ABOUT COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
CDI is a regional 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 1994 by co-op leaders in the Northeast. Cooperative Development Institute’s mission is to build a cooperative economy through the creation and development of successful cooperative enterprises. We are transforming ownership of our economy, so all people can meet their basic needs. Our mission is to work with people in the Northeast to create cooperative businesses and networks that grow a prosperous, equitable economy. We envision a democratically-owned and just economy where everyone can fulfill their needs and aspirations.
CDI is an inclusive, collaborative, resilient organization. CDI holds the following values as important within our organization and in our work with communities: cooperation, equity, justice and fairness; integrity, honesty, and transparency; respect, inclusion, patience, and trust; and wellness, environmental justice, and responsibility.
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking an experienced cooperative developer to develop our new Water Infrastructure Support Program which will ensure that our growing portfolio of resident-owned manufactured housing communities has access to safe and reliable housing infrastructure. The Water Infrastructure Support Program Associate works with resident-owned and nonprofit-owned manufactured home communities (MHCs) in New England on drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.
This is a work-from-home position, which requires you to provide your own functional and productive office environment. This job may require travel by private transportation, you are required to have a reliable form of transportation. This is a grant-funded position that is contingent upon continued funding.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Expand WISP and Advertise Program
- Develop program materials to advertise the program to eligible MHC clients.
- Network and build a collaborative ecosystem with funders, regulators, and partners.
- Identify qualified engineering and contractors that have the capacity to bid on water infrastructure design and construction projects for MHCs initiated as part of WISP
2. Build WISP Pipeline and Provide Direct Water Infrastructure Support to MHC Clients
- Develop a WISP pipeline that serves MHC clients across New England.
- Evaluate technical, managerial, and financial capacity baseline of MHCs in the pipeline and set milestones.
- Help clients in the pipeline to apply for grants and loans to fund preliminary engineering, final design, or construction of water infrastructure.
- Help clients execute funding commitments, and assist with funding administration, reporting, and closeout.
- Assist clients with procurement and coordination of engineering services and other contractors and consultants where needed.
- Prepare proforma development budgets with multi-year operating projections and capital improvement plans for MHCs.
- For MHCs that are at or near the construction stage, act as “owner’s representative” as needed to represent the community’s best interest at project meetings with funders, lenders, attorneys, engineers, town officials, regulators, the development team, and neighboring property owners. Other parties may be identified throughout the lifecycle.
3. Funding and Regulatory Support
- Identify and summarize regulations, permitting requirements, and funding sources across New England and New York State.
- Identify obstacles to permitting and funding and develop an action plan to overcome funding and regulatory barriers.
4. Administrative and Departmental Support
- Assist in responding to new inquiries.
- Contribute to grant and other reporting, data collection, and evaluation processes.
- Support contractor relationship building, contracting, and invoicing as applicable.
- Attend and participate in team and other internal meetings.
- Fundraise to sustain and expand the WISP program at CDI.
REQUIRED SKILLS FOR THE ROLE
- Familiarity and experience working with MHCs
- Experience with project management
- Computer fluency, including strong knowledge of online organizational and data management systems such as Salesforce, Monday.com, and Slack
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree and at least 1 year of office experience, or at least 2 years of office experience
- Exceedingly well-organized, flexible, detail-oriented and resourceful.
- Prefer a candidate with knowledge and enthusiasm for our mission. Familiarity with non-profit and cooperatives are organizations helpful.
- Proven success at anticipating needs and taking initiative; capable of following through on assignments with minimal direction.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including transcription, proofreading, and editing.
- Reliable and punctual
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish good relationships with Board members, donors, government officials, and colleagues in person and remotely.
- Decisive and self-motivated; able to work independently and proactively.
- Ability to work collaboratively in promoting the goals and objectives of the organization.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, work on several projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and virtual platforms including Zoom.
- Knowledge of typical administrative support procedures and office equipment.
- Demonstrates commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and an ability to work with others with varying perspectives and values.
- Strength in critical thinking, judgment and dependability.
- Consistent exercise of professional discretion and independent judgment.
- Excellent personal organization and time management skills.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- Ability to perform multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
COMPENSATION
The wage for this position is $30-$38/hour depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full time (40 hours per week) position. CDI offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and life insurance; paid vacation; paid holidays and paid sick leave; and an employer retirement contribution.
