Position: Community Liaison, up to 6 openings
Duration: September 2026 – July 2027, with possible extension through June 30, 2028
Time Commitment: Approximately 1 to 5 hours per week with a flexible schedule including evening and weekends
Compensation: 10 payments of $500 each for a total of $5,000
Apply by: September 7, 2026 at https://tinyurl.com/Become-A-Liaison
About the Position
The Communities of Adams, Lanesborough, North Adams, and Williamstown are seeking up to six Community Liaisons to join a regional planning effort focused on preparing Northern Berkshire for future challenges, including flooding, extreme heat, severe storms, and other climate-related impacts.
Climate change doesn’t affect everyone the same way. People who struggle with housing, transportation, healthcare, or other everyday needs are often the most affected, but their voices aren’t always included in community decision-making. Community Liaisons help make sure those experiences are part of the conversation.
This is a paid, part-time opportunity. You do not need experience in climate planning. We’re looking for people with strong community connections who enjoy working with others. Training and support will be provided throughout the project.
About the Project
This position is part of the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) 2.0 Program, a statewide program that helps communities prepare for climate-related challenges. Community Liaisons serve as a critical connector to the community.
Community Liaisons are members of the project’s Core Team, a small working group composed of staff from the four communities and the Community Liaisons. Together, the Core Team guides the project from start to finish. The Core Team will discuss issues that affect everyday life, including:
- Food and water
- Housing & Utilities
- Transportation
- Jobs and Economy
- Community
- Parks and open space
- Infrastructure
- Health & Emergency Preparedness
During the first year, the Core Team will:
- Learn about the needs and concerns of people across the four communities.
- Talk with residents to better understand their experiences and priorities.
- Decide on one project that will help the region better prepare for future climate challenges based on community-identified needs and community priorities.
The first year of the project is focused on listening, learning, and choosing a project. The second year is focused on making that project happen. Community Liaisons may have the opportunity to continue in the role during the second year through June 2028.
Responsibilities
As a Community Liaison, you will:
- Attend approximately two Core Team meetings each month (1 to 2 hours each), location to be determined.
- Talk with community members to learn about their experiences, concerns, and ideas.
- Help organize and lead outreach activities, including community events, emails/social media, surveys, interviews, and small-group discussions.
- Share what you hear with the Core Team to help guide projects.
- Work with other Core Team members to select “seed” project(s) for the second year of the program.
Community Liaisons can expect to spend approximately 1 to 5 hours per week on project activities. Community Liaisons will be expected to do outreach during hours that meet the community where they are. This may include daytime meetings, evening gatherings, and weekend events. Meeting scheduling is flexible within reason, depending on everyone’s schedules.
Who Makes a Good Community Liaison?
A community liaison is someone who:
- Enjoys talking with people and getting to know their community.
- Listens well and values different perspectives and people of different backgrounds.
- Already know and are involved with people, organizations, or neighborhoods in either North Adams, Adams, Lanesborough, or Williamstown
- Can work independently and as part of a team.
- Is able to plan, facilitate, and/or get the word out about events, discussions, and community listening sessions
- Access to reliable transportation, internet, and a computer/smartphone
This experience does not need to come from professional work–it could also come from volunteering, neighborhood groups, faith communities, schools, clubs, or simply being involved in your community.
We’re especially interested in applicants who have connections with one or more of the following communities:
- Older adults
- Youth
- Renters
- People living on low incomes.
- People with disabilities
- People in recovery from substance use
- Immigrants or people whose primary language is not English
Other Information
- You’ll need to complete hiring paperwork, including a W-2.
- A transportation stipend may be provided as needed.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in making a difference for your community and ready to become a Community Liaison, we’d love to hear from you.
Applications are due by Sept. 7, 2026.
Apply at: https://tinyurl.com/Become-A-Liaison
Questions?
Courtney Morehouse, Principal Planner at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
cmorehouse@berkshireplanning.org | 413-442-1521 ext. 26