New Economy Field Coordinator

~ Appalachian Voices is an award-winning non-profit organization that protects the land, air, water, and communities of Central Appalachia and the Southeast while advancing a clean, healthy energy future. ~

We have historically been best known for our acclaimed work to end mountaintop removal coal mining and is committed to ushering in a sustainable and just economic transition for the region.

Founded in 1997, we are headquartered in Boone, N.C. with offices in Charlottesville, Va., Knoxville, Tenn., and Washington, D.C. Since we believe working in concert with others produces maximum results, we are proud members of the Alliance for Appalachia, Blueprint North Carolina, Clean Water Network, North Carolina Conservation Network and the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition.

Position Overview

Appalachian Voices is seeking an experienced, talented and passionate professional to help lead and execute our New Economy Program, which works to revitalize the economy of far Southwest Virginia through renewable energy development and post-mine land cleanup and redevelopment.

Appalachian Voices works to build community level engagement in the growing movement to diversify the economies of communities that have relied heavily on the coal industry.

The New Economy Field Coordinator position is based in our Norton, Va., office and will report to the New Economy Program Manager. Please note there is not the option of telecommuting. It is required that the Field Coordinator be located within the far Southwest Virginia area and that they have the ability to work in the Norton office on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

Work alongside New Economy Program Manager to create and implement projects and campaigns, specifically:

• Work with team members and partners to implement solar development goals, including residential solarization programs and commercial-scale projects;
• Implement campaigns to improve Virginia's solar policies and secure continued federal and state investment in economic diversification in Central Appalachia;
• Provide assistance to the Program Manager to develop post-mine land projects in close collaboration with partners and local stakeholders;
• Contribute to the development of a sustained campaign around land ownership issues in Central Appalachia.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Working closely with the communications team to develop digital materials for email blasts, newsletters, action alerts, blogs, social media posts and events, and other online communications tools to mobilize our membership;
• Plan, organize and execute public events including community meetings, presentations, workshops, town halls, petition drives, press conferences, etc.;
• Build and maintain relationships with community members, including marginalized communities, as well as local elected officials and community leaders;
• Recruit, mobilize and oversee community volunteers and interns;
• Maintain detailed databases and listservs for volunteers, community leaders, community partners, etc;
• Provide education and outreach about our work, including media outreach, tabling and public speaking engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in renewable energy, environmental science, social science, or another relevant field, or commensurate work experience;
• Competent understanding of Virginia solar policy and/or Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act and Abandoned Mine Lands program;
• Event planning and program coordination experience;
• Familiarity with distributed solar and other clean energy resources;
• Experience with community engagement and/or community organizing;
• General understanding of land ownership patterns in Central Appalachia;
• Strong and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including public speaking;
• Excellent time management, work ethic and organization skills;
• Knowledge of basic graphic design and constituent management tools;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster open communication;
• Ability to work independently and as a valuable team member;
• Willingness to be flexible, including working overtime, nights and weekends when needed, performing responsibilities not specifically identified in the job description and assuming new responsibilities as the organization's needs change;
• Demonstrated capability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional manner when dealing with the public, and in difficult or complex situations;
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

Compensation: This is a full-time position with competitive salary based on experience. Benefits include paid vacation, health insurance, short and long term disability insurance and SIMPLE IRA.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, résumé, references and a writing sample. Applications will be accepted until close of business November 2, 2017.