Title: NRGRDA (New River Gorge Regional Development Authority) Regional Communications Coordinator VISTA Type of Employment: AmeriCorps VISTA position, living allowance + benefits Task Supervisor: NRGRDA Community Asset Assistance (CAA) Department Lead

AmeriCorps VISTA + Benefits: This AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) position is in partnership with The WV Community Development Hub. AmeriCorps VISTA is a federal program that brings capacity building resources across the country in the form of dedicated individuals who choose to serve their community for one year, with the goal of addressing generational poverty. During a year of service, members have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the communities they serve. In addition to the benefits offered by AmeriCorps, NRGRDA will provide housing assistance if needed.

Benefits include:

Living allowance

Segal Education Award

Healthcare benefit options

Professional development

Peer learning

And more!

Summary:

The Regional Communications VISTA will support the development and implementation of NRGRDA’s regional outreach and engagement strategies as part of the Community Asset Assistance (CAA) Department. The AmeriCorps VISTA team member’s efforts will focus on increasing the economic vitality of the New River Gorge region through engaging the community in place-based economic development that promotes the region’s community assets, supports entrepreneurs, and attracts and retains businesses in the region. The position will build capacity by working with staff and partners to develop outreach and community engagement frameworks that support communities, local leaders, and NRGRDA in identifying and promoting regional assets and solutions that address existing economic development issues. The position will contribute to a department that fosters new asset development, improves the quality of life for locals, and makes communities attractive for the workforces of industries looking to expand or relocate within the NRG region.

This project will coordinate regional communication in the NRG region through the following primary strategic objectives: support development and alignment of community/county based engagement platforms that integrate into NRGRDA’s regional outreach strategy; execute needed NRGRDA platform updates to ensure appropriate portrayal of economic development work and resources across the region; develop a framework that ensures broader outreach for NRGRDA events; share project tools and resources available from NRGRDA with NRG communities (within Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, and Summers counties); and create a sharable communications framework/guidebook to support equitable community engagement in economic development outside of NRG region, including the WV Hive’s thirteen county region.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Communication

• Coordinate with NRGRDA staff to identify and document existing gaps in communication facilitated by NRGRDA and partners within Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, and Summers counties.
• Assess/update NRGRDA platforms (website, newsletter) to ensure appropriate portrayal of work and resources across the region.

2. Community outreach:

• Develop tools and materials for engagement and outreach, including a sharable framework/guidebook for communities to support equitable engagement in economic development.
• Collaborate with staff to incorporate learnings from Equity Impact Investment – New Growth Innovation Network project
• Develop avenues to share project tools and resources with the public and community members, including the development of outreach materials
• Support state and community partners developing community/county-based engagement platforms (pilot in Oak Hill)
• Coordinate alignment and integration of community/county-based engagement platforms into NRGRDA’s regional outreach strategy.
• Develop a framework that ensures broader outreach for NRGRDA events like the Annual Summit.
• Work with staff to schedule, plan, and facilitate meetings and outreach events.

3. NRG asset inventory:

• Share community asset (including physical infrastructure, natural resources, cultural assets, organizations, and skilled individuals) assistance focused project tools and resources with communities in the NRG region.

4. Last-mile implementation:

• Share last-mile implementation project tools and resources (grants, partnerships, and volunteer support) with communities in the NRG region.

5. Project identification:

• Share project identification tools and resources (including evaluations, workshops, and outreach support) with communities in the NRG region.

6. Impact tracking and process improvement

• Document and integrate best practices and procedures for all position-related activities into NRGRDA and CAA department’s work.
• Research and develop a sustainable procedure for updating communication platforms and ensuring community access to tools and resources.
• Integrate equitable engagement best practices and learnings into a replicable framework/guidebook document that can be shared with communities outside of the NRG region.

7. Perform other miscellaneous position-related duties as assigned and on a project basis, as required.

Requirements:

• High school diploma/GED (bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in relevant field preferred).
• Knowledge and experience in one or more of the following: communications, community outreach, community and economic development, or related fields preferred.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Proficiency in using communication software and tools.
• Adherence to NRGRDA’s five core values.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job.
• Must be able to pass a background check and drug test.

Work Environment:

Office space provided at the Attar location in Beckley, WV. You will regularly attend meetings in the WV Hive Building as well as travel to stakeholder and client locations, project meetings, and training and events.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to complete all physical demands of the job, which may include, but not be limited to sitting or standing for extended periods, operating a motor vehicle, performing routine tasks, carrying supplies, and reading normal typewritten print. Must have corrected vision and hearing within normal range and have manual dexterity within normal range of motion of all extremities. Must be able to provide written and verbal communication. He/she must be able to work alone without direct supervision. Team members must have the ability to deal with abrupt schedule changes and to maintain professionalism in coping with the stress of working with clients and businesses.

To Apply: Click Here to Apply

Interested candidates can also submit a cover letter and resume to:

Amy Showalter, Community Asset Assistance Department Lead

New River Gorge Regional Development Authority

200 Main Street

Beckley, WV 25801

(304) 254.8115