Community Development Specialist

About the Center for Coalfield Justice:

The Center for Coalfield Justice (CCJ) fights for coalfield communities through advocacy, education, and organizing. Our approach to working with area residents values their knowledge about the land, waterways, and communities. Our recognition of local expertise is grounded in the belief that people who are facing injustice directly are the most knowledgeable and should be leading the efforts toward justice. We blend organizing, communications, legal, and policy strategies to build power with and for residents across Washington and Greene Counties.

Our mission: to improve policy and regulations for the oversight of fossil fuels extraction and use; to educate, empower, and organize coalfield residents; and to protect public and environmental health.

Community Development Specialist Role:

The Community Development Specialist will be responsible for leading CCJ’s work to advocate for thriving communities, with a primary focus on Greene County. This position will support the development of community assets by working with residents, decision-makers, and partners to identify needs and manage the project from design to completion. The Community Development Specialist will also support advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to promote economic development investment into rural communities, particularly related to housing and infrastructure. This position must be able to work with directly impacted people. The Community Development Specialist will be managed by the Advocacy Director/Executive Director and will be expected to work independently as well as in collaboration with other staff. 

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and carry-out projects that both serve community needs and support economic activity
  
  
  
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with community members and other stakeholders to foster long-term collaboration
  
  
  • Meet with residents, partners, and decision-makers to identify needs; host listening sessions and planning meetings
  
  
  • Support local entrepreneurs and small businesses by promoting access to trainings, funding opportunities, etc
  
  
  • Secure needed approvals, permits, etc
  
  
  • Manage project consultants
  
  
  • Document the process and provide updates to residents and other stakeholders
  
  
  
  


• Manage public and private funding in support of decided projects
  
  
  
  • Write grant applications and reports, with support from the Executive Director
  
  
  • Track required metrics and evaluate program effectiveness
  
  
  • In coordination with the Executive Director and Operations Team, manage the budgeting and spend-down of all funds
  
  
  
  


• Represent CCJ in applicable coalition spaces and with decision-makers to work on policy initiatives that support economic development within rural communities. 
  
  
  
  • Research local, state, and federal programs and policies
  
  
  • Evaluate and provide recommendations to advance policy solutions
  
  
  • Work with members to share perspectives of policy impacts
  
  
  
  


• Provide support to other staff and volunteers as needed. 

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience and/or education in community development, local government affairs, or other applicable fields; experience will be prioritized over education


• A commitment to CCJ’s mission


• Experience with managing private and public grants, from application through spend-down


• Excellent research, writing, and oral advocacy skills


• Demonstrated project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects at various stages simultaneously


• Works well in a fast-paced environment and respects deadlines


• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively with diverse people and organizations; strong interpersonal skills 


• Strong ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings weekends, and occasionally long hours


• Proficiency with Google Workspace tools (Drive, Docs, Sheets, GMail, etc)

Travel:

The Community Development Specialist will be based in our Washington, PA, office and is eligible for hybrid work.  

Owning or regular access to an operating car is required. Willingness to travel and the ability to navigate cities and rural communities is required. Travel to coalition and ally meetings across the region may be required. Opportunities to travel across the country for training or conferences can be expected. 

• CCJ provides mileage reimbursement at the federal rate and covers overnight lodging when working away from home. 

Compensation: 

The Center for Coalfield Justice is an equal opportunity employer. This position falls in Tier II on CCJ’s salary scale, depending on experience. 

CCJ offers a generous benefits package including paid time off, fully paid health, dental, and vision care, and a retirement program with match.