Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Collaborative Development Consultant - Farm to Institution New England

COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT
ABOUT US
Farm to Institution New England (FINE) is a six-state collaboration working to strengthen our regional food system by increasing the demand for and use of New England food by New England institutions such as schools, hospitals, colleges, government and corporations. FINE has strong roots in the National Farm to School Network and we are actively forging connections with many other organizations, agencies, businesses and funders with similar goals.  FINE partners are working to conduct research, run pilot projects and convene learning communities related to critical elements of the regional food supply chain, including production, processing, distribution and food service operations. 
POSITION OVERVIEW
FINE seeks a consultant to build the development capacity of FINE and enhance the development capacity of partner organizations in the region. The consultant will work with the FINE Coordinator and Leadership Team to map out FINE development goals over the next 3 years, identify potential funding structures and sources, and lead development efforts. The consultant will help FINE think creatively about development of the collaborative beyond fundraisingto strengthen relationships and to create synergy and trust among partners. 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
      Create 3-year fundraising plan for FINE based on the emerging strategic plan that may include grants, membership, sponsorships, and partner models to sustain regional collaboration.
      Participate in FINE strategic planning process (through March 2014).
      Coordinate, support, and participate in FINE’s Development Work Group, which involves the fiscal sponsor, program leads, and FINE coordinator.
      Coordinate the full range of activities required to prepare, submit and manage grant proposals and grant reports to foundation, public, individual, and corporate funding sources. 
      Research, evaluate and document funding prospects, develop and maintain a prospect database that includes a calendar of proposal submission timelines.
      Develop and maintain a database of potential projects to fund, ranking them local, state, or regional.
      Act as a mentor and information ambassador for FINE partners as they look to fund their project goals.
      Coordinate regional fundraising collaboration among FINE partners and provide fundraising information and connections for state level partners.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
      Excellent interpersonal & written communication skills
      Effective fundraising experience, including relationship with key funders in New England.
      High product quality standards
      Competency with database and spreadsheet software
      Passion for the work of Farm to Institution New England
      Flexible, enthusiastic and resourceful
      Have good sense of humor and ability to work independently and collaboratively
      Ability and interest to work in multi-level state and regional network where there is distributed leadership and a transparent collaborative environment
COMPENSATION TERMS:
      FINE Collaborative Development consultant will work as an independent contractor for approximately one year, with potential extensions.
      Compensation rate based on experience. There is $10,000 of secured funding through July 2013. The FINE Development Workgroup will pursue funding for ongoing development work.
TO APPLY:
      Submit cover letter and resume to kaitlin@farmtoinstitution.org by December 13, 2013. Please include “FINE Development / Your Name” in the subject line.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

USDA OGC Positions in Different Locations

This post includes a few duplications, but some new listings as well. 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is hiring!

USDA OGC is looking for Attorneys in several different geographic and legal areas.  Please follow the links below to apply for the attorney positions in each city.

Washington DC
Assistant General Counsel (1 vacancy)
Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division
Salary: $119,554.00 to $179,700.00 / Per Year (SES)
Applications Close: Wednesday, December 11, 2013


Washington, DC
Trial Attorney (1 vacancy)
Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division
Salary: $74,872.00 to $115,742.00 / Per Year (GS-12/13)
Applications Close: Friday, December 06, 2013


Washington, DC
Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)
Natural Resources and Environment Division
Salary: $62,467.00 to $81,204.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013


Washington, DC
Trial Attorney (2 vacancies)
Marketing, Regulatory, and Food Safety Programs Division
Salary: $62,467.00 to $81,204.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Tuesday, December 10, 2013


Little Rock, AR
Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)
USDA OGC Field Office
Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013


Kansas City, MO
Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)
USDA OGC Field Office
Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013


Harrisburg, PA
Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)
USDA OGC Field Office
Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013


Milwaukee, WI
Attorney Advisor (1 vacancy)
USDA OGC Field Office
Salary: $57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year (GS-11)
Applications Close: Monday, December 09, 2013


Kansas City
Legal Assistant (1 vacancy)
USDA OGC Field Office
Salary: $38,790.00 to $50,431.00 / Per Year (GS-7)
Applications Close: Friday, November 29, 2013

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Central Coast Regional Program Coordinator - California FarmLink

Job Announcement- California FarmLink
Central Coast Regional Program Coordinator

California FarmLink is a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to link independent farmers and ranchers with the land and financing they need for a sustainable future.

