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Hiring: Food Access Program Manager – Berkshire Grown

The Food Access Program Manager is the principal liaison between Berkshire Grown, local food access organizations, and Berkshire area farmers. It is the primary responsibility of this job to connect local farmers with Berkshire Grown’s food access programs. Working closely with the Executive Director and in collaboration with other Berkshire nonprofits, the Food Access Program Manager will envision, research, strengthen and expand Berkshire Grown’s programs that address food insecurity and support local farms in the Berkshire region. The Food Access Program Manager is a 20 hour/week position with the expectation of in-office work in Great Barrington, and potential for significantly increased hours in 6 – 12 months. This position will be filled as soon as the best candidate is identified, with an ideal start date in late July.

Oversee work related to the implementation of creative strategies and services that will support the success of Berkshire Grown’s food access programs:
o Initiate, build and strengthen relationships between Berkshire Grown, Berkshire farmers and local food access organizations in order to establish a just and affordable local food system.
o Manage Berkshire Grown’s food Access Programs – Share the Bounty and Farm to Food Access, including:
▪ Responsible program budget management
▪ Clear, professional, and timely communications with farmers and food access program managers.
o With Executive Director, envision and develop programs to purchase local crops at fair wholesale prices to be made available and affordable to low income and low access areas of the county through partnerships with local food access organizations and other stakeholders.
– Manage Farm to Food Access Program (F2FA)
o Manage and develop strong relationships and communications with program partners.
▪ Survey local farmers regarding potential or continuing interest in F2FA
▪ Organize farmer//food pantry partnerships
▪ Research various purchasing models
• Set contracts for seasonal advance purchases and/or weekly orders
▪ Manage and track expenditures and income for Farm to Food Access program
o Oversee walk-in cooler manager vis-à-vis farmers and food pantry order fulfillment
▪ Manage walk-in maintenance and repairs
▪ Maintain safe and secure crop and meat storage practices
• Track renter payments; send reminders for past due
▪ Research and develop off-season use for walk-in cooler space
o Crop Orders and Purchasing
▪ Develop efficient ordering, invoicing, and payment system
▪ Establish clear communications with pantries and farmers
– Manage Share the Bounty Program (STB)
o Manage Share the Bounty relationships between Berkshire Grown, participating farmers and food pantry staff
▪ Administer all STB purchases
▪ Manage program evaluation surveys

Skills and Qualifications
• 3+ years of experience working in program-based non-profit environment;
• Familiarity with western Massachusetts food systems;
• Understanding of local food and farming landscape in the Berkshires;
• First-hand knowledge of Berkshire farmers a plus;
• Previous experience in work related to food insecurity for low income and low access areas of the community a plus;
• Self-starter, with the ability to work as part of a close-knit team;
• Organized working style, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while paying close attention to details;
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of community-based organizations;
• Commitment to actively working to develop racial equity and food justice in the local food and agriculture sectors of the Berkshires;
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written;
• Fluency with Microsoft Office Word and Excel; experience using membership database systems, Constant Contact, Google docs;
• Ability and enthusiasm to share information about the experience of farming and the needs of farmers with colleagues and the public.

Berkshire Grown’s Mission
As the Berkshire Grown is the primary advocate for farmers in Berkshire County, Berkshire Grown’s motto is to Keep Farmers Farming! Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy, and landscape. We cultivate a county-wide food economy and bring community members together to ensure that our farms are viable businesses. For more information about Berkshire Grown, visit our website: berkshiregrown.org

The Program Manager for Food Access is a 20 hour/week position with the expectation of in-office work in Great Barrington and the possibility of an increase in hours in the next 6 – 12 months. Competitive pay rate commensurate with experience in the range of $24,000 – $26,000 annual salary for 20 hours/week; QSERHA health reimbursements available.

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: jobs@berkshiregrown.org NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Berkshire Grown is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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