Resource Access Program Coordinator

Job Opening: Resource Access Program Coordinator

Status: 40 (full-time) hours a week

Time Frame: Review begins November 27, 2023, position open until filled

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a nonprofit organization that strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy. We run the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® marketing campaign, educate the public about buying local, offer training and support for farmers, and support programs to increase access to local food in our region. 

Our team has a range of skills and life experiences and is a mix of trainers, former farmers, communicators, and administrators. We work to build a diverse and resilient food economy with viable farms, fair and just working conditions, strong environmental stewardship, and equitable local food access in all of our communities. We are committed to understanding the history and current impacts of racism in the food system and actively work towards equity and fairness. We strive to recruit and retain creative, ethical, smart, and innovative people and to cultivate an inclusive and diverse culture.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Our ideal candidate is a skilled writer and communicator who enjoys providing farmers with business support; is familiar with local agricultural businesses and can help farms and related businesses pursue practical opportunities for their operations; and has strong research and networking skills. Candidates should be capable project managers; be detail oriented and able to see the big picture; and have organizational systems to provide multiple farms with support simultaneously through multiple channels.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Implement CISA’s direct assistance as a member of the Farm and Business Support Team:

• Directly provide one-on-one assistance to farmers and other businesses.
• Support farm and food business owners’ grant applications through planning and prioritizing, review, and occasional grant writing, budget development, and help with technical submission requirements.
• Research and networking to support farmers in accessing critical farm infrastructure and business development resources.
• Targeted outreach, relationship-building, and support for farmers who have historically had limited access to grants and other resources.
• Support farms and businesses in building the skills to manage awarded grants and comply with grant reporting.
• Coordinate support and assistance for farmers and related business owners by connecting them with CISA staff and/or outside professionals.
• Provide troubleshooting, advice, and referrals to farmers and related business owners.
• Coordinate outreach to farmers about educational offerings and support organizational outreach through email, phone, and mailings.
• Maintain and develop strategic partnerships with other business assistance providers.
• Effectively use CISA’s existing databases to manage work.
• Build awareness about CISA and the Be A Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® program among potential Local Hero membership groups and the community.
• Perform other duties as requested.

2) Bring creative and strategic thinking about farm and business support that can further CISA’s mission.

3) Represent CISA at public presentations and other venues/channels as needed.

Other Duties

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

REPORTING and SUPERVISION

This position reports to the Special Projects Director. May include opportunities to occasionally supervise interns or volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Self-motivated with the ability to collaborate well with a team.
• Experience with grant writing and grant submissions, able to align farmer/business needs with grant priorities and support them in understanding grant “fit.”
• Ability to accurately assess farms' needs and coordinate business assistance that meets those needs.
• Experience with training and/or education that is transferable/relevant to our audience of farms and food businesses.
• Experience with project management, including timeline organization and the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience in networking and building relationships that is transferable.
• Ability to communicate clearly and compellingly (verbally and in writing) with farmers and food businesses.
• Understands issues related to farming and farm businesses in this region.
• Comfortable reaching out to people on the phone and over email for deadline-driven work.
• Computer fluency and experience with MS Office suite, with demonstrated ability to create and use spreadsheets.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.

Other skills and experience of interest

• Working Spanish proficiency or fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Experience with writing grants to state or federal agencies.
• Experience or training in business management and/or experience providing business support.
• Experience with databases and/or web-based data management programs, such as AirTable.
• Direct farming experience and/or experience in the sustainable agriculture field.

Hours and compensation: $23-$25.5/hour (equivalent to a salary of $47,840- $53,040), depending on experience. This is a full-time 40 hours/week, non-exempt position. Health care, vision, dental, long-term disability, 401K matching, sick time, holidays, and vacation are offered. Access to a car and some weekend and evening availability are required.

CISA is currently operating with a hybrid office model with at least two days a week in the office and up to three days from home. We allow staff flexibility in their regular schedules and understand that flexibility can support a healthy work-life balance. Travel within CISA’s service area (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, MA) for outreach and events will be required.    

CISA is an equal opportunity employer. CISA will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with CISA on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

To apply, please complete applicant questions and attach your resume via our online application form. CISA no longer requires cover letters and will not review them. Instead, we ask applicants to answer specific questions to allow us to get to know you and your interest in this position. Questions can be sent to jennifer@buylocalfood.org. Writing samples and references may be requested for those interviewed.