Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a generative and equitable clean energy economy. We have 30 staff members located in offices in Charlottesville, Va., Norton, Va., Boone, N.C., and Knoxville, Tenn.
Appalachian Voices is seeking a Field Coordinator based in our Norton, VA office to build local power and engagement in the Just Transition movement by recruiting, engaging, and activating community members in Southwest Virginia through our New Economy Program. The Field Coordinator will develop community leaders, support the strengthening of new and existing community-based organizations, and execute strategic campaigns focused around solar, coal-impacted land redevelopment, and land ownership issues in Southwest Virginia.
This position will foster the connection between community members and our work, making sure that local, diverse community voices and perspectives are informing the economic and community development decisions that are being made both within our organization and the region as a whole. Foundational to success is a well-developed understanding of community organizing in rural settings, as well as community and economic development within a Just Transition framework.
Responsibilities
Specific workload includes:
Building relationships with community members and key partners;
Supporting the strengthening of new and existing community-based organizations;
Planning, organizing and executing public events including community meetings, presentations, workshops, town halls, petition drives, press conferences, etc.;
Implementing campaigns and supporting projects of our New Economy program;
Working closely with the communications team to develop digital materials for emails, newsletters, action alerts, blogs, social media posts and events, and other online communications tools to mobilize our membership;
Maintaining detailed databases and listservs for volunteers, community leaders, community partners, etc.
Qualifications
Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.
We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the primary roles and responsibilities below. If you believe you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, we encourage you to apply.
Strong candidates will:
Demonstrate strong skills in community engagement and organizing including recruiting and stewarding volunteer leaders in rural and marginalized communities.
Understand, or be able to learn, state and federal policies and programs that impact Central Appalachia, particularly at the intersection of environmental justice and economic development.
Effectively facilitate dialogue and listen deeply to the perspectives of partners and stakeholders.
Thrive in a highly collaborative setting while being self-motivated and creative.
The New Economy Field Coordinator position is based in our Norton, VA office and will report to the New Economy Program Manager. This is a place-based employment opportunity within far Southwest Virginia, working out of our Norton office on a daily basis, without the option of telecommuting. Our office is located within walking distance of the Jefferson National Forest and has easy access to multiple incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and cultural assets. The region is in the midst of an exciting renaissance, and we seek an individual who is as excited about being a part of that—both professionally and personally—as we are.
Salary/Benefits
Appalachian Voices offers competitive compensation and benefits that includes employer-paid health care, vision and dental policies with options to include family members at a reduced cost; as well as generous paid vacation and parental leave, and an employer-matched retirement plan. This is a full time, permanent position. Targeted hiring range is between $32,000 and $40,000.
1) What’s your connection to Appalachia and why do you want to work in Norton, Virginia?
2) Share one example of your experience organizing with communities to achieve a goal: what was the objective, who was involved and what was your role?
3) What does a Just Transition in Appalachia look like to you?