Executive Director JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Download a .pdf of EcoFarm Executive Director Job Description

The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) seeks an experienced and dedicated executive director to lead our organization in its next phase of growth and development. We specifically seek an enthusiastic, outgoing, and visionary individual skilled in strategic planning, fundraising, organizational development, administration, financial management, and building partnerships. The ideal candidate will have a sincere dedication to ecological agriculture and food systems.

EcoFarm is a 30-year-old non-profit corporation based in Watsonville, CA, nurturing healthy and just farms, food systems, communities and environment through education, alliance building and advocacy. EcoFarm has a rich history in presenting educational events for both farmers and consumers, reaching a broad and diverse audience in support of our mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Subject to the direction of the EcoFarm board, the executive director will lead and supervise the day-to-day operations of a year-round staff of three and a seasonal staff of ten.  The executive director has the following duties and responsibilities:

Vision and Planning

• Ensures that the EFA is working under a shared vision and mission with long-term goals and a plan to achieve them
• Develops, through a participatory process with staff and board, annual and long-range strategic plans
• Develops in coordination with program staff and board, annual work plans directed toward meeting strategic planning targets
• Monitors current and developing issues in the field of sustainable agriculture and food systems and makes sure that EcoFarm’s programs evolve to address clearly identified needs and opportunities

Fundraising

• Leads non-program service fundraising through foundation and government grant applications, corporate solicitation, and individual donor development
• Leads board and staff in creating a financial plan to obtain funding necessary to achieve strategic planning goals and objectives
• Enthusiastic about fundraising
• Ensures financials stability and growth through diversified fundraising
• Leads staff, board and volunteers in active fundraising, provides training when necessary
• Maintains comprehensive fundraising records

Program Direction

• Ensures that program work is carried out effectively
• Oversees the development and implementation of program work plans
• Monitors program performance
• Mentors and guides staff and assists with problem resolution
• Celebrates and builds upon program successes
• Evaluates the cost and effectiveness of programs
• Approves funding solicitation and oversees grant and contract compliance

Financial Management

• Creates and monitors a comprehensive organizational budget using a participatory process with program staff and board
• Regularly monitors income and expenses per the board approved budget
• Leads board in adopting reserve, banking, investment and other fiscal policies and follows them
• Creates and monitors procedures and controls for receiving and disbursing money, and recording and tracking financial transactions
• Provides adequate internal controls to protect assets against theft or misuse.
• Oversees bookkeeping, financial reporting, audit or accounting reviews and tax preparation and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements
• Will provide leadership, oversight and direction to update EcoFarm’s financial management systems and procedures

Staff Management

• Hires and manages staff in pursuit of strategic planning targets
• Maintains written job descriptions for all staff.
• Ensures that staff have adequate facilities and equipment in order to do their jobs
• Provides positive, clear, and supportive supervision
• Evaluates all staff on an annual basis
• Maintains clear personnel policies and files and assures compliance with employment law and regulations

Supports the Board of Directors

• Keeps board well-informed and supports the board in its work
• Implements board policies and decisions
• Act as a liaison between board and staff
• Ensures that administrative records, including bylaws, board minutes, and contracts are up to date and maintained in accessible administrative files

Movement Building

• Knowledgeably represents the organization and its programs to the public
• Maintains and fosters relationships with other public and nonprofit agencies, businesses and individuals to further EcoFarm’s mission
• Actively partners and seeks collaborative coalitions, alliances or networks with organizations seeking similar or complementary strategic goals
• Provides leadership to help collaborative efforts succeed

Qualifications

• M.S. in agriculture or related field or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of executive management and supervisory experience
• Proven fundraising and development skills in a non-profit setting
• Effective writing, speaking and public relations abilities§
• Effective and positive interpersonal and staff management skills
• Experience with financial management systems and oversight
• Commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems
• Knowledge of and experience in social justice issues a plus
• Knowledge of and experience in policy advocacy a plus

Job Details

• Full time, 40 hour per week position
• Salary range: Commensurate with experience
• Benefits: 125 flexible plan
• Location: EcoFarm office in Watsonville, CA
• Travel requirement:  5% of time

To Apply

• Please forward a resume, cover letter and three references to jobs@eco-farm.org
• No phone calls please.
• Confirmation of receipt of your application and additional questions will be addressed by email.
• The position will remain open until filled.

Download a .pdf of EcoFarm Executive Director Job Description

Registration is now open for Taking Root: 5th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference
Detroit, MI, May 17 – 19, 2010
www.farmtocafeteriaconference.org

Farm to Cafeteria programs are TAKING ROOT in schools, hospitals, colleges, day care centers, and other institutions. Come to Detroit and learn about successful models across the country and how you can start and scale up a program in your community.

