Job Opportunities at the Organic Farming Research Foundation

OFRF's Policy Program is currently seeking a Policy Program Organizer in our Santa Cruz, CA, office and a Policy Intern in our Washington, D.C., office. Job announcements and application instructions are below -- completed applications can be emailed to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org>. Please forward to interested and qualified candidates. *Overview* Celebrating our 20^th year, the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) works to achieve the continuous improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF utilizes an integrated strategy of policy action, grant making, education, and networking initiatives to support organic farmers' information needs while moving the public and policymakers toward greater investment in organic farming systems. Entering our next twenty years, OFRF's strategic priorities are driven by our vision of a food system where organic farming is the leading form of agriculture creating healthy and resilient people, ecosystems, and economies. For more information about OFRF, please visit our website at www.ofrf.org

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*Position*: Policy Program Organizer

*Location*: Santa Cruz, CA

*Posted*: August 31, 2010

*Application Deadline:* September 21, 2010

*Compensation*: Competitive salary and retirement and health benefits for non-profit position in Central California. This is a full-time, exempt position located in Santa Cruz, CA.

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*Job Description*

OFRF seeks a Policy Program Organizer (PPO) to develop and implement OFRF’s grassroots advocacy strategy to effect policy change, primarily at the federal level. An integral member of the policy team, the PPO ensures that organic family farmers participate in the policy process. OFRF is gearing up for its 2012 Farm Bill campaign, and the PPO will be responsible for building our national network and strategically engaging organic family farmers throughout the farm bill debate. The Policy Program Organizer is a full-time, exempt position based in Santa Cruz, CA — the heart of organic farming country with access to several farmers’ markets, fine art and music venues, quality restaurants, the Pacific Ocean, and redwood forests.

*Job Responsibilities*

· Develop and implement the grassroots organizing strategy to complement and forward OFRF’s policy platform, under the supervision of the Senior Policy Analyst.

· Work with OFRF staff as appropriate to ensure synergistic impact of achieving OFRF’s strategic goals.

· Coordinate, manage, and build OFRF’s network of more than 2,500 organic farmer advocates.

· Work with and mobilize a network of grass-top partners and organic advocacy organizations at the regional and state levels.

· Identify and work with farmer advocates in key states, regions, and Congressional districts on specific tactics to advance OFRF’s policy goals and agenda.

· Plan farmer advocate trainings, workshops, and Washington, D.C., Congressional office visits.

· In coordination with OFRF’s Communications team, produce action alerts, policy updates, presentations, and other written educational materials to be posted on OFRF’s website and/or circulated to our grassroots network and partner grass-top groups.

· Represent OFRF at grower conferences and meetings.

· Maintain and update policy contacts in OFRF’s database.

· Oversee a seasonal intern.

· Some travel, weekends, and evenings as necessary.

· Other duties as may arise appropriate to this position.

*Qualifications*

· Minimum three years organizing experience on public policy campaigns; online organizing experience strongly desired

· Experience developing and implementing grassroots advocacy campaigns and strategies

· Experience developing communications and written products for grassroots advocacy

· Excellent writing, speaking, and communication skills

· Strong interpersonal skills

· Experience working with and coordinating electronic grassroots advocacy networks

· Experience working with and as part of national coalitions

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, under pressure, and with shifting priorities

· Working knowledge of the federal policy process, with background in federal agriculture and/or environmental policy preferred

· Experience with HTML editing software, databases, and email marketing software preferred

· Bachelor’s degree preferred

· Experience working on a farm or with farmers preferred

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, the contact information for three references, and three short, advocacy related writing samples (no more than two pages each) to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org> with “Policy Program Organizer Application” in the subject line. Electronic applications only. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls please.

*Position*: Policy Intern, Organic Farming Research Foundation

*Location*: Washington, D.C.

*Posted*: August 30, 2010

*Application Deadline*: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled.

*Compensation*: Modest stipend

*Job Description*

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) seeks a Policy Intern to support our policy program activities in our Washington, D.C., office. This fall, OFRF is gearing up for its 2012 Farm Bill campaign, and the Policy Intern will be responsible for certain policy-oriented research projects relevant to the development of that campaign. Additionally, the Policy Intern will support general policy program activities and have the opportunity to attend meetings, events, and hearings on Capitol Hill, at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and at other agencies.

*Desired qualifications*

· Interest in organic agriculture policy

· Strong writing and analytical skills

· Good research skills

· Ability to complete assignments

· Self-motivated and ability to work independently

· Basic knowledge of public policy process

· Understanding of expectations of a professional work environment

To apply, please send a cover letter, a resume, and a writing sample to jobs@ofrf.org <mailto:jobs@ofrf.org> with “Policy Intern Application” in the subject line. Electronic applications only. No phone calls please. Incomplete applications will not be considered.