About Wellspring Cooperative

Wellspring Cooperative is a non-profit creating an economy that is cooperative, equitable, democratic, and sustainable. We work with historically under-served communities in the Greater Springfield region by developing a network of worker cooperatives and by supporting community-led initiatives to cultivate cooperatives and collective well-being.

Job Overview

This is a full time senior position based in Springfield and Holyoke, MA. This role will support Wellspring Cooperative’s mission in general with a focus on program work. The Team Member will be part of the Program Team which at present primarily includes the Co-directors. A successful candidate will be able to work both independently and within a collaborative and cooperative environment. Some general responsibilities include providing support for our network of worker cooperatives, co-op development through education and technical assistance, developing cooperative community/solidarity economy initiatives (e.g our shared use community kitchen and multi-faceted Community Land Trust), and planning Wellspring events.

The ideal candidate is:

• Someone who is passionate about creating an economy that prioritizes people and the planet over profit.
• Able to work with diverse populations with respect and cultural/class sensitivity.
• Able to work well in a team and facilitate team meetings with a collaborative orientation. 
• Able to creatively problem solve and learn on the job. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Worker Cooperatives: Develop new worker cooperatives and support existing ones in our network. Wellspring cooperatives are a diverse set of organizations, so the operational needs of each co-op vary greatly. The Team Member will support these varied operations, as well as provide hiring, training, finance, and technical support as needed. All aspects of building a small business are areas in which member co-ops may request help from the Team Member.

• Wellspring Cooperative Network: Support the Wellspring Cooperative Network composed of the Wellspring Cooperative non-profit along with the for-profit member worker co-ops. 

• Community Initiatives: Support cooperative community/solidarity economy initiatives including our community kitchen in Holyoke, CLT (community land trust) development, and other community collaborations. 

• Program Planning: Work collaboratively with other staff members to create and implement strategic plans, plan events, conduct meetings, and other shared tasks.

Qualifications:

• College degree or equivalent experience

• Community engagement experience especially in the Greater Springfield area

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and facilitation skills

• Extensive leadership skills with experience in program management.

• Experience in organizing and leading community initiatives.

• Proficiency with computer programs e.g. Office Apps and Google Workspace

• Able to work under pressure on a range of program areas and stay on top of multiple deadlines.

• Excitement about and openness to learning new skills and ideas

• Ability to learn on the job and problem solve

Preferred skills

• Spanish language proficiency strongly preferred

• Human resource experience including team and leadership development, conflict resolution 

• Business development and support experience - worker owned co-op specific experience preferred 

• Knowledge of solidarity economy principles and practices

We value Springfield and Holyoke’s diverse populations and encourage people of color to apply. Multiple types of traditional and non-traditional experience will be considered, including lived experience, volunteer experience, job experience, training, and formal education.

This role is based in Springfield and Holyoke, and requires frequent in-person responsibilities.

How to apply: Click Apply for This Job and email a resume, cover letter, and three references.