Seasonal Outreach Coordinator
Employer: Rhode Island Food Policy Council
Work Location: Hybrid (based in Rhode Island)
Term of Employment: Seasonal
Compensation Range: $30 per hour
Duties / Responsibilities
This is a part-time position working 20-25 hours per week at $30 per hour. Start date is flexible, anticipated beginning in November 2024 and continuing until April 2025. Most work will be conducted in person, however there will also be virtual meetings. This role requires regular travel throughout Rhode Island to visit farms and growers. The coordinator is expected to use their own vehicle to travel around the state, and mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.
RESPONSIBILITIES
– Conduct outreach to historically underserved farmers in Rhode Island to share information regarding USDA programs, technical assistance service providers, and workshops and events.
– Facilitate conversations with historically underserved farmers to identify barriers to accessing federal and state business and technical resources and identify key farm business learning interests.
– Support facilitation of workshops throughout Rhode Island on farm business development and key farm business learning interests as identified
– Collaborate with partner organizations to coordinate outreach and workshop facilitation for farmers.
– Support the development of additional farmer-focused financial and technical assistance programming and workshops.
– Develop communications and outreach strategies that prioritize equity and accessibility.
– Perform other work as requested by Program Director for Food Business and Economic Development.
Desired Applicant Experience
REQUIREMENTS
– Familiarity with preparing for, applying to, or executing grants or loans, especially from USDA (FSA, NRCS, etc) and other farm-related funders
– Experience farming or growing food or existing connections with farming community in Rhode Island.
– Comfort working and communicating with a broad range of demographically, experientially, and cognitively diverse people
– Experience using Google Drive, Excel, MS Office Suite, Zoom, Basecamp, and other common professional platforms/programs
– Strongly preferred: Fluency or proficiency in any of these languages: Spanish, Hmong, Kinyarwanda/Kirundi, or Swahili.
– Preferred: Experience facilitating workshops or meetings
– Excellent active listening, verbal and written communication skills
– Ability to meet in person with stakeholders throughout the state
– High school diploma/GED, some college coursework related to agriculture, natural resources, or public or business administration preferred
– Knowledge or awareness of the Rhode Island/regional food system preferred
– At least 17 years of age
– A U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident
– Willingness to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check
Please note: We encourage applications from individuals who believe they possess the key competencies and can demonstrate ability to execute the responsibilities, even if you do not have every listed qualification/skill.
How to Apply / Notes / Other Information
Individuals who want to apply should send a cover letter and resume to info@rifoodcouncil.org with “Seasonal Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. A writing sample is appreciated, but not required at this stage.