Hiring: Resource Access Program Coordinator – CISA

Job Opening: Resource Access Program Coordinator

Status: 40 (full-time) hours a week

Time Frame: Review begins February 27, 2024, 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 across race, class, and geography in our region.

Our team has a range of skills and life experience. 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 and fairness. We strive to recruit and retain creative, ethical, smart, and innovative people and to cultivate an inclusive and diverse culture.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Resource Access Program Coordinator reports to the Program Manager and is a member of the Farm and Business Support Team. The Program Coordinator will provide direct support to local farms and related businesses through individual meetings, consultations with outside professionals, referrals, workshops, and networking opportunities. This position focuses on supporting farm owners and employees whose first language is not English, farmers with limited access to resources, immigrant and refugee farmers, and small-scale and urban farmers. The position will help farmers access available grants, networks, technical assistance, and other resources to start, grow, and manage their farms. The Program Coordinator manages their own day-to-day work and collaborates with the Farm and Business Support Team to do outreach, provide comprehensive support, set strategic goals, and evaluate programs.

Our ideal candidate is proficient in Spanish, is an attentive listener and enthusiastic relationship-builder, enjoys working with culturally and racially diverse farmers, and can help farms and related businesses access resources and pursue practical opportunities for their operations. Candidates should have strong communication and networking skills, be detail-oriented and able to see the big picture, and have the organizational skills needed to manage competing deadlines and simultaneously support multiple farms.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Directly provide one-on-one assistance to farms and related businesses, especially those with limited access to resources and/or whose first language is not English.
• Help farmers access service provider and peer networks for information and resource sharing.
• Coordinate support for farmers and related business owners by connecting them with CISA staff and/or outside professionals.
• Provide troubleshooting, advice, and referrals to farms and related businesses.
• Coordinate outreach to farmers about available support through phone, texts, farm visits, email, and mail.
• Plan and implement workshops and other training and networking opportunities.
• Maintain and develop partnerships with other organizations and business assistance providers.
• Effectively use CISA’s existing databases to manage work.
• Build awareness about the support CISA offers, including the Be A Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown^® program, among potential Local Hero member businesses and others.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Spanish proficiency (strongly preferred), and/or other relevant language skills.
• Experience building relationships and networking across cultural and racial differences.
• Self-motivated with the ability to collaborate well with a team.
• Ability to accurately assess farms’ needs and coordinate support to meet those needs.
• Relevant experience with adult education, training, and/or business support.
• Demonstrated ability to manage timelines and handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with farmers and others.
• Understands issues related to farming and farm businesses in this region.
• Comfortable reaching out to people via text, phone, in-person visits, and email.
• Computer proficiency and experience with MS Office suite
• Bachelor’s Degree (or 4-8 years of experience in this field).

OTHER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE OF INTEREST

• Experience providing business support and/or business management experience or training.
• Direct farming experience and/or other work in the field of agriculture or related areas.
• Experience with databases and/or web-based data management systems, such as Airtable.

Hours and compensation: $24-$26/hour (equivalent to a salary of $50,000- $54,080), 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 provided. For a quick look at our benefits see here! Access to a car and occasional 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. Travel within CISA’s service area (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, MA) for 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 promoting a diverse and inclusive environment.

To apply, please complete applicant questions and attach your resume via our online application form. CISA no longer requires cover letters and will not review them. Instead, we ask applicants to answer specific questions to allow us to get to know you and your interest in this position. Questions can be sent to jennifer@buylocalfood.org. Writing samples and references may be requested for those interviewed.