Cooperative Development Specialist

Company Overview

NWCDC, a 501c3 non-profit, provides education and technical assistance to workers, producers, and consumers to support their efforts to start, support and/or expand cooperatives. NWCDC promotes cooperatives as a vibrant business model to address the economic and social needs of communities. NWCDC fulfills this mission by:

• Educating the public, community institutions and government agencies to foster and promote an understanding of cooperatives.
• Identifying and disseminating information about successful practices and models for cooperatives.
• Providing technical assistance and education for the development of cooperatives to best address economic and social needs.
• Assisting in the conversion of existing businesses to cooperative enterprises either through worker ownership or a multi-stakeholder (solidarity) model.
• Operating a revolving loan fund and partners with other co-op centric lenders to help facilitate the development of cooperative enterprises.

Communities throughout the Northwest are comprised of diverse people. NWCDC values and respects the identities of all. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. NWCDC acknowledges that we will always have room to grow as an organization and as individuals in our understanding of racism and oppression. We commit ourselves to ongoing alignment of our policies and practices to advance racial equity, inclusion, and freedom of expression.

Position Summary

This Cooperative Development Specialist position will support general co-op development with a mix of housing and general development projects. The ideal candidate will have the experience and skills necessary to support cooperative development within a diverse community and be able to lead in-person meetings and be based in the Olympia area to serve the south sound counties of Thurston, Lewis, Mason, and Grays Harbor.

The Cooperative Development Specialist will work with a dedicated team of Cooperative Development Specialists who provide direct technical assistance to community resident owners, existing cooperatives, as well as start-up co-ops and conversions of existing businesses to the cooperative enterprise model. NWCDC is a member of ROC-USA, Worker to Owners Collaborative, and CooperationWorks Each brings important training tools to the program. In addition to providing direct cooperative development services, this position will also engage in general co-op education, support the marketing and outreach efforts of the organization, and maintain connections with existing co-ops and co-op networks.

Main Objective: Support the development of new cooperatives, existing cooperatives, and the conversion of existing businesses into cooperatives.

Objectives:

1. Coach cooperative boards and managers on the cooperative enterprise model in terms of governance and management techniques.

2. Coach steering and buyout committees to assist them with the successful launch of a cooperative business.

3. Provide training and education to support co-ops in becoming self-sufficient
   
   organizations that advocate for and serve their members effectively

4. Be an honest and reliable advisor to cooperatives as they navigate their business environment.

5. Further the overall cooperative economy by supporting existing cooperatives and cooperative networks and trade associations, assisting in creating new cooperatives, and improving NWCDC's capacity to develop cooperatives.

6. Provide information about cooperatives to the general public, policymakers, and economic developers as needed.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Completing market research completing feasibility studies, including conducting surveys, interviews with key informants, and building financial pro formas

2. Organizing and facilitating workshops using adult education methodologies

3. Developing and leading presentations on various topics related to cooperative business formation, such as good practices in communications, conflict resolution, decision-making options, and roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, members, and staff

4. Supporting the development of training materials (presentations and written materials)

5. Preparing progress reports for funders

6. Providing training to resident-owned communities in compliance with the ROC-USA model.

7. Completing reporting required for ROCs as stipulated in the ROC-USA model.

8. Grant preparation, conference organizing and support, and other projects that include all NWCDC staff

9. Commit to the CooperationWorks Principles and NWCDC policies.

10. Be responsible for your own hours and schedules within the confines of this Job Description.

11. Develop and maintain good working relationships with co-workers.

12. Participate in Staff meetings and Staff retreats.

13. Treat co-workers with respect and courtesy.

14. Protect and conserve the Center's assets.

15. Be cognizant of the strategic goals of NWCDC.

16. Within the constraints of this job description, make decisions and take actions that further the mission and strategic goals of the NWCDC.

17. Additional duties as directed by the Co-Executive Directors.

Qualifications:

1. Strong communication and facilitation skills

2. Attention to detail

3. Ability to problem-solve complex business and relational issues

4. Strong public speaking skills.

5. Learn and use software systems

6. Ability to analyze and present complex data.

7. Ability to think strategically and plan long-term.

8. Ability to read and interpret legal and policy documents

9. Basic financial analytic skills

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in Spanish
• Previous experience as a co-op developer/business consultant

Inclusion

In accordance with Federal law, this institution is prohibited from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. NWCDC is an equal-opportunity employer and service provider. We promote economic prosperity for all through our work with our clients, our hiring practices, and or vigorous commitment to cooperative principles. We strive daily to acknowledge and eliminate all forms of oppression. By examining bias within ourselves and our organization, we work mindfully to make our board and staff more inclusive. We actively fight against racism, classism, gender inequality, and all efforts to marginalize anyone. The nature of our work engages us directly with the working poor, the educationally disadvantaged, the elderly, immigrants, and refugees. It is our goal to see all of our clients prosper within the cooperative movement. We welcome applicants from underrepresented identities and those who have a commitment and track record of bringing an inclusive and equitable approach to their work.

Compensation:

• Salary is $64,700 (non-exempt for overtime)
• Health insurance (including vision and dental)
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 paid vacation days
• 401k with 3% contribution (match not necessary)
• Allowance for home office

How to Apply

Submit the following documents in PDF form to

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Reference Sheet including 3 professional references

This position will be open until filled.

Pay: From $64,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Olympia, WA 98501