Community Development Specialist

Center for Coalfield Justice is looking for a Community Development Specialist with proven experience working with residents, decision-makers, and partners communities to coordinate projects promoting economic development investment into rural communities, particularly related to housing and infrastructure. This position will be responsible for leading CCJ’s work to advocate for thriving communities, and support advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels to promote economic development investment into rural communities with a primary focus on Greene County, Pennsylvania. 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
• Manage public and private funding in support of decided projects
• Represent CCJ in applicable coalition spaces and with decision-makers to work on policy initiatives that support economic development within rural communities. 
• Provide support to other staff and volunteers as needed. 

Qualifications:

This is a mid-level position intended for applicants with multiple years of demonstrated experience and/or education in community development, local government affairs, or other applicable fields; experience will be prioritized over education. Additional qualifications include:

• 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)

*Please note that these qualifications are not requirements, and we hope that if you don’t meet all of them, that will not hinder you from applying!

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 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 is to improve policy and regulations for the oversight of fossil fuel extraction and use, to educate, empower, and organize coalfield residents, and to protect public and environmental health.

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 require, as is a willingness to travel and the ability to navigate cities and rural communities. 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. The Community Development Specialist position falls in Tier II on CCJ’s salary scale with a starting salary of $70,000-75,000, 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.

Application Procedure:

Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you want to participate in this fellowship and any other information that’s pertinent to your application.