Job Description:
FarmLink is looking for a Central Coast Regional Program Coordinator to oversee FarmLink programmatic activities along the Central Coast of California. This position is based in Santa Cruz.  Responsibilities include:

  Provide farmers, ranchers and landowners with information on land leasing, land purchasing/sales and alternative land tenure options
  Help farmers negotiate strong leases
  Coach farmers on how to find land for lease or sale, and help them find financing for land purchases
  Assist in maintaining an online hub of land for lease or sale, connect landowners and farmers, and "broker" farmland leases
  Work with and develop a network of experienced farm service professionals, including attorneys, CPAs, family communications specialists, realtors, insurance providers, and business consultants.
  Provide farmers with information on farm financing options and credit education
  Organize and present Farm Finance Expos, workshops, and seminars
  Assist in grant reporting
  Outreach to agricultural landowners and organizations to increase FarmLink’s capacity to offer quality land opportunities
  Outreach to beginning and underserved farmers to increase awareness of FarmLink programs

Qualifications:
  Experience in Central Coast agricultural, emphasis on small and mid scale farms
  Experience in farm financing and farm business management
  Familiarity with California agricultural organizations
  Experience working with farmland leasing, real estate transactions, and conservation easements
  Oral communication skills, including ability to present complex information to groups
  Computer skills include basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce or similar database, email, website, Internet and website updating
  Valid California driver’s license, ability to travel locally and regionally on a regular basis and spend overnights out of the area on occasion.  
  Spanish fluency
  Ability to work in a team atmosphere
Ability to complete self-directed projects with minimal day-to-day supervision;
  Writing skills, including the ability to prepare professional letters, newsletter articles, and reports
  Experience in nonprofit project management

Compensation and Terms:
Salary range DOE.  California FarmLink offers a generous benefit plan, including health insurance after 60 days, retirement, and vacation. California FarmLink maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. 


Position open until filled.  Please send resume, letter of interest, and three references to Eric Winders:eric@cafarmlink.org.  No phone calls please.

Farm to Table Coordinator - Community Farm Alliance (Kentucky)

Community Farm Alliance, based in Frankfort, Kentucky is hiring to fill the new position of Eastern Kentucky Farm to Table Coordinator.

 The EKY F2T Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and integrating CFA’s Program of Work in Eastern Kentucky that specifically a) builds CFA’s EKY membership, b) identifies and develops EKY CFA Leadership, and c) helps to build regional and community food systems.

The EKY F2T Coordinator is specifically responsible for facilitating and implementing CFA’s Eastern Kentucky market development work plan by a) coordinating CFA’s Farmer’s Market Support Program (FMSP), b) facilitating the Eastern Kentucky Food System Collaborative (EKYFSC), and c) developing and implementing a program for institutional purchase of EKY produced food.
Position:                      Eastern Kentucky Farm to Table Coordinator
Time:                                       Full-time
Location:                      Kentucky:  Floyd – Perry - Letcher Counties
Salary:                          Based on experience with liberal benefits
Anticipated Start Date:  December 1 or as soon as possible

About Community Farm Alliance (CFA):

CFA is a statewide grassroots membership organization that strives to bring a voice on issues affecting family farmers and local food consumers to both state and national policy makers. Since 1985 Community Farm Alliance has led major innovations in Kentucky’s agriculture, food and community policy development.

CFA has over a thousand passionate, committed members from across the Commonwealth. CFA members are a mix of urban, rural, farmers and non-farmers, rich, poor, young and old. The “community” in Community Farm Alliance is not defined by geography but by values that govern good stewardship of land, family, and community.

CFA is an equal opportunity employer - People of color are encouraged to apply

For more information or to apply (send Resume, cover letter, along with two writing samples, 3 professional references and 2 personal references) contact:
 Martin Richards, Executive Director
119 ½ West Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601 or email martin@cfaky.org (preferred).


Martin Richards
Executive Director
Community Farm Alliance
(502) 223-3655 office
(859) 351-4508 (cell)
http://www.communityfarmalliance.org

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Attorney Positions with USDA OGC

Job Title:Attorney Advisor
Department:Department Of Agriculture
Agency:Office of the General Counsel
Job Announcement Number:AG-OGC-2014-0007

SALARY RANGE:

$57,408.00 to $74,628.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

Monday, November 18, 2013 to Monday, December 09, 2013

SERIES & GRADE:

GS-0905-11

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full Time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

14

DUTY LOCATIONS:

1 vacancy - Little Rock, AR View Map
1 vacancy - Kansas City, MO View Map
1 vacancy - Harrisburg, PA View Map
1 vacancy - Milwaukee, WI View Map

WHO MAY APPLY:

US Citizens and Nationals; no prior Federal experience is required. 

