Energy Communities VISTA: Community Development Planner - KY River Area Development District - Region 1

As energy opportunities expand, coal and power facility jobs are declining across the United States. The Energy Communities AmeriCorps VISTA project will develop and advance programs that increase environmental awareness and stewardship, job training, employment pathways, and access to existing federal and community resources for low-income individuals living in energy transition communities. Energy Communities AmeriCorps members will serve low-income energy communities in that are experiencing energy transformations. VISTA members will be placed with local organizations to help assess environmental impacts, identify existing supports, and develop economic transformation and revitalization goals with their communities. 

IMPORTANT:

Please note that this VISTA term is:

• Full time, 
• 1-year in length,
• Begins in November 2024 and ends in November 2025

The living allowance for Energy Communities VISTAs is $88.39 per day (including weekends). This is equivalent to $15.51/hour ($32,262.35/year).

For more information about Energy Communities AmeriCorps, please visit our website.

For any questions, please contact Shelby Street at sstreet@conservationlegacy.org

To apply, please use the AmeriCorps link here.

About the Site and Position:

The Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) is the planning and development district for an eight (8) county area. The VISTA member will focus on the following four of the eight Eastern counties: Breathitt, Lee, Owsley, and Wolfe. These counties are economically disadvantaged and distressed by the loss of coal mining in the region. Additionally, there has been a substantial population decrease exacerbated by both COVID-19 and the recent floods in 2021 and 2022. There is an opportunity to strengthen the communities by increasing economic development, services, and highlighting what makes this region special and unique. KRADD and the VISTA member will research ways to support the switch from a coal economy to a manufacturing and tourism-based economy, and by working with the ongoing efforts in the region to meet the goals outlined in the Infrastructure and Investment Act as well as the Inflation Reduction Act. These goals will be achieved through the VISTA writing and administering applications for the cities, counties, and non-profits in Region 1. The VISTA member will support federal and state efforts through projects that supply infrastructure to low-to-moderate income families that rely on failing drinking water wells, community projects that provide ADA compliance, improvements to existing parks and trails and the creation of new ones, showcasing our cultural heritage, assisting in the creation of new economic development opportunities, and working with our communities to improve broadband. The VISTA member will also work with trained grant writers at KRADD to learn how to properly develop, write, and administer these projects through research, data collection, public meetings, and hearings, utilizing steering committees, and making valuable contacts on both the state and federal levels.

Member Duties:

This VISTA will work in the following counties: Breathitt, Lee, Owsley, and Wolfe. 

• Work with managers and appropriate staff to gather information for proposals and coordinates preparation of proposals, grant applications, etc. 
• Acquire information about potential funding sources (local, state, and federal) including current guidelines, giving histories, and other relevant information
• Develop relationships with current and potential funders to strengthen their connection to the District
• Manage and meets a schedule of grant deadlines, reporting timelines and deliverables
• Work closely with city and county governments and local communities within the District to assist with short- and long-range planning efforts and project development
• Responsible for developing a manual of how to write and administer grants
• Develop a process for coordination with steering committees and translation from steering committee recommendations to project documentation

Program Benefits:

VISTA service provides an excellent opportunity for the member to develop professional skills and experience, build their network, and make a tangible impact on critical community needs. VISTAs also access the following benefits:

• Segal Education Award ($7,395) OR Cash Stipend (~$1,800) upon successful completion of service
• Living Allowance ($88.39/day, disbursed every 2 weeks)
• Relocation Allowance
• Regular Training and Professional Development Opportunities (free and virtual)
• Employee Wellness Program (access to a licensed, professional counselor and 24/7 in-moment support)
• Childcare*
• Healthcare*
• Non-Competitive Eligibility upon successful completion of the term*
• Networking and Mentorship
• Access to a nationwide cohort of like-minded peers

*For more information regarding the Segal Education Award, check out this link: https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award.

*For more information regarding the AmeriCorps VISTA Childcare benefit, please visit https://americorpschildcare.com/.

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare.

*For details about Non-Competitive Eligibility, please see https://americorps.gov/sites/default/files/document/americorps-vista-alumni-nce-2023.pdf

What is an AmeriCorps VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members are dedicated individuals who serve full-time in their assigned communities to build capacity, support economic development, and foster sustainable programs. They receive various benefits, including a living allowance, education award, professional development, healthcare and childcare, and non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs after service completion.

What is Energy Communities AmeriCorps?

Energy Communities AmeriCorps offers technical support to help communities impacted by previous or pending coal mine and power plant closures. This program bridges the gap between environmental and economic concerns by focusing on a more diversified economic portfolio. Creating opportunities in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, small businesses, tourism and more strengthens communities and builds for the future.

The Basics:

• • Funding: More than $12.5 million is available to support the project, funded by federal agencies and philanthropic sources.
  • Duration: The initiative is set to run for three years, starting in fall 2024.
  • Locations: Nine priority Energy Communities, including Appalachian Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, Illinois Coal Basin, Four Corners, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana.

What is Stewards Individual Placements?

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

Stewards VISTA Program is a national intermediary sponsor with 22 years of experience operating VISTA projects that support economic development and environmental stewardship in coal mining communities. Since 2002, Stewards has engaged over 1,200 VISTA members, securing $41 million in grants and in-kind resources, recruiting 100,000 volunteers, and developing capacity for organizations to strengthen mining communities.

Stewards Individual Placements is a program of Conservation Legacy, a national organization with a 25-year history of operating AmeriCorps VISTA and State and National programs.

For more information regarding Stewards, please visit our website.

Stewards Individual Placements does not and will not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application, interviewing, and/or onboarding process, please send your request to the hiring manager in your preferred method of communication.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Recruitment   
• Communications 
• Fund raising/Grant Writing 
• Community Organization 
• Environment
• Education 
• Public Speaking
• Leadership 
• Project management
• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Writing skills

Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Applicant must have earned an undergraduate degree.