Organizational Overview: CCOF
(California Certified Organic Farmers) a nonprofit
organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in
California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North
America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an
organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and
policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.
CCOF
advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our
members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education
and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible.
For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.
Position Summary
The
Research Fellow will work with CCOF for approximately 18 months to assist in
the development of a new project titled “Roadmap to an Organic California.” The
Roadmap is a project of the CCOF Foundation, which is the 501(c)(3) charitable
arm of CCOF. The final project will be a report that outlines the benefits of a
world where all agricultural land in California is farmed organically and sets
forth state policies to achieve at least 10% certified organic farmland in California
by 2030.
The
Research Fellow will report to and work directly with the Director of Policy
and Government Affairs to develop the Roadmap. Primary responsibilities will include conducting
literature reviews, analyzing data and policies, convening and documenting
outcomes of meetings of diverse stakeholders, and writing final report
material. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to
facilitating meetings, conducting interviews, managing project deadlines, and
publicizing the Roadmap through communications such as blog posts and magazine
articles.
The
Research Fellow reports to the CCOF Director of Policy and Government Affairs.
Position Responsibilities:
·
Compile and synthesize reports, studies, and literature
on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of certified organic
production.
·
Work with the policy department to project benefits of
increasing organic acreage in California.
·
Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs
and the marketing team to write and design materials documenting benefits of
increasing organic acreage.
·
Work with the policy department to research and analyze
relevant existing or proposed state policies.
·
Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs in
convening 10-12 stakeholder working groups throughout the state.
·
Document and analyze stakeholder working group
discussions.
·
Based on research and stakeholder working group outcomes,
work with the policy department to make final policy recommendations for
increasing organic acreage in California.
·
Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs
and the marketing department to write and design the final report.
·
Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs with
other communications such as blog posts, magazine articles, and web page
content.
·
Maintain
organized files with research, resources, and citations.
Desired Qualifications:
·
Bachelor’s
Degree or equivalent experience.
·
Experience in
food and agriculture policy.
·
Demonstrated
interest in organic policy and commitment to CCOF’s mission and values.
·
Outstanding
oral and written communication skills across diverse groups.
·
Ability to
work independently and to collaborate across departments.
·
Strong
organizational skills and attention to detail.
·
Ability to
analyze and work with data.
·
Ability to
bring creativity and innovation to all areas of work.
·
Experience
writing reports, journal articles, or other extensively researched documents
preferred.
·
Experience
organizing and facilitating meetings of 5 or more persons preferred.
·
Ability to
travel, including over-night.
·
Valid
driver’s license.
·
Ability to
lift 40 lbs. from ground to waist.
Compensation: The Research Fellow’s compensation will depend upon qualification
and experience.
Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until filled. Applicants must submit the documents listed
below to employment@ccof.org, with “Research Fellow” in the subject line.
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Cover letter
summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position at CCOF.
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Resume.
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Three page
writing sample.
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Professional
references.