JOB SUMMARY:

USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.  Our vision is to expand economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production sustainability that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve and conserve our Nation's natural resources through restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands.
The Office of the General Counsel provides legal advice and services to all agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture in administering USDA programs and activities within the defined geographic area.
For more information, please see USA JOBS listing at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/355643700

Executive Director - Field to Market

See original job posting here.


Field to Market seeks its first Executive Director

Executive Director Position Description
Field to Market seeks its first Executive Director to guide the organization through its transition to an independent organization, working to foster continuous environmental improvements in row crop agriculture in the US while maintaining productivity and farmers’ economic wellbeing.  Field to Market has existed as an informal alliance of organizations throughout the agriculture supply chain, conservation organizations, grower organizations, and Universities and public agencies since 2007.  It established a 501(c)3 in 2011, and is now ready to move to a staffed organization.
Position Summary: The Executive Director will work with the Field to Market Executive Committee, Field to Market Board Members, The Keystone Center staff, and other Field to Market contractors.  The Executive Director will work to collaboratively develop and implement the strategy and mission of Field to Market, provide direction and leadership to Field to Market members, coordinate with related sustainability efforts, market FTM to new members and users, and serve as a public spokesperson for the organization to promote key messages and concepts, manage the finances of the organization, and fundraise on its behalf.  The Executive Director will also be responsible for hiring and developing staff as Field to Market grows .
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. Other duties may be assigned.  Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following.
  • Internal Field to Market Leadership:
    • Participate with FTM Board of Directors in discussions of long-term strategy, structure, and budget
    • Manage staff and contractors
    • Manage budget and finances of the organization
    • Create a staffing plan and hire as appropriate
    • Work with contractors and members, providing guidance on time-sensitive and important decisions and needs of the effort
    • Oversee and manage MOUs with partnering organizations and set up licensing arrangements as needed with other organizations implementing FTM’s methodology
  • Outward-Facing Activities
    • Outreach and promotion of the organization to the agricultural supply chain, thought leaders and decision-makers, media and the general public, e.g., through media contact, speaking engagements, and presence at appropriate public functions.
    • Fundraise for the organization
    • Coordination with other sustainability efforts – meet with leadership and identify opportunities for leveraging partnerships
    • Recruitment of new members (with assistance of Executive Committee members)
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed here are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required.
  • Demonstrated skills in communications, collaboration, and partnership building and experience with public private partnerships.
  • An understanding of the agricultural supply chain and sustainability initiatives.
  • Non-profit management experience.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of various Board of Directors committee functions/structures.
  • Clear and effective oral, written and public speaking skills necessary to represent the organization to the industry, public, media and government agencies.
  • The ability to plan, formulate and implement organizational strategies.
  • Creative, motivational, and proactive.
  • Ability to manage budgets and maintain and increase membership.
  • Knowledge of IT systems and licensing arrangements.
  • Proven ability to fundraise on behalf of a non-profit organization.
Education, Work Experience and/or Licensure
  • Advanced degree and ten years experience in a senior management position of a nonprofit organization, corporation, or government agency.
  • Experience in fields related to agricultural sustainability and food or fiber supply chains.
  • Experience overseeing development and management of a large, multi-faceted budget.
  • Successful experience in working with a membership-driven organization.
Language Skills
  • Must have strong command of the English language.
Work Environment
  • Travel required for this position is extensive.  International travel may be required.  At times travel may be expected on short notice.  Travel and other work related assignments may include weekends.
To apply
Submit a cover letter that explains your interest in the position and a resume to ftmed@keystone.org no later than November 22, 2013.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Research Associate - Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition

Research Associate
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition is dedicated to the promotion of human health and well-being through nutrition by providing scientific expertise and technical assistance in areas of childhood obesity prevention, anti-hunger, local food systems and health, survey development and program evaluation.  The Center also submits grants and contracts, both locally and federally, to build the research infrastructure at the local, state, and national levels. The mission of the Center is to serve as an independent research institution providing scientific expertise, partnership and resources to improve diet and physical activity behaviors among youth and their families to help grow a healthier next generation.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
·       Gather information and prepare materials for inclusion in public health programs, reports, and papers.
·       Review and write critical summaries of research literature.
·       Maintain databases and libraries.
·       Assist in data collection.
·       Aid in analyzing data using statistical techniques.
·       Aid in writing up research results.
·       Prepare reports for submission and papers for publication.
·       Assist in conceptualizing, researching, and writing proposals.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
·       Bachelor’s degree or higher (preferably with nutrition background).
·       Very strong organizational skills.
·       Experience in writing and managing grants and/or reports.
·       Knowledge of and productive experience working with diverse and multicultural audiences.
·       Strong written and verbal communication skills.
·       Proficiency in computer skills in a networked environment.
·       Ability to take direction, as well as work independently and on a diverse team.
·       Ability to work on multiple tasks and maintain flexibility in order to meet deadlines.
·       Strong analytic, problem solving, and decision-making capabilities.

