Montana Career Opportunity – Cooperative Development Program Manager – Lake County Community Development Corporation

Lake County Community Development Corporation (LCCDC) is a non-profit community economic development organization serving Lake, Sanders, and Mineral Counties and the Flathead Reservation in Western Montana. Join a progressive, dedicated team of community and economic development professionals in advancing our mission to enhance the quality of life and sustainable economic well-being for all residents of the communities we serve. As one of the four core pillars of our community development model, the Cooperative Development Center at LCCDC brings resources, education, and technical assistance to existing and developing cooperatives. As Program Manager you will work directly with the cooperatives we support and provide general support to the cooperative development program to build community wealth in our region.

LAKE COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:             Cooperative Development Program Manager

Reports To:         Center Director, Cooperative Development Center

FLSA Status:       Full Time/Salaried

Location:             407 Main Street SW, Ronan, MT

Funding Condition:    All program-related positions at Lake County Community Development are to be considered as year-to-year depending upon available funding for programs and satisfactory job performance

SUMMARY:

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Work closely with the Center Director in the implementation and management of LCCDC’s Cooperative Development Program
• Address the needs and challenges of rural communities in western Montana through outreach and education about cooperative solutions
• Plan and coordinate cooperative trainings and community interest meetings
• Assist with developing and publishing resource materials, website updates, and social media content relating to cooperative development
• Provide assistance and facilitation to groups seeking to establish cooperatives in business structuring, assessing business strategies, and capital formation
• Work with the boards of directors of existing cooperatives to improve or expand operations, troubleshoot problems, and better serve members
• Collaborate with local, regional, and national organizations, partners, and external stakeholders and promote the services offered by LCCDC
• Gather and synthesize information and research to advance cooperative programs and projects
• Assist the Center Director in developing funding sources, writing grant proposals, tracking and evaluating program impact, and completing grant reporting
• Work with Center Director to evaluate and measure program impact and complete the reporting requirements of grants
• Learn new skills and complete professional development by attending trainings and conferences and participating in cooperative development networks.
• Work on other special projects as may be assigned with the opportunity to focus on specific program areas based on skill, experience, and interest.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:

• You are passionate about developing resilient rural communities
• You are knowledgeable about cooperative development (or are willing to learn)
• You are a self-directed person who can proactively and independently structure and manage projects and are ready to jump quickly into your role
• You’re a college graduate with experience in cooperative or economic development (or another related non-profit role)
• You have some experience in business development, food and ag systems, or grant writing and management
• Have good verbal and written communication skills and are comfortable interacting with a diverse range of coworkers, community members, boards of directors, public officials, community and business leaders among others.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

SCHEDULE , WORKPLACE, AND BENEFITS:

• Full time position in LCCDC’s office in downtown Ronan, MT in the beautiful Mission Valley. We are located close to Flathead Lake and the Mission Mountains, and about an hour and half from Glacier National Park, Kalispell, and Missoula.
• Normal office hours are Monday through Friday between 8-5pm, but occasional evening and weekend work is required to attend board meetings, community events, and conferences. Currently these meetings are mostly being held virtually, but eventually some out of town travel will be required.
• We encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and this position will have a flexible schedule and an option to work from home part time following the initial training phase.
• 100% employer-paid health insurance with optional additions for family, dental and vision (employee paid) effective on the first day of the month following date of hire
• Employer contribution to retirement savings program
• Life insurance
• Two weeks PTO in addition to paid holidays and sick leave

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear, and to use a phone and computer.  The employee is frequently required to travel by car and, upon occasion, by plane.  The employee is regularly required to climb stairs and to occasionally stand for periods of times in training or group lecture situations and walk on uneven ground at agriculture sites. The individual must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.  Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Salary Range for Position: $36,000-$39,000

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to the Cooperative Development Center Director, Kaylee Thornley (kaylee.thornley@lakecountycdc.org).  Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2020. Early applications are encouraged and applications will be considered as they are received. For questions, call 406-676-5919.