Register by March 26 to receive the early registration discount and reserve your seat for one of the exciting field trips or short courses.

Scholarships and Volunteer Positions
A limited number of scholarships and volunteer positions are available. Apply by March 19.

Poster Session
Share your innovative project or study with conference attendees during the poster session. Submit a proposal by March 19.

Exhibit Hall
Universities, non-profits, government agencies, and for-profit businesses are encouraged to feature themselves in our Exhibit Hall during the conference. Sign up for a table by April 23.

Social Media: Useful? Time Consuming? What’s Next?

Come Find out at an FBEA Webinar Wednesday, March 24 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Free to dues paying FBEA Members* $40 for non-members

REGISTER NOW!
* Members use code “radish” when registering

Some of our best learning comes through discussions with others in our field. As much as we might like to network more frequently, it is not always possible.

Use the information from this webinar to strengthen the social networking you may already be doing or to determine if social networking is a good option for your goals and the goals of your program.

In this Webinar you will:

• Gain a window of insight into the workings of online social media.

• Learn how to gain access to farm-based education resources and facilitate easier online connections with other farm-based educators and members of your farm program’s community.

• Get some inside tips on how to optimize these tools and the time you spend utilizing them.

• Learn how to feature and promote your program and the work of your colleagues both to your community members and the larger community of farm-based educators.

• Learn how to upload resources, pictures, and videos to social media sites and join forum discussions on topics relevant to farm-based education such as community food security, funding sources, and the political issues surrounding education and agriculture.

What do we mean by social media? Examples are: Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, and websites powered by platforms like Ning – the Farm-Based Education Association, Farm Aid’s HomeGrown.org, and Kithchen Gardeners International as examples.
Dialogue
This webinar will be facilitated by Tyson Goodridge, Principal at Dialogue, a Social Media Education and Advisory Services Firm headquartered in Boston, MA. Dialogue teaches and inspires clients to deepen connections, expand their networks, and grow their business using Social Media. Dialogue clients include Apple, Harvard School of Public Health, Chaco, and more. For more information on Dialogue, visit Dialogue on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.

REGISTER NOW!
* Dues paying FBEA members: when registering, please use the discount code “radish” to complete the free registration.

Please contact Phoebe if you have any questions.
Phoebe Flemming
FBEA Operations Coordinator
T: 978-318-7872
E: phoebe@farmbasededucation.org

USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan will speak at The New School on
Thursday, February 25th, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.  Ms. Merrigan will discuss Know Your
Farmer Know Your Food and opportunities to rebuild urban and periurban food
systems.

The talk will be held at 66 West 12th Street, room 407.  Space is extremely
limited, so an email RSVP is required:  environmentalstudies@newschool.edu

Job Opening—Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)—South Deerfield, MA

Program Coordinator, full time, 1 year

Review begins 3/8/10, position open until filled

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a non-profit organization that strengthens local agriculture by building connections between farmers and the community.  Our programs include the “Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown^®” marketing campaign, Senior FarmShare, community membership, technical assistance trainings and workshops for farmers and the public, and various programs to expand market options for farmers, including support for winter markets and farm to institution sales.

Description:  The Program Coordinator will work with the Program Team to implement programming related to infrastructure development and technical assistance, including (1) facilitating PVGrows (a collaborative effort to enhance the  ecological and economic sustainability and vitality of the Pioneer Valley food system); (2) supporting our research and evaluation of infrastructure projects (such as mobile quick freeze and salad greens processing); and (3) implementing our farmer mentor program.

Full job description here.

USDA Release No. 0077.10

Contact: Treasury Public Affairs (202) 622-2960 USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623 HHS/ACF Press Office (202) 401-9215

OBAMA ADMINISTRATION DETAILS HEALTHY FOOD FINANCING INITIATIVE (EMBARGOED FOR 2:00 PM EST: February 19, 2010)

PHILADELPHIA – The Obama Administration today released details of an over $400 million Healthy Food Financing Initiative, which will bring grocery stores and other healthy food retailers to underserved urban and rural communities across America. The initiative was announced today in Philadelphia by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The two cabinet members appeared with First Lady Michelle Obama, who recently launched the Let’s Move! campaign to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation. The initiative is a partnership between the Departments of Treasury, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services.

The Healthy Food Financing Initiative will promote a range of interventions that expand access to nutritious foods, including developing and equipping grocery stores and other small businesses and retailers selling healthy food in communities that currently lack these options. Residents of these communities, which are sometimes called “food deserts” and are often found in economically distressed areas, are typically served by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer little or no fresh produce. Lack of healthy, affordable food options can lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Read more »

Position Announcement: Executive Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Location: Washington, D.C.