*Preferred: Spanish speaking (proficient in verbal and written communication with native Spanish speakers).

SALARY
$27,000-32,000 plus benefits; commensurate with experience and education.

HOW TO APPLY
Please attach your cover letter, resume or vitae to Catherine Plumlee, Selection Committee, Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 West Dodge Road, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68114 or cplumlee@centerfornutrition.org.  Applications must be received by December 4, 2013.

Liaison Officer for Baltimarket Neighborhood Food Advocates - City of Baltimore, Dep't of Human Resources

Liaison Officer I (Baltimarket Community Health Organizer)

The Baltimore City Health Department seeks a Liaison Officer I (Community
Health Organizer) to lead the Baltimarket Neighborhood Food Advocates
initiative. The Community Health Organizer will act as a liaison between the
Baltimore City Health Department’s Baltimarket programs and the community and
will promote and coordinate Baltimarket programs.

About Baltimarket and the Baltimore City Health Department:Baltimarket is a suite of community-based Baltimore City Health Department
(BCHD) programs that promote health equity through healthy food access. Our
goal is to improve the health and wellness of Baltimore City residents by
using food access as a platform for community transformation.  Current
Baltimarket programs include the Virtual Supermarket Program and the
Neighborhood Food Advocates initiative.

About Neighborhood Food Advocates:The Baltimarket Neighborhood Food Advocates initiative aims to engage and
organize Baltimore City residents in food desert communities in order to
develop self-identified plans of addressing food insecurity. Neighborhood Food
Advocates works in tandem with the Baltimarket Virtual Supermarket Program.
The Virtual Supermarket is a first-nationally, award winning program that uses
online grocery ordering and delivery to bring food to community sites in food
desert neighborhoods. Neighborhood Food Advocates not only run Virtual
Supermarket sites day-to-day, but they also are active members of the
community interested in improving their local food environments. Neighborhood
Food Advocates build leadership capacity and educate fellow community members,
impacting personal behavior while creating social and environmental change in
Baltimore City.

Key Responsibilities:•       Grow and sustain Neighborhood Food Advocates initiative, acting as a
liaison between the BCHD’s Baltimarket programs and stakeholders in food
desert neighborhoods
•       Prepare reports and tools for the BCHD’s Baltimarket programs,
developing a power-building curriculum and spring convening to support
successful organizing and engagement efforts by Neighborhood Food Advocates
•       Facilitate Neighborhood Food Advocate community-specific strategizing
to address food equity, serving as a liaison between the BCHD’s Baltimarket
programs and stakeholders in food desert neighborhoods to resolve food access
problems and to solicit proposals and opinions on food equity programs and
projects
•       Provide technical assistance to Neighborhood Food Advocates to
implement and sustain the Virtual Supermarket Project and other community-
identified projects, explaining current Baltimarket programs to interested or
concerned citizens and groups and advising community and neighbor groups on
resolving food access problems through collective action and the BCHD’s
Baltimarket programs
•       Work in collaboration with Baltimarket staff to ensure programs are
developed and implemented using a community-based, sustainable model, making
recommendations that note potential problems or strengths with a program’s
work among communities and the general public

Candidate Desirables:•       Possession of a valid driver’s license
•       Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with diverse groups of
people; ability to deal effectively with individual citizens, community and
neighborhood groups and City, State and Federal agencies and officials and
ability to speak effectively before groups to promote and explain agency
programs, policies and projects
•       A long-standing and passionate commitment to the community and the
promotion of health equity
•       Demonstrated knowledge of food access policies and programs
•       Ability to prepare reports and to make proposals and recommendations
•       Previous organizing experience preferred

Profile and Requirements:•       A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three
years of experience in community service work or administrative coordination
or an equivalent combination of education and experience required

To Apply:Apply for “Liaison Officer I” via the City of Baltimore Department of Human
Resources
(http://agency.governmentjobs.com/baltimorecity/default.cfm?&promotionaljobs=0&transfer=0)
by Nov. 30, 2013.