Job Description

Central Appalachia Network (CAN) – Communications Coordinator

Contact: Emily Carlson, of Carlson Planning and Design, Network Manager |

ca**********************@gm***.com











| 570-506-1207

RFP and Application Submission Deadline: Dec. 2nd, 2023

Project Overview and General Scope of Work:

Carlson Planning and Design Central seeks qualified candidates for three exciting positions. Each position will be critical to helping the Central Appalachian Network (CAN) advance into its next phase of development. The Communications Coordinator position can be combined with either of the other two positions (Working Group Coordinator link or Network Associate link). All positions will be fully remote with expectations for minimal travel mainly within the Central Appalachian region. 

About Carlson Design and Planning (CPD) : At Carlson Design and Planning, our mission is to empower nonprofits to thrive and amplify their impact by providing expert guidance in network facilitation, design thinking and project management, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental initiatives. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, we aim to build resilient, sustainable communities and a healthier planet for future generations. We are committed to fostering collaboration, driving positive change, and making a lasting difference in the world.

About CAN : The Central Appalachian Network (CAN) works to advance the equitable, just, and sustainable economic transition of Central Appalachia. By maximizing the impact of their collective work, we can all create resilient, diverse, and inclusive communities throughout our region. CAN participants approach sustainable economic development through a variety of sectors, including energy, forestry, food systems, waste and recycling, health, social enterprise, entrepreneurship, and green business development. CAN recognizes the importance of all these sectors and believes that the collective impact of a network can create powerful changes by focusing on one or more sectors at a time. CAN currently has seven Working Groups that meet on a monthly basis: Clean Energy Working Group,

Ecological Restoration Working Group, ReUse Corridor, Beginning Farmer Working Group, Healthy Food Access Working Group, Processing, Aggregation, and Distribution (PAD), and Climate Resilience and Adaptation. 

Selection Criteria: CPD will evaluate applications based on experience, location, and commitment to community economic development. We will give special priority to consultants within the Central Appalachia region and to consultants who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled, nondivergent, or otherwise part of a marginalized community. 

Description of position: Central Appalachian Network (CAN) seeks a communications professional to serve the role of Communications Coordinator to provide support to all CAN Working Groups and CAN to draw attention to their work in building promising sectors as part of CAN’s broader community economic development work in Central Appalachia. This could include website updates, blogs, articles, social media updates, and creative ways to spread the word of CAN’s work and create engagement to draw in a larger audience. The current term of this contract is for six months from the start date with the potential opportunity to continue in the role and work with CPD on additional projects. See the full position description below.

Communications Coordinator Responsibilities

The Communications Coordinator has significant responsibilities across the Central Appalachian Network (CAN), which will include, but are not be limited to:

• Assist and support the CAN Coordination Team and Working Groups with creating content to share across CAN and beyond, attracting various audiences to connect to knowledgeable Appalachian community economic development practitioners via the Network.
• Create and update targeted strategic communications plan for each of CAN’s Working Groups: Clean Energy Working Group, Ecological Restoration Working Group, ReUse Corridor, Beginning Farmer Working Group, Healthy Food Access Working Group, Processing, Aggregation, and Distribution (PAD), and Climate Resilience and Adaptation. 
• Provide website updates, blog articles, manage social media accounts, and create a monthly newsletter to share updates and resources. 
• Implementing the CAN Communications Plan and making improvements when needed. 
• Thinking creatively about sharing the news as well as the identity, mission, vision, and goals of CAN across the audience of community practitioners, private and public funders, and a larger public audience. 

Communications Coordinator Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have many of the following characteristics:

• A grounded commitment to advancing an equitable, just, and sustainable transition in Central Appalachia
• Experience updating websites, managing social media accounts, producing graphic content, implementing communications plans and using or improving style guides, and blogging or writing for a professional audience. 
• A strong commitment to excellence and accountability in one’s work, impact, and collaboration
• Confidence that is balanced with humility, flexibility, and a sense of humor
• A calm, professional demeanor in situations that may be challenging or stressful

The ideal candidate will have many of the following experiences and skills:

• 2-4 years of experience with communication support, writing, and the tools mentioned above.
• Some experience working with a community economic development and/or equity-driven non-profit organization in the Appalachian region 
• Skills and experience with WordPress, MailChimp, Cavna (or Adobe Suite), Google Workspace, Zoom, Doodle Polls, and other productivity tools
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, which include time and stress management, project planning and prioritization, and problem-solving
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in concisely writing in multiple styles for multiple audiences
• Interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage with a diverse group of nonprofit leaders
• Experience and comfort with working remotely with a collaborative team and also independently 
• Strong collaboration, teamwork, and group decision-making skills
• Ability and desire to engage in personal reflection and a dedicated focus on personal and professional development, both individually and with a team

Travel: The position is fully remote but the responsibilities of the Communications Coordinator  may require some travel; therefore, it is necessary that candidates have the willingness, capacity, and physical health for overnight travel within and outside of the region.  Preference will be given to those within a three hour driving radius to Davis, West Virginia where the Network Manager is based.  

Length of Contract: The current term of this contract is for six months with the potential opportunity to continue in the role beyond the contract.

Compensation: The consultant will be asked to sign a six month contract for approximately 10-15 hours per week over the contracted period at the rate of $40-55 an hour, commensurate with experience. The consultant is responsible for all taxes. 

Applications: The deadline for proposals is no later than 5:00 pm EST on Dec. 2nd, 2023. Email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references in PDF format to

ca**********************@gm***.com











with the subject line “[FULL NAME] – Communications Coordinator Application”) 

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Part-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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