ETCOG EDA Economic Development VISTA

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Recruiting Organization: U.S. Economic Development Administration- Austin Office VISTA Program

Our VISTA Teammate will be engaged to help East Texas Economic Development District (ETEDD) staff to enhance economic development in East Texas. The VISTA will be reviewing and assisting in improving our Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The VISTA will assist in broadband planning efforts, as well as assist in establishing the Brownfields Program to restore lost economic assets to the business community within the East Texas region. As a member of the EDD team, the VISTA will assist the EDD and regional stakeholders with the identification, application, and administration of economic development grant funds for the betterment of the 14-county region. They will learn how to analyze economic development data, how to assess the needs of individual communities and how to provide solutions to those communities so they have the greatest chance of future economic development success. The VISTA will collaborate with the Executive Director, the Division Director, other ETCOG staff and regional stakeholders to accomplish these efforts. There is a flexible start date from June-August 2022 and telework may be permitted. This project is sponsored by the Austin Regional Office (AURO) of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and will be directly supervised by the East Texas Council of Governments in Kilgore, Texas. The overall EDA Mission is "to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."

The VISTA will review our region wide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), compare it to other CEDS identified as "best practice" CEDS, and make recommendations for modifications to improve EDD reach and effectiveness throughout our 14-County region. The VISTA will assess local community needs and help to align community and regional needs to provide individual solutions to address economic development issues in small and poverty-stricken communities, especially in relation to economic disaster resiliency. The VISTA will also assist ETCOG's efforts to establish a Brownfields program to revitalize and restore lost economic assets within the region by assisting with completing and submitting grant applications as well as Brownfield program research and management efforts. The VISTA will also assist in grant research, grant application assistance and development of ETCOG's ongoing efforts to increase the availability of broadband internet services throughout the region.

During Service

· The position provides a $1,350/month living stipend.

· Relocation Assistance

· Health Care Program

· Child Care

· Student Loan Deferment and Interest Forbearance

· Professional Development

After Service

· End of Service Award - After a successful year of service, VISTAs can choose to receive either a:

· $1,800 cash stipend or

· $6,345 Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be put towards student loans or pursuing further education.

· Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) Status - Once a VISTA successfully completes service that VISTA will receive one year of non-competitive eligibility for employment in the federal government. (This special hiring status enables the former VISTA to apply for federal jobs with the advantage of not having to go through the standard public competitive selection process.)

· Access to a large AmeriCorps Alumni network.

Stipend ProvidedFalse

Training ProvidedFalse

Housing AvailableFalse

Language/Cultral Support AvailableFalse

Wheelchair AccessibleFalse

Fee RequiredFalse

Fee Amount: None

This opportunity is recurring