Stewards VISTA: Rural Economy Diversification Coordinator Y1

Overview

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC) is a nonprofit regional economic development organization established in 2006 to support economic growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability in southeastern Montana. EPEDC serves five rural counties and works with local governments, businesses, and community partners to strengthen local and regional economies.

Communities in eastern Montana face economic vulnerability tied to reliance on agriculture and energy industries, large geographic distances, and limited workforce pipelines. While unemployment rates may appear steady, many residents experience limited job mobility, seasonal employment, and exposure to market shifts. As energy-related industries change, rural communities need long-term tools to support diversification and economic resilience.

This Ameri Corps VISTA position focuses on building the internal systems EPEDC uses to support communities navigating economic transition. The VISTA will develop staff-ready datasets, planning frameworks, stakeholder engagement systems, and resource guides that inform long-term decision-making and future updates to the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. These tools will help EPEDC respond more strategically to community needs across a large, rural service area.

This will break the cycle of poverty by strengthening systems that guide strategic investment, expand access to economic opportunities, and support stable employment pathways in rural communities.

The VISTA will build internal systems and frameworks that strengthen EPEDC’s capacity to bolster energy transition & economic diversification across rural eastern Montana. Activities include developing a regional energy transition and economic diversification framework; organizing centralized datasets related to workforce, industry, and energy trends; and creating staff-ready planning tools that support long-term decision-making. The VISTA will design a stakeholder engagement system that documents partners, priorities, and collaboration pathways producing resource guides and planning materials that identify funding research and development pathways.

The VISTA will also develop an economic diversification roadmap with prioritized, implementation-ready projects and tools that inform future updates to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. All systems, tools, and documentation created will be used by EPEDC staff to guide planning and support long-term economic resilience.

• Relocation Allowance
• Health Coverage*
• Stipend
• $60/ month cell phone reimbursement
• Training
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend
• Childcare assistance if eligible

• Community Outreach
• Entrepreneur/Business
• Community and Economic Development

• Computers/Technology
• Writing/Editing
• Communications
• Community Organization
• Fund raising/Grant Writing
• Education

• Strong research, data organization, writing, or analytical skills
• Interest in rural economic development or regional planning