Job Opening:?Program Coordinator 

Status:?40 (full-time) hours a week  

Time Frame:?Review begins October 11, 2022, position open until filled 

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a nonprofit organization that strengthens farms and engages the community to build the local food economy.?We run the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® marketing campaign, educate the public about buying local, offer training and support for farmers, and support programs to increase access to local food in our region.?

Our team has a range of skills and life experiences and is a mix of trainers, former farmers, communicators, and administrators. We work to build a diverse and resilient food economy with viable farms, fair and just working conditions, strong environmental stewardship, and equitable local food access in all of our communities. We are committed to understanding the history and current impacts of racism in the food system and actively work towards equity. We strive to recruit and retain creative, ethical, smart, and innovative people and to foster an inclusive and diverse culture.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

The Program Coordinator reports to the Local Hero Program Manager and is a member of the Farm and Business Support Team. The Program Coordinator will provide direct support to farm businesses through individual meetings, consultations with outside professionals, referrals, workshops, networking opportunities, and written and online materials. This position will be the lead on supporting farms with business/financial decision making and will work closely with the Farm and Business Support Team to develop comprehensive support for farm businesses and implement effective outreach and evaluation of the program. The Program Coordinator manages their own day-to-day work and collaborates with the Farm and Business Support Team to develop and set strategic goals and activities. 

Our ideal candidate has experience with, and enjoys, providing farmers with business support; is familiar with local agricultural businesses and can help farms implement practical and meaningful changes to their operations; and has strong research and networking skills. This candidate has a strong understanding of businesses financials and experience supporting farms in business decision-making and/or whole farm planning. Candidates should be capable project managers; be detail oriented and able to see the big picture; and have organizational systems to provide multiple farms with support simultaneously through multiple channels. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

1) Implement CISA’s direct assistance as a member of the Farm Business Support Team: 

• Directly provide one-on-one assistance to farmers and other businesses on financial decision making, business planning, and business decision making.  
• Coordinate support and assistance for farmers and related business owners by connecting them with CISA staff and/or outside professionals. 
• Provide troubleshooting, advice, and referrals to farmers and related business owners. 
• Coordinate outreach to farmers about educational offerings and support organizational outreach through email, phone, and mailings. 
• Maintain and develop strategic partnerships with other business assistance providers. 

• Effectively use CISA’s existing databases to manage work. 
• Build awareness about CISA and the Be A Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® program among potential Local Hero membership groups and the community. 
• Perform other duties as requested. 

 2) Bring creative and strategic thinking about farm and business support that can further CISA’s mission. 

 3) Represent CISA at public presentations and other venues/channels as needed. 

 Other Duties 

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager. 

REPORTING and SUPERVISION 

This position reports to the Program Manager. May include opportunities to occasionally supervise interns or volunteers. 

Hours and compensation:?$21.15-$23.00/hour, depending on experience. This is a full-time 40 hours/week, non-exempt position.?Health care, vision, dental, long-term disability, 401K matching, sick time, holidays, and vacation are offered.?Access to a car and some weekend and evening availability are required. 

 CISA is currently operating with a hybrid office model with at least two days a week in the office and up to three days from home. We allow staff flexibility in their regular schedules and understand that flexibility can support a healthy work-life balance. Occasional travel within CISA’s service area (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, MA) for technical assistance service provision, outreach, and events will be required.   

 CISA is an equal opportunity employer. CISA will not engage in discrimination against, or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with CISA on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.? 

 Please complete applicant questions and attach your resume via our online application form. Questions can be directed to jennifer@buylocalfood.org. Writing samples and references may be requested. 

Cover letters are not required and will not be reviewed.

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Training and/or experience providing business support/education (such as workshops) that is transferable/relevant to our audience of farms and food businesses. 

• Experience and/or training in business decision making and financial decision making. 
• Experience with project management, including timeline organization, coordinating with others in the organization, and the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.  
• Ability to support farms in developing and honing business skills. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and compellingly (verbally and in writing) with farmers and food system businesses. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to collaborate well with a team. 

• Comfortable (and persistent in) reaching out to people on the phone and over email for deadline driven work. 
• Computer fluency and experience with MS Office suite, with demonstrated ability to create and use spreadsheets.  
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. 

PREFERENCES 

• Working Spanish proficiency or fluency in Spanish. 

• Experience in the sustainable agriculture field. 
• Experience or training in business management. 
• Whole Farm Planning or similar training/experience. 
• Experience with databases and/or web-based data management programs, such as AirtTable.