Application Guide
How to Apply for Thriving Communities Rural & Remote Program Officer
at RE-AMP
🏢 About RE-AMP
RE-AMP is a unique collaborative network of over 120 nonprofits and foundations across ten Midwestern states, united by a shared goal to equitably eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Working here means being part of a collective strategy that leverages diverse expertise and resources for climate solutions, with a strong emphasis on equity and collaboration. If you're passionate about systemic change and working within a network that values partnership over competition, RE-AMP offers an inspiring and mission-driven environment.
About This Role
As the Thriving Communities Rural & Remote Program Officer, you will be the primary liaison between the EPA-funded Thriving Communities Grantmaker (TCGM) program and the RE-AMP Network, managing and supporting up to 35 grantees across rural and remote communities in the Midwest. Your work will directly empower these communities to access and utilize federal funds for climate and environmental justice projects, ensuring compliance and maximizing impact. This role is impactful because it bridges federal resources with grassroots needs, fostering equitable development in underserved areas.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking in with 3-4 grantees via video call to discuss progress and any challenges, followed by reviewing budget amendments for a grantee adjusting to new EPA guidance. After lunch, you might draft a quarterly progress report for the funder, then collaborate with the RE-AMP team on a risk assessment for a new grantee cohort. The day ends with updating your project management tool and responding to emails from grantees seeking technical assistance.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RE-AMP Is Looking For
- Has direct experience working with rural communities in the Midwest, understanding their unique challenges and cultural contexts.
- Possesses hands-on experience managing federal grants, especially through the EPA, including budget revisions and compliance reporting.
- Demonstrates strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple grantees, timelines, and deliverables simultaneously.
- Shows a deep commitment to racial equity and can apply an equity lens to grant management and stakeholder relationships.
📝 Tips for Applying to RE-AMP
Highlight any specific experience you have with EPA grants, especially the Thriving Communities program or similar environmental justice initiatives.
In your resume and cover letter, use concrete examples of how you've built relationships with rural stakeholders and navigated their specific needs.
Mention your familiarity with the Midwest region—name specific states, communities, or partnerships you've worked with.
Demonstrate your ability to work independently by describing a remote work scenario where you successfully managed a project without direct supervision.
Show your commitment to equity by detailing how you've incorporated racial equity principles into past grant management or community engagement work.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your direct experience with rural Midwest communities and understanding of their distinct needs and assets.', 'Your expertise in federal grant management, particularly with EPA grants, including budget tracking and compliance.', 'Your ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously, with specific examples of successful outcomes.', "Your alignment with RE-AMP's mission and your commitment to equitable climate solutions."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review RE-AMP's theory of change and how the TCGM program fits into their broader strategy for equitable decarbonization.
- → Familiarize yourself with the EPA's Thriving Communities program and its specific goals and requirements.
- → Learn about the key environmental justice issues in the Midwest, such as agricultural pollution or energy transition in coal communities.
- → Read recent RE-AMP blog posts or annual reports to understand their current priorities and language.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overlook the requirement for experience with rural communities—generic urban-focused experience won't suffice.
- Avoid vague statements about equity; instead, provide concrete examples of how you've operationalized equity in past roles.
- Don't underestimate the importance of federal grant compliance; failing to mention specific EPA grant experience could be a red flag.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!