Program Officer, Center for Agriculture & Food Systems (CAFS), Vermont Law

Please be advised that Vermont Law School is seeking candidates for a Program Officer for its Center for Agriculture and Food Systems:

CAFS Mission
The mission of Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) is to train the next generation of sustainable food and agriculture law and policy advocates and entrepreneurs, and to collaborate with local, regional, national and international partners to create and disseminate innovative legal tools that food system stakeholders –- including farmers, food entrepreneurs, consumers and advocates -- can leverage to drive their market and policy initiatives forward.

Program Officer Duties
The Program Officer (PO) is one of the core CAFS’ team members. As such, the PO has a dynamic role with high degree of responsibility, autonomy, and works on a wide range of duties.

The PO is responsible, as assigned, for leadership on all aspects of complex projects. In terms of securing and administering projects, the PO will work on fund-development (i.e. researching potential funding, contacting/gathering information from potential donors, etc.), assisting OIA office with grant- writing, and grant/project administration and budget tracking. In terms of executing projects, the PO is responsible for conducting research; drafting reports, memoranda, and white papers; directing student research associates; developing web components; designing information products; and interfacing with project/design contractors. In terms of promoting CAFS’ projects, the PO coordinates with other team members on CAFS’ media and outreach, and the PO is responsible for generating CAFS’ monthly electronic newsletter. The PO may manage several projects (at varying stages and levels of complexity) at once.

Many of CAFS’ projects are executed through CAFS’ Food & Agriculture Clinic. In that regard, the PO will often be providing direct support to CAFS’ clinical lead, and will work with the clinical lead and students on CAFS’/ clinic projects. The PO may also receive direct project assignments from the
Director.

The PO will also represent CAFS at fundraisers, policy events and meetings; speak at conferences; and represent CAFS in various working groups. Finally, the PO will participate in planning and strategy for CAFS, take part in staff meetings and other administrative duties as assigned.

This position is grant funded and as such is a one (1) year assignment.
Renewal of this opportunity is dependent upon future grant funding and performance. Salary is in the low $40's.

Qualifications:

A minimum of 3 yrs of relevant experience is required.
A graduate degree is preferred, or an equivalent combination of work experience and education.
Demonstrated passion for food and agricultural issues required.
Strong computer skills (e.g. proficient in Microsoft suite, skilled with social media; knowledge of InfoGraphics a plus).
Solid writing and research skills, plus experience with public speaking required.

To apply, please go to www.vermontlaw.edu, click on "About VLS", then
"Employment at VLS", and then "Click here to see our job opportunities".