Posted: February 22, 2010

Deadline for Applications: March 12, 2010

Pay: Based on Experience

Position Description

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is a national alliance of family farm, food, conservation, rural, and urban organizations that together take common positions on federal agriculture and food policies, and  support grassroots efforts to win long-term policy change. Job location is NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill.

NSAC’s Executive Director provides the leadership to implement the strategic vision and coordinates all aspects of the Coalition’s work. The Executive Director promotes the mission of NSAC through a wide variety of public  engagements and through overseeing efficient and responsible use of organizational resources as well as the implementation of priorities and objectives established by the organization’s Organizational Council, Policy Council, and Grassroots Council. The ED is legally an employee of the Center for Rural Affairs, which currently serves as NSAC’s fiscal sponsor. Read more »

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE: This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under 10.311.

DATES: Applications must be received by close of business (COB) on April 6, 2010 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for funding. Comments regarding this request for applications (RFA) are requested within six months from the issuance of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable.

STAKEHOLDER INPUT: The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is requesting comments regarding this RFA from any interested party. These comments will be considered in the development of the next RFA for the program, if applicable, and will be used to meet the requirements of section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)). This section requires the Secretary to solicit and consider input on a current RFA from persons who conduct or use agricultural research, education and extension for use in formulating future RFAs for competitive programs. Written stakeholder comments on this RFA should be submitted in accordance with the deadline set forth in the DATES portion of this Notice.

Written stakeholder comments should be submitted by mail to: Policy and Oversight Branch; Office of Extramural Programs; National Institute of Food and Agriculture; USDA; STOP 2299; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Washington, DC 20250-2299; or via e-mail to: RFP-OEP@nifa.usda.gov. (This e-mail address is intended only for receiving comments regarding this RFA and not requesting information or forms.) In your comments, please state that you are responding to the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program RFA.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: NIFA announces the availability of funds and requests applications for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) for fiscal year (FY) 2010.  The BFRDP provides resources to support the development of educational outreach curricula, workshops, educational teams, training, and technical assistance programs to assist beginning farmers and ranchers (includes beginning forest landowners, hereafter) in the United States and its territories with entering, establishing, building and managing successful farm and ranch enterprises.  The estimated amount available for support of this program in FY 2010 is $18,240,000.

This notice identifies the objectives for BFRDP projects, the eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and the application forms and associated instructions needed to apply for a BFRDP award. NIFA additionally requests stakeholder input from any interested party for use in the development of the next RFA for this program.

For more information visit: http://www.nifa.usda.gov/newsroom/news/2010news/02171_beg_farmers.html

Read more »

Grow Your Dream: Online Courses To Help You Plan for Success

Would like some guidance on the development or expansion of a farm enterprise, but are unable to attend any trainings near you? Are you comfortable enough with a computer to consider learning online? Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Cornell Small Farms Program have created two new online courses to help you plan your marketing and understand the legal and regulatory logistics related to starting a farm business. Join experienced CCE educators and 25 of your farmer peers in a dynamic learning experience that incorporates both self-paced readings and real-time virtual meetings with discussion forums, homework activities, guest presenters, and developing a customized plan for your next steps in farming. Read more »

NEWS FROM THE SMALL FARMS PROGRAM AT CORNELL

TOPIC: Shape Our Future at the 3rd NY Small Farms Summit
DATE: For immediate release, February 22, 2010
CONTACT: Violet Stone, 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu
ONLINE NEWSROOM: www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/

The Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension invite you to join us for the 3rd NYS Small Farms Summit on Thursday, March 4th, from 9:30am – 3pm.  We will be gathering at 4 locations around NYS:  Voorheesville (Albany County), Canton (St Lawrence County),  East Aurora (Erie County), and Ithaca, NY (Tompkins County).  A video connection will allow us to communicate across the state while minimizing travel times and fuel use and allow you to get to know other local small farmers and small farm supporters. Read more »

Beginning Farmers is proud to present this guest article on Agritourism and Farm Stays, by our friend Michelle Nowak. Be sure to check our Michelle’s blog at: http://farmstays.blogspot.com/

Farm stays are one form of agritourism that is popular elsewhere in the world, though not yet well known here in the United States. But Americans are hungering to reconnect with farms — and yearning for fresh air, fresh food, and authentic, affordable vacations. As the desire to support small family farms grows, so does the appeal of taking a farm vacation. Compared to other kinds of agritourism, farm stays can be personal and foster deeper connections between farmers and their guests.

What is a farm stay?

