Montana Career Opportuinty – Program Manager – The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC)

The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) is hiring a program manager to oversee its statewide cooperative development program, which includes providing specialized training and assistance to newly formed and existing cooperatives. By supporting co-op businesses in even the smallest communities, MCDC is working to revitalize struggling economies across rural Montana.

Summary of Responsibilities: The program manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a variety of cooperative development activities across Montana that create and support new businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, and retail and community services. Primary duties will include general program management; training program design and execution; program-related fundraising; and advising interested groups of individuals on the cooperative development process. Where needed, the program manager will engage in one-on-one consultations with prospective co-op leaders and assist with co-op feasibility studies, state incorporation processes, and start-up operations.

Employment Terms: This is a mid-level, full-time salaried position based in Great Falls, Montana, that has the potential for professional advancement. The program manager will report directly to the executive director and work collaboratively with the director of operations and communications specialist. The position requires a significant amount of statewide and some national travel (especially for gaining necessary certifications), with occasional weekend and evening assignments.

Specific Job Duties:

Program Planning, Tracking and Evaluation ? Assist the executive director with developing the annual work plan and federal funding proposals, including design and launch of major MCDC program initiatives. Ensure that individual co-op development activities are tracked, monitored and measured. Design/oversee an annual evaluative process that assesses overall program impact and effectiveness.

Cooperative Development Process – Be prepared to engage in all four steps of co-op creation:

– Exploratory Phase – Work with MCDC technical advisors in introducing the co-op business model to interested parties across Montana; assist with introductory meetings when required

– Deliberative Phase – Assist with steering committee formation/training; aid in funding and conduct of market analyses, surveys, feasibility studies and cash flow analyses; assess needs for capital acquisition to increase the likelihood for business success

– Legal Phase – Assist cooperatives and technical advisors with the Montana incorporation process as well as the licensing and permitting processes required for new co-op businesses

– Operational Phase – Ensure that new co-op leaders receive training in cooperative governance as well as sector-specific training. Assist with final business planning/launch where required

– Communications – Work closely with the MCDC communications specialist in promoting program accomplishments and educating the public about the importance of cooperatively-run ventures. Network with co-op developers and economic development organizations to advance the co-op model.
Training Event Design and Execution ? Serve on annual summit and conference teams to ensure that event programs are timely, relevant and of the highest quality. Attend all training-related events.

– Budget and Fundraising [ Develop an annual program budget and assist the executive director in raising funds for program administration, training support, and event sponsorship.

Desired Qualifications:

– A four-year degree in business management, economic development, community development, or related fields is the minimum education level expected. Coursework in agricultural economics, business finance, corporate governance and the cooperative business model will be advantageous. An advanced degree, while not required, also would be desirable.

– At least five years of experience working on business/economic development in rural communities (less than 50,000 in population). Knowledge of agricultural issues and operational challenges will be particularly important as most of MCDC?s work occurs in rural locales.

= Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of people and industries, particularly in small towns and Indian reservations with struggling economies. Experience in facilitating public meetings will be helpful, as will a familiarity with rural Montana and all its native people.

– Working knowledge of state and federal programs designed to create jobs and promote growth

– Experience working for nonprofit organizations and demonstration of successful grant writing

– Exceptional oral and written communications skills; ability to present a positive image for MCDC

= Standard PC competencies; experience with using Neoserra CRM database would be desirable

Compensation: The starting salary range for this position will be $40,800-$43,200/year depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include 12 paid holidays; accrued vacation with personal/sick days; health/dental/vision insurance; and a 403B retirement plan (offered after one year of service).

How to Apply: All applications must be submitted electronically in one pdf file. Include in your application a two-page resume, three work-related references, and a one-page letter/essay that explains why MCDC should consider you for this program manager position. Submit the file to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The desired starting date is November 1, 2017.

To learn more about this statewide, nonprofit organization, visit http://www.mcdc.coop. The Montana Cooperative Development Center is an equal opportunity employer supported by federal funding from USDA Rural Development and a statutory appropriation from the State of Montana.