WiserEarth Translations

The Rural Development Leadership Network is a national, multicultural social change organization dedicated to assisting rural communities achieve equity, overcome poverty, and enable all people to reach their full potential and participate fully in the community and society at large. RDLN identifies emerging leaders in poor rural areas and strengthens their abilities and effectiveness through practical field project work, education, leadership development, exposure to new resources and contacts, peer support and networking. RDLN was founded in 1983. 

The role of the Deputy Director is to assist RDLN’s President in program development and administration, including recruitment and selection of participants, coordination of a month-long Rural Development Institute, support to Leaders and their Advisors in the field, planning and coordination of gatherings and special projects, organizational planning and review, fundraising, communications, finance, record keeping, reporting and documentation.

Previous experience in social justice, rural community development, nontraditional education, organizing, fundraising, and nonprofit administration is desired. 

We are looking for someone who has a passionate concern for U.S. poor rural communities and emerging leaders there, can nurture the development of these leaders individually and as a group, and advocate effectively on their behalf. Commitment to values of equity and bottom-up development is important. Ability to relate to and cooperate with people of diverse backgrounds and kinds and levels of responsibility within the Network and in other organizations is important. Strong writing and speaking skills are needed. Ability to conceptualize rural issues and policies is helpful, as are proficiency in speaking and writing in both English and Spanish and personal experience with rural poverty. 

Initially, the role of the Deputy Director will be to learn about the philosophy and practices of the organization, as well as to provide administrative support. Opportunities are anticipated for increased responsibility, personal and professional growth, a chance to contribute to the development of a vital, evolving organization, and a chance to contribute to a better world.

Spanish helpful 

Web and graphic design helpful 

Fundraising experience important

Please send a bio, resume, and letter of interest with at least two references to RDLN, P.O. Box 98, Prince St. Station, New York, NY 10012 or email to deputyrdln@aol.com