A farm stay is any type of accommodation on a working farm. Farm stays can be, but aren’t necessarily, interactive. Some are family-focused, offering kids the opportunity to feed the animals and collect eggs. Others don’t allow children at all, instead offering a peaceful retreat for adults. For the accommodations, guests normally pay rates similar to area bed & breakfasts or vacation rentals, although pricing varies considerably. The term “farm stay” can also describe a work exchange agreement, where the guest works a set number of hours per week in exchange for free or very cheap accommodations, such as those set up through World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). Read more »

USDA Press Release No. 0072.10

Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202)720-4623; U.S. Dept of Justice Office of Communications (202) 514-2007

USDA AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCE HISTORIC SETTLEMENT IN LAWSUIT BY BLACK FARMERS CLAIMING DISCRIMINATION BY USDA

AUDIO: Media Briefing

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2010 – U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the successful resolution of the longstanding litigation known as Pigford II. The settlement agreement reached today, which is contingent on appropriation by Congress, will provide a total of $1.25 billion to African American farmers who alleged that they suffered racial discrimination in USDA farm loan programs. The settlement sets up a non-judicial claims process through which individual farmers may demonstrate their entitlement to cash damages awards and debt relief.

Below is a statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: Read more »

This two day national policy conference will identify innovative policies and projects at the federal, state, and local levels to support new and beginning farmers. To be held in Washington DC on March 4 and 5, 2010, the conference will feature national keynote speakers and regional voices on panel discussions.

Click here for: Fourm Agenda, Registration, Accommodations, Forum Objectives, Speaker Biographies

Organized by Drake University Agricultural Law Center with financial support from USDA Risk Management Agency; Farm Credit; National Center for Agricultural Law Research; Walton School of Business Center for Applied Sustainability, University of Arkansas; Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Iowa State University; and the Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust.

Held in cooperation with: the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; American Farmland Trust; the Farm Foundation; California Land-link; the Glynwood Center; the Beginning Farmer Center, Iowa State University; the International Farm Transition Network; the Farmers Legal Action Group (FLAG); the Land Stewardship Project; the Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA); the National Association of Counties; the Center for Rural Affairs; the National Farm to School Network; Land for Good; FRESHFARM Markets; Seed Savers Exchange; National Young Farmer Coalition; the Harvest Initiative; Buy Fresh Buy Local – Iowa; Food Routes; Liberty Prairie Foundation – Prairie Crossing Farm Business Development Center; Pratical Farmers of Iowa; the National Center for Appropriate Technology; the Greenhorns; Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corporation (ALFDC); Angelic Organics Learning Center; Upper Midwest Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT); Farm Beginnings Collaborative; the Farm Foundation; the Wholesome Wave Foundation; and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

E-Mail questions regarding the forum to americasnewfarmer@drake.edu or call 515-271-4956

Fair Food Matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan is seeking a creative, well-organized, responsible individual to manage its urban educational gardening program, the Growing Matters Garden.  Applicants must be highly motivated, enjoy working outdoors, and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experience with program management, organic gardening/farming, and leading educational programs is required. Prior experience working with at-risk youth and at farmers’ markets is preferred. The Growing Matters Garden Manager serves as a full time, year-round staff person with the organization. For more information and application instructions, please visit www.fairfoodmatters.org/gardenJobs.php

Position Information  - Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems Agronomist

For more information go to: https://employment.umn.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1265904107428

Regular Faculty Tenure-Track Series  Position Title: Cropping Systems Agronomist (Organic and Conventional)  Job Code:  9901  Requisition Number:  159366  Position Category: Faculty and Instructional  Appointment Term  B = 9 month  Appointment Type  Probationary; tenure track fac (N)  Work Hours  7:45-4:30 p.m.  Work Days  M-F  Total Hours or % Appointment  100%  Full-Time  Starting Hourly Rate  To be determined  Department Name  Agronomy/Plant Genetics (409A)  College or Admin Unit: University of Minnesota, College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Campus Location: Twin Cities and Southwest Research and Outreach Center, Lamberton, MN
Job Open Date: 03-16-2009  Job Close Date:  Open Until Filled
Internal Promotional Consideration
Required/Preferred Qualifications  A Ph.D in crop science, agroecology, agronomy, soil science, or related field at the time of appointment. Commitment to excellence and effectiveness in educational programming and experience in conducting applied research are essential. Read more »

The Agricultural Outlook Forum 2010 will be held next week in Arlington, Virginia. The topic for this year is ‘Sustainable Agriculture:  The Key to Health & Prosperity.’

If you are interested in attending, go to http://www.usda.gov/oce/forum/ for more information.

Tom Cherveny reported in today’s West Central Tribune (Willmar, Minn.) that, “[Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack] spoke Tuesday at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall at the third annual Home Grown Economy conference hosted by U.S. Collin Peterson, D-Minn.

“The local foods movement has the attention and the support of the federal government today, according to Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.

“It’s simple, according to Peterson: There is a market for local foods, and agriculture stands to gain jobs and income by serving it.

“At the same time, he emphasized that there ‘is room for everybody in agriculture.’ The expansion of a local foods economy can occur alongside of — and not at the expense of — commodity-based agriculture.” Read more »