Application Guide

How to Apply for Community Economic Development Consultant I (Job #347) ($76,103 - $83,976)

at Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)

🏢 About Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)

RCAC is unique for its dedicated focus on economic transformation specifically within rural and Tribal communities, not just general economic development. Working here means directly contributing to building sustainable local economies and empowering underserved populations through hands-on, community-led strategies.

About This Role

This role involves providing direct business coaching to rural/Tribal entrepreneurs while also designing training programs and building capacity in local partner organizations. It's impactful because you'll be creating tangible economic opportunities and strengthening entire entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities that often lack access to such resources.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual one-on-one coaching sessions with rural entrepreneurs, developing curriculum for an upcoming entrepreneurial training workshop, collaborating with local partner organizations to strengthen their capacity, and researching funding opportunities for community projects. You'll balance direct client work with strategic ecosystem building activities.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) Is Looking For

  • Has 2+ years of hands-on business coaching experience helping small businesses with operations, management, and growth strategies
  • Demonstrates experience in entrepreneurial ecosystem building, such as working with incubators, accelerators, or local economic development organizations
  • Possesses specific knowledge of rural and Indigenous community dynamics, challenges, and cultural considerations
  • Has successfully connected entrepreneurs to funding resources like grants, loans, or investment opportunities

📝 Tips for Applying to Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)

1

Quantify your business coaching impact - how many businesses have you helped, what percentage increased revenue, how many jobs were created

2

Highlight any remote work experience, as this position is fully remote but requires strong self-management and virtual collaboration skills

3

Include specific examples of working with rural or Tribal communities, even if volunteer or pro bono work

4

Demonstrate your understanding of RCAC's dual focus on both business development AND community economic development in your materials

5

Show how you've built capacity in partner organizations - not just worked with entrepreneurs directly

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with business coaching for small businesses, especially in operations and management', "Specific examples of entrepreneurial ecosystem building you've contributed to", "Understanding of rural/Tribal community dynamics and how you've addressed their unique challenges", 'Your approach to designing and delivering both in-person and virtual training programs']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → RCAC's specific programs and initiatives in different regions (check their website for regional reports)
  • → Current economic challenges facing rural and Tribal communities that RCAC addresses
  • → RCAC's funding partners and how they measure success in community economic development
  • → The organization's approach to community-led strategies versus top-down solutions
Visit Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you helped a small business overcome operational challenges - what was your coaching approach?
2 How would you assess the needs of a rural community with limited entrepreneurial infrastructure?
3 What strategies have you used to connect entrepreneurs with funding, and what barriers have you encountered?
4 How do you adapt training programs for different learning styles and community contexts?
5 Tell us about a time you built capacity in a partner organization - what was your process and outcome?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using only urban/suburban business development examples without rural/Tribal context
  • Focusing solely on individual business success without mentioning community ecosystem building
  • Applying with generic economic development experience that doesn't address RCAC's specific rural/Tribal focus

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)!

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