2025 Program Coordinator Rural Prosperity and Investment

MDC seeks a Program Coordinator to support MDC’s rural capacity building and technical assistance work in North Carolina and beyond. This role will provide direct program, policy, and management support for county or issue-based efforts through programmatic support to the Rural Prosperity and Investment (RPI) Program Directors and other relevant staff. The Program Coordinator will enhance and strengthen MDC’s rural community-driven capacity-building services and develop additional skills by supporting MDC Rural Prosperity and Investment staff, community partners, and other constituents. Under the supervision of a Program Director, the Program Coordinator will support work in specific geographic locations and issue areas, with an additional special focus on enhancing policy analysis on a variety of issues. 

Learn more about projects in the Rural Prosperity and Investment issue area by visiting https://www.mdcinc.org/projects/#rural-communities.  

MDC enjoys support from national and regional partners in private philanthropy, business, and government. MDC envisions a South where systemic inequities no longer exist, and all people thrive. 

About MDC (Meaning, Dignity, and Community) 

Founded in 1967, MDC catalyzes and accelerates economic mobility across the thirteen Southern states by activating changemakers, strengthening capacity, framing key issues, and cultivating networks—centering equity through it all. 

​​MDC is based in Durham, NC with a staff of approximately 45 and oversight from a national board of directors.  Our leadership team includes our President and CEO, two Vice-presidents, and four Senior Program Directors that cover our major issue areas.   

1. Leadership & Philanthropy 

1. Educational Equity 

1. Economic Security & Mobility 

1. Rural Prosperity & Investment 

About the Program Coordinator for Rural Prosperity and Investment 

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for leading and supporting project planning, facilitation, coalition building, community outreach and communications, and other capacity building services and technical assistance services. There is a strong preference for candidates based in or connected to eastern or western North Carolina who have a keen interest or passion for rural communities. Competitive candidates will be able to demonstrate proficiency for one or more Rural Prosperity and Investment programs. This is a hybrid (virtual and in-person) position, and candidates should be available to travel into communities across the state for up to 30% of their time.  

This position is meant for someone wanting to grow their experience and capacity building skills, though our preference is for some previous work with rural capacity building. This is a new position at MDC and the successful candidate will build the role as part of a close-knit, mission-driven team.  

Specific tasks may include:  

1. Co-leading and planning the coordination, facilitation, and documentation for a diverse array of community coalition/group meetings and convenings.  

1. Building and maintaining relationships with community and agency partners across the state.  

1. Supporting the development of community-based projects, coalitions, and groups on an ongoing basis.  

1. Drafting logic models, asset maps, project management tools, and other documents.  

1. Supporting policy change efforts by researching and summarizing public policy. Presenting policy research and recommendations to/for local, state, and regional groups.  

1. Use various primary and secondary sources to acquire subject knowledge and gather policy specific literature and data to inform and educate on rural topics and issues.  

1. Draft one-pagers, graphics, policy briefs, and other presentation formats to share research information with internal and external audiences.  

1. Identifying and developing projects that further the goals of a given program.  

1. Participate in strategic design sessions to determine and monitor goals for individual events and the overall program.  

1. Support partnership managers and/or program directors with grants and contracts management, including reporting (as relevant).  

1. Representing MDC at meetings convened by local, state, and national partner organizations.  

Other Duties  

Other responsibilities and opportunities as required or as time allows including opportunities to develop an individual policy-research and writing portfolio. 

This position is supervised by a Program Director. 

Qualifications 

We seek candidates who have a keen interest, passion, and/or experience in rural communities. Competitive candidates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the objectives of one or more Rural Prosperity and Investment projects. This is a hybrid (virtual and in-person) position, and candidates will travel across North Carolina or other southern states up to 30% of their time. Successful candidates will be both self-directed and comfortable collaborating with a close-knit, mission-driven team.  

1. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent level of experience.  

1. A minimum of one year’s experience in a relevant field (partnership and/or network development, policy advocacy).  

1. A demonstrated interest and commitment to MDC’s mission and equity in the South.  

1. Advanced training in the concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

1. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, be comfortable in a fast-paced, often ambiguous environment, and be able to adapt to change and growth.  

1. Demonstrated ability and skill in the coordination and management of event logistics, including interfacing with vendors, following timelines, and being a primary point of contact.  

1. Demonstrated understanding of relationship development and good interpersonal communication skills.  

1. Demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals of group facilitation.  

1. Experience in community outreach, research, policy, and data analysis, and/or program evaluation.  

1. Excellent oral and written skills to communicate with a variety of audiences.  

1. A sincere curiosity about rural communities; willingness to explore issues of inclusion, power, privilege, and diversity; and exceptional commitment to personal integrity, professionalism, and excellence.  

1. Ability to think creatively and collaboratively, while also taking initiative on projects.  

1. Skilled in detail-oriented customer service and responsive to community and staff needs.  

1. Excellent proficiency in utilizing meeting platforms and internet tools, including a high proficiency with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Google Docs, WordPress, Canva, Asana experience, and managing organizational contacts with CRM software (Salsa, Salesforce, etc.).  

Organizational Culture 

We work in a high-paced environment with full days but remain dedicated to a strong work/life balance.  We strive to produce excellent work toward our individual and collective goals as a program and as part of MDC.  Staff members have their own projects but will also be expected to work collaboratively. Staff are required to attend quarterly in-person meetings in Durham, NC. Travel across North Carolina or other southern states several times per month is also required. Office space is available in Durham, NC upon request. 

1. The Rural Prosperity & Investment team currently consists of a senior director, 2 program directors, 5 partnership managers, 1 program administrator, 1 program coordinator, and 5 program associates (interns). 

1. The Rural Prosperity & Investment team meets virtually twice every month for two hours, once in person quarterly, and has at least one retreat per year.    

To Apply 

The hiring range for this position is $46,000 - $53,000. 

MDC offers an excellent benefits package.  This position will be a full-time exempt position and is eligible for a full package of benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; vacation, sick, and personal leave; employee assistance program, wellness benefit, remote work stipend and paid retirement account contributions with match. 

MDC is an equal opportunity employer. As an organization committed to diversity and equity, it is our policy to provide an equal employment opportunity to all individuals without regard to age, color, race, religion, national origin, disability, military/veteran status, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or status in any other group, protected by federal or local law or for any other reason. We encourage applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups. Further, MDC values candidates with lived experience relevant to our mission.  Reasonable accommodations are available on request.  

1. For more information about MDC, visit www.mdcinc.org.  

1. Send your application package (cover letter, resume, and three references) electronically through JazzHR rather than by regular mail.  

1. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first round of 60-minute interviews over Zoom scheduled to begin the week of December 9, 2024.   

1. The desired start date for this position is February 3, 2025.    

1. If you require assistance with your application, please email Everett.Campbell@mdcinc.org. 

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