Land Use Program Manager - Missoula, Montana

Land Use Program Manager to help develop community food system: Community Food & Ag Coalition


DESCRIPTION
The Community Food & Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) is seeking a Land Use
Program Manager to lead our grassroots farmland conservation and beginning
farmer efforts.  The position is responsible for tracking subdivisions on
agricultural land, advocating and organizing for farmland conservation policy
in the City and County of Missoula, and developing CFAC’s beginning farmer
initiatives.  More information about these programs is on our website:
www.MissoulaCFAC.org.  This is a full-time, year-round position that reports
directly to the Executive Director.

CFAC’s mission is to develop and strengthen Missoula County's food system:
promoting sustainable agriculture; building regional self-reliance; and
assuring all citizens equal access to healthy, affordable, and culturally-
appropriate food.  CFAC facilitates dialogue, education, and collaboration
within the community, encouraging creative problem-solving and proactive
policy advocacy.  It is essential for all staff, including the Land Use
Program Manager, to embrace this vision and grassroots approach.  As a small
organization with a holistic mission, all staff contribute to projects across
the organization, regardless of their job titles.

RESPONSIBILITIES
•       Staff CFAC’s Land Use & Ag Viability Committee, scheduling and
attending monthly meetings and carrying out tasks between meetings.
•       Represent CFAC in public meetings regarding subdivisions, farmland
conservation, and beginning farmers, along with Executive Director.
•       Reach out to CFAC members and general public through earned media.
•       Organize events to educate and update CFAC members about the land use
and organizational work.
•       Send timely action alerts and newsletters to CFAC members.
•       Maintain CFAC’s website.
•       Write, track, and report on grants related to farmland conservation
and beginning farmer support.
•       Track past and future land use policy decisions by Missoula’s City
Council, County Commission, and Montana State Legislature.
•       Research strategies to conserve farmland and support beginning
farmers.
•       Actively maintain solid public relations with elected officials,
government agencies, and community organizations and businesses.
•       Support communications through the news and social media as well as
written reports.
•       Present CFAC’s work at conferences and forums across the state and
country along with Executive Director.
•       Manage interns and volunteers.
•       Report to the Executive Director regularly, while maintaining self-
direction.

QUALIFICATIONS
•       In-depth experience with land use planning, agriculture, and
agricultural resources.
•       Experience with grassroots organizing and conservation.
•       College degree, graduate degree preferred.
•       Understanding of and support for CFAC’s vision of food, agriculture,
and conservation.
•       Excellent communication, public speaking, writing, research, and
project management skills.
•       Ability to work independently, take initiative, meet deadlines, and
relate cooperatively and constructively with a diversity of stakeholders.
•       Solid computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
•       Experience working collaboratively with government agencies.
•       Experience with media relations is preferred.
•       Fluency with social media (e.g., Facebook) and website maintenance is
preferred.
•       Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.

COMPENSATION
Depending on experience, the Land Use Program Manager will earn $30,000-34,000
per year, plus a generous benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick
days, and health insurance.


To apply, please send a resume, including 3 professional or academic
references, and cover letter to Bonnie Buckingham at Bonnie@MissoulaCFAC.org.
The cover letter should cover the following: a) applicant’s personal
connection to CFAC’s mission and work; b) applicant’s past experience with
agriculture, land use planning, and organizational leadership that will
strengthen CFAC’s farmland conservation and beginning farmer initiatives; and
c) specific skills and disposition that qualify the applicant for the position
and organization (e.g., research, collaboration, writing, public speaking,
fundraising, government and media relations, etc.).  The deadline for
applications is April 9, 2012, however, the position will remain open until
filled.