Join Our Team!

Call for Self-Nominations to Keystone Development Center’s (KDC) Board of Directors ​

KDC is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing technical and research assistance to groups who wish to organize as cooperatives as well as established cooperatives and businesses.  Our experienced team of cooperative and business development specialists can support you and your group from development through to operations. Through this we meet the economic and business development needs of rural and non-rural areas in the multi-state area of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware.
 
Typically, we support approximately 20 clients each year. For a list of client highlights click this link:  http://www.kdc.coop/client-highlights.html . We are a very small organization with a big impact.  Our board consists leaders from multiple cooperative, economic development, non-profit, government, educational and agricultural organizations. Below is a link so you can see our current board representatives.   http://www.kdc.coop/about/board_of_directors/ .
 
At this phase of our growth we are specifically looking for individuals who will bring at least one of the following skills to our organization: finance, fundraising, marketing, and human resources. Enthusiasm for the mission is a key qualification and we will be especially thrilled with candidates who have board experience and/or experience in local and regional food systems issues.
 
Board Member Requirements 
1. Demonstrate commitment to and understanding of the mission of KDC.
2. Have a passion for or professional experience related to KDC programs and management. 
For example:
  1. Professional experience with the food industry (farming, food service, food processing);
  2. Cooperative and non-profit organizational governance, fundraising or financial management; or
  3. Cooperative, for profit and non-profit business development and financial management.

Board Member Duties 
  • Attend 3 regularly scheduled remote board meetings and one in person annual meeting in May in Harrisburg, PA.
  • Assume leadership roles and participate actively on at least one committee or an equivalent function.
  • Review minutes and agenda items in advance of meetings and stay well informed regarding the organization’s fiscal and program work.
  • Participate in decision-making regarding organizational development, policy, and strategy.
  • Listen respectfully to other points of view.
  • Act as an ambassador, actively promoting KDC to the community.
  • Disclose and avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
 
If you are interested in adding your hat to the ring, please send me a 1 or 2 paragraph description of who you are and how your work or interests relates to our mission along with a resume and the names of 3 references to the nominations committee by April 30th, 2019.
 
Thanks much for your consideration. If you are interesting please contact Stephen McDow, Director of Membership at: stephen@kdc.coop.

Cooperative Development Consultant

KDC is growing and in need of a Cooperative Development Consultant. A successful Cooperative Development Consultant would have:
  • A strong interest/background in local food systems, cooperative business development, community organizing, and worker/immigrant rights.
  • 2-3 years’ experience working with social groups, including meeting facilitation and coordination, democratic decision-making, and mediation.
  • Ability to learn quickly and interest in developing a variety of new skills; able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines; ability to work both autonomously and in a team.
  • Willingness to engage with the cooperative members, the customers of the co-ops, and other individuals and organizations supporting the development of the cooperative businesses.
  • Superior organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated experience with written and oral presentation skills. 
Clients and Projects
  • Provide technical assistance to cooperative clients, including educational activities related to cooperative basics, governance, equity development, management, and administrative systems.
  • Coordinate process of legal incorporation and governance of co-ops with attorneys.
  • Perform market and feasibility studies, develop pro forma financials, and write business plans.
  • Attend client meetings in the evenings and on weekends (20% of time).
  • Support the various co-op committees and the development of the leadership of those members.
  • Develop, review and assist in implementing marketing strategy with co-op members.
  • Provide quality service, responsiveness and positive presentation.
  • Coordinate annual client evaluations.
Grants, Contracts and Finances
  • Assist in preparing documents for monthly staff reports and quarterly board meetings.
  • Preserve and grow KDC’s impact by maintaining customer contact database/member information.
  • Organize and maintain record and reporting systems and files in the cloud.
  • Support prompt response to contacts/inquiries by coordinating with appropriate staff.
  • Support grant and contract preparation and compliance.
  • Assist with preparation or reports for grants and contracts managing due dates and requirements.
  • Invoice clients by funded project.
  • Assist the bookkeeper with bills and payroll.
  • Complete other tasks as assigned.

Geographic Location: PA, NJ, DE and MD
Supervision: The Cooperative Development Consultant will report to the Executive Director. Ongoing weekly individual and group supervision will be provided.
Qualifications:
  • B.A. or M.A. level in Social Work, Sociology, Community Development, Business, or other related field.
  • Business development and entrepreneurial experience is preferred.
  • Experience with community organizing.
  • Experience with media and communications messaging a plus. 
Compensation commensurate with experience. Candidates, please submit a cover letter, resume, and cooperative development portfolio their full resume along with a cover letter that includes salary requirements by email to Peggy Fogarty, Executive Director, at jobs@kdc.coop prior to May 15, 2019. Subject line should include: “Cooperative Development Consultant position.” NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
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Keystone Development Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer and does not discriminate on any basis including sexual
orientation, race, creed, color, religion, gender identification, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or familial status.