 401k after 90 days
• Prepare and present quantitative data analysis of community’s economic indicators
• The salary for this position is $65-70k (depending on experience)
• Demonstrated familiarity with the theory and application of economic development principles and methodology
• You appreciate an independent work environment that supports diverse work styles and preferences
• Self-directed, and able to thrive in a collaborative team environment
• Strong computer skills, including use of Google Suite, web-based collaboration and project management tools, and virtual presentation platforms
• Personal and professional development opportunities