Interested in sustainable economic development and social justice? Apply for the 2012-2013 Rural Support Partners Fellowship Program. Applications are due April 20 and more information (including great video testimony from previous and current fellows) is available on the RSP website. Our Appalachian Transition team can speak to the great work Rural Support Partners does in our region, and loved working with Noah Wilson –current RSP Fellow–this winter. Good luck, and spread the word to anyone interested!
About Rural Support Partners
Rural Support Partners (RSP) is a social enterprise working across the rural Southeast to deepen the impact of leaders, organizations, and networks working toward sustainable economic development and social justice.
Our services (Management, Strategy & Evaluation) are based in a strong commitment to rural communities, and result in increased organizational effectiveness, improved strategies, and deepened impact. Our deepest interest is to help rural areas return to an era of prosperity and economic innovation, while building power within historically marginalized populations and sustaining our natural resources and culture. Please see RSP’s website at www.ruralsupportpartners.com for additional information on our work.
About the Fellowship Program
RSP is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for the next generation of rural sustainable economic development practitioners. We provide Rural Fellows with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional networks, and learn the values, history, and philosophy upholding rural organizing and community development work. In return, Fellows increase our capacity to serve, while bringing unlimited energy, excitement, and curiosity to our work.
Currently, RSP is accepting applications for a one-year Fellowship beginning in June of 2012. This position is based in Asheville, NC, and is designed for individuals in the early stages of their careers.
Responsibilities
The Fellowship program comes with significant responsibilities, including co-management of regional networks of rural development practitioners and funders, co-facilitation of organizational development projects, management of participatory research and evaluation efforts, and taking a leadership role within the RSP team.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
Although the Fellowship program is expected to be a learning opportunity, the ideal Rural Fellow will have many of the following characteristics:
- Commitment to racial and economic justice
- Experience working with non-profit organizations
- Experience working in rural areas
- Experience working across race/class/gender/cultural lines
- Strong collaboration, teamwork, and group decision-making skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft office technology, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as proficiency in or a willingness to learn other online, audio, and video programs
- Willingness to travel throughout the region, including occasional overnight trips
- A graduate degree or at least two years of relevant work experience preferred
Compensation and Benefits
Fellows receive a taxable stipend of $2,000 per month, along with a $200 per month health insurance allowance, one week of paid vacation, and 10 paid holidays per year.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume to fellowship@ruralsupportpartners.com. Resumes must be received by April 20, 2012 to be considered. No phone calls, please.
