Work with us!
Local First is a community-led nonprofit organization celebrating 16 years of serving local independent businesses and the greater community of La Plata County. Through our work, we hope to achieve an engaged, thriving local independent business community that values people, planet, and prosperity for everyone across southwest Colorado.
Local First is building a movement! We have a proven track record of launching impactful programs, initiatives, and even organizations that leverage the power of local independent businesses in shaping a brighter future for our region. Join us!
View our current open positions below.
Membership and Communications Specialist
Local First is seeking a passionate individual inspired by the Local First vision to help grow our membership, advance the localist movement, and communicate our message across the La Plata County!
Reporting to the CEO, the Membership and Communications Specialist plans and leads day-to-day membership development, marketing communications and outreach to members and the community at large in coordination with Local First staff and external partners.
Applications recieved before April 19th, 2024 will recieve first consideration. Position open until filled. Please send cover letter, resume, sample of work, and two professional references to careers@local-first.org
Local First is building a movement. We have a proven track record of launching impactful programs, initiatives, and even organizations that leverage the power of local independent businesses to build a thriving local economy.
Local First is a membership-based organization of 250+ (and growing) independent and locally owned businesses encompassing two complementary non-profit organizations: a 501(c)6 Independent Business Alliance (IBA), who’s mission is to: “Work with La Plata County’s local, independent businesses community to create an economy that values people, the planet, and prosperity for everyone”, and a 501(c)3 Foundation, who’s mission is to: “Build self-reliance, a sense of place, and well-being for the stakeholders of the La Plata County community.”
Local First IBA
Local First La Plata works to build a strong localist movement in which both local independent businesses and residents alike understand the powerful benefits of keeping dollars in our community. We do this through Local Independent Business Policy Advocacy: focused on member priorities—GHG emission reduction, tax reform, as well as social and environmental sustainability work; a Local Art Economy: focused on a thriving Durango Creative District (which Local First helped to found); and Local Independent Business Support and Marketing: Promotion of independent businesses and restaurants through our local business directory, radio, social media, community-wide events and our annual Harvest Dinner.
Local First Foundation
Local First Foundation works to support membership driven priorities, including healthcare, environmental sustainability, and attainable, workforce housing. Local Healthcare: Re-circulated $3.8 million dollars back into the community through healthcare cost savings in southwest Colorado; 2,867 individuals enrolled in ACA compliant insurance through Bright Health with insurance premiums approximately 35-50% lower. Local Power: Successfully advocated for 100% renewable energy and carbon goals to be set by Durango City Council and LPEA. Local Philanthropy: Launched the Impact Fund, through which local businesses give back 25% of their 1% community donation pledge in order to make movement-building and long-term investments to help alleviate our community’s most pressing concerns. For example, $535,000 was donated to support affordable housing attainment at the Westside Mobile Home Park.
