Changemaker-in-Residence

Empowering Change started with a mission to educate and inform our own individual growth to empower us to live our best lives today. Empowering our thoughts to change minds manifests change from information into the physical reality in which we coexist as humans. Turning innovative ideas into tangible social impact is the alchemy of changemaking, and we want to incubate social good that dignifies every human's right to exist within a collective of others along our respective individual journeys. We acknowledge an assumed premise of "help" and limitations of one-size-fits-all social programs while respecting our autonomy of thought and authority of first-person lived experience. The Changemaker-in-Residence program seeks to both incubate measurable change and syndicate the very best strategies accessible for the greatest possible benefit.Position Overview:The Changemaker-in-Residence is a unique, hands-on, results-driven role for passionate individuals ready to translate innovative ideas into tangible action. This position goes beyond conceptualization – it's about rolling up your sleeves and implementing solutions that create measurable positive impact in the real world. Think of it as pitching on "Shark Tank" for social good – we're looking for your groundbreaking ideas and the drive to bring them to life.Key Responsibilities:1. Develop and pitch your social impact idea2. Transform innovative social impact ideas into real results3. Implement one or more initiatives, managing all aspects from funding initiation to planning, stakeholder management, resource allocation, on-the-ground execution, and after-action evaluation and awareness promotion4. Design and track innovative success metrics and key performance indicators that go beyond traditional cost-benefit analysis to measure real-world impact5. Adapt strategies in real-time based on on-the-ground realities and feedback6. Collaborate with community stakeholders to ensure initiatives meet actual needs7. Document practical learnings, challenges, and successes throughout the implementation process8. Demonstrate tangible, measurable outcomes of your workWhat We're Looking For:• Passion for creating positive social change and empowering others• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and ability to take initiative• Skill in quickly mobilizing resources and forming networks, especially for securing grant funding• Adaptability and comfort with being a jack-of-all-trades who can wear multiple hats• Innovative thinking coupled with practical problem-solving skills• Resilience and ability to own both successes and failures, learning from both• Strong drive to turn ideas into action and see projects through to completion• Intrinsic motivation to explore personal boundaries and push beyond comfort for the greater good• Ability to work effectively in unfamiliar and uncomfortable community settings as an outsider• Excellent project management skills in fast-paced, often ambiguous environments• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with various stakeholders• Commitment to designing defensible evaluation metrics and collecting unbiased data• Willingness to take calculated risks and pivot strategies when necessary• Self-motivation and ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively• Capacity to celebrate failures as learning opportunities and approach challenges with renewed purpose• Ability to design projects with achievable milestones in months, not years• Willingness to "fail fast" and pivot when necessary• Openness to learning and personal growth throughout the processNote: This role requires a unique blend of skills and attitudes. We're looking for individuals who can independently drive projects from conception to completion, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a positive, purpose-driven outlook even in the face of setbacks. Your ability to innovate, network, and persevere is just as important as your specific skills or experience.Unique Program Structure:Our Changemaker-in-Residence program offers a hybrid model that combines elements of fiscal sponsorship and startup incubation:1. Seed Funding: Initial funding provided by our founder to kickstart your project2. Fiscal Sponsorship: Empowering Change can expedite your project under our US Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) status for receiving grant funding3. Startup Support: We provide resources typically associated with startup incubators, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential access to additional funding4. Flexible Duration: The length of your residency is tied to your project's needs and success, rather than a predetermined timeframe5. Results-Oriented Approach: Continued support is linked to achieving key success metrics and demonstrating impact6. Potential for Spin-Off: Successful projects may have the opportunity to spin off into independent social enterprises or nonprofits7. Global Scope: Open to international applicants and projectsThis structure allows you to focus on creating meaningful change with the stability of an established nonprofit and the innovative spirit of a startup.Funding and Support:This role is initially self-funded by our founder, with an expectation that you'll work towards securing external funding (e.g., grants) as part of your project. We provide seed funding to get you started, but part of your role is to make your project sustainable. The position duration is flexible, based on project success and funding availability, with potential for extension upon achieving key success metrics.Our founder, Rowan, is committed to supporting you with networks and resources. This is a mutual learning journey driven by passion, not profit. We're all doing this for our mutual benefit, not so somebody can get rich off your labor.Application Process:Submit a pitch for your social impact idea, including:1. Project overview2. Implementation plan3. Proposed success metrics4. Estimated timeline and resource needsCommitment to Diversity and Inclusion:Empowering Change exists to elevate the gifts of diversity inclusive of our full authentic selves. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from historically disadvantaged and oppressed groups. We recognize the powerful stories and unique insights that these individuals bring to changemaking. This includes, but is not limited to:• Citizens of the world residing outside the United States• Women and individuals of all gender identities• People of color• Indigenous peoples and those displaced from their native lands• LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those who are transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming• Individuals with physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities or different abilities• Neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurological differences• People with chronic illnesses or invisible disabilities• Deaf and hard of hearing individuals• Blind and visually impaired individuals• Those healing from the scars of war or conflict• Refugees and immigrants• Individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds• Individuals from religious or ethnic minorities• Formerly incarcerated individuals• Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking• First-generation college graduates• Veterans and military families• Individuals from rural or underserved communities• Older adults and those from intergenerational households• Single parents and caregivers• Individuals who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness• Those who have faced or are facing personal crises• People who have experienced drug use stigmatization or substance abuse• Individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges or disorders• Survivors of trauma or adverse childhood experiencesWe believe that the most impactful social change comes from diverse voices and experiences. Your unique perspective is not just valued – it's essential to our mission of empowering impactful change for the collective benefit of all humanity, everywhere.