Job Description
Ohio Food Policy Council Coordinator
Food policy councils across the state of Ohio promote the provision of healthy, local food, support farmers and local food and agriculture economies and are intentional about the planning for food and agricultural systems. These councils are often volunteer or part-time staff working with little outside support and limited opportunities to network and build collective capacity.
Objective – To build the capacity and network of Ohio’s food policy councils.
Position Summary
The Coordinator is a part-time position of 30-35 hours per week that will support the more than two dozen local and regional food policy councils/coalitions by centralizing resources, providing support for council policy work and by increasing opportunities for peer to peer learning and engagement in larger food system initiatives. The Coordinator will foster an environment of trust and collaboration among councils by supporting them individually, regionally and collectively and by enabling them to connect with and support broader food system initiatives.
Job Responsibilities
1. Research, analyze and summarize best practices and resources to be shared with local councils.
2. Engage council staff and volunteers to assess strengths, needs, goals, initiatives and opportunities, share resources.
3. Inventory existing policies as well as policy or program resource needs.
4. Seek ways to leverage additional support for local food systems
5. Review feedback from the InFACT dialogues and participate in ongoing listening sessions
6. Build peer to peer networks.
7. Lead fund raising activities to secure ongoing support for food policy coordination at the state level.
8. Manage expenses and provide regular budget and program updates to inform the Ohio Food Policy Network steering committee.
9. Build positive relationships with policy makers, food system stakeholders and organizations to advance the work of food policy.
10. Perform other duties, as required.
Required Qualifications
Experience with food and agricultural policy, health policy practice, and/or local and regional planning or related disciplines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, to quickly synthesize information and identify needs and resources and the build effective coalitions
Strong skills in facilitation, verbal and written communications, research and grant writing
Excellent project management and organizational abilities
How to apply
Review of applications begins on January 3,2017. Interested candidates are advised to apply by this date to receive full consideration, although the position will stay open until filled.
Your application should be addressed to Ohio Food Policy Network Steering Committee, and consists of three items: a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references (indicate relationship to you). In your cover letter please address how your experience and background meet the requirements of the position and include salary history and expectations. Please combine these as a single PDF file and submit via email to OFPN@oeffa.org with subject line “OFPN Coordinator". Electronic submissions only; incomplete applications will not be considered.