Job title: Farm to Institution New York State Associate

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Company: American Farmland Trust

Job description: American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres, and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

We believe diversity drives innovation. We are inclusive. We embrace differences. We recognize and respect the fundamental value and dignity of all our employees. We celebrate the unique traditions, heritages, and experiences our employees bring to the workplace. We are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity, and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, expression or identity, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Farmland Trust complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we have facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Reporting to the Farm to Institution New York State Program Manager, the Farm to Institution New York State Associate supports food systems and farm to institution initiatives, including the development, execution, and facilitation of the annual NY State Farm to School Institute. The Associate works closely with the FINYS team to support planning and implementation of training programs and educational tools to support NY institutions in expanding their local food purchasing and sales to institutions.

Top priorities for Coordinator position: 1) Continue FTS Institute programming; 2) Support development of BLC resources; 3) Represent FINYS by building and maintaining relationships with institutions & state partners; 4) Support new farmer-focused programming.

As an integral part of the AFT team, the FINYS Associate will work within Farm to Institution New York State (FINYS), a collaborative initiative led by AFT that aims to strengthen the economic security of farmers and the health of New Yorkers by empowering institutions to spend at least 25 percent of their food budget on food grown in New York. The Associate plays an important role in fostering connections with institutional partners, building and maintaining collaborative networks with aligned stakeholders, developing resources for institutions through the Local Food Buyer Learning Center (https://finys.org/blc), planning and supporting the year-long, annual New York Farm to School Institute (https://finys.org/institute) and providing ongoing coaching and technical assistance to institutions seeking to further their capacity to market to institutions. The Associate will help shape FINYS initiatives to support farmers and producers seeking access to institutional markets, including piloting regional New York Producer Trainings.

What You’ll Be Working On

• Lead planning and execution of the New York Farm to School Institute, including two in-person trainings and year-long virtual programming.
• Facilitate Farm to School Institute coach and school team meetings. Provide technical support to farmers and institutions interested in selling and purchasing local New York foods. Design and execute workshops, trainings, and other professional development events in farm to institution incorporating an equity lens.
• Build and coordinate network of alumni Institute participants.
• Develop, promote, and deliver educational resources as part of the FINYS Local Food Buyer Learning Center (BLC). Research data and conduct interviews for BLC toolkits and resource materials.
• Organize efforts to progress FINYS program towards anti-racism by building relationships with non-white organizations and stakeholders and incorporating DEIJ work into FINYS programming and resources.
• Develop evaluation metrics for FINYS educational tools and programs.
• Identify and assist with storytelling opportunities throughout the farm to institution supply chain.
• Assist in the promotion of educational tools and programs, including Institute recruitment.
• Represent FINYS at farm to institution workshops and training sessions and participate in aligned workgroups and learning communities.

The ideal candidate possesses:

• Experience designing and facilitating professional development or other educational trainings, specifically with local food systems and/or farm to institution.
• Experience managing multi-day conferences, reviewing venue and A/V contracts, and coordinating caterers and multiple speakers preferred.
• A track record of developing and maintaining strong working relationships with and among a diverse group of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Diverse people skills relating to farm and food system communities, and/or living within traditionally underrepresented communities.
• An intellectual curiosity, understanding, and enthusiasm for food systems and AFT’s mission.
• Ability to work independently with remote supervision as well as collaboratively on multiple projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, specifically with an aptitude for public speaking, meeting facilitation, and developing effective public education materials.
• Experience with public outreach, community engagement, and communications (digital and/or traditional).
• Facility with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite is required – additional experience with social media is preferred.

Education & Experience

• BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in food systems, farm to institution, event planning, agricultural education. Additional work experience or an advanced degree in one or more of the disciplines noted may substitute for these requirements.

Why you should apply

• Be a part of a purpose-driven, committed, knowledgeable, high-performing, experienced and fun team
• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• A cause and mission you can be proud of
• Competitive compensation & benefits
• Remote work opportunities
• Flexible scheduling

Ready to apply? If this job sounds like a fit for you, then click on the ‘apply’ button below. Please answer the screener questions and be sure to include a cover letter and resume.

PI192776591

Expected salary: $50000 – 55000 per year

Location: USA

Job date: Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:28:49 GMT

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