Application open until position is filled.
The Climate and Equity Policy Manager will build relationships with agricultural and food systems organizations led by and serving farmers of color, in order to advance policy priorities within the Farm Bill, with a focus on climate and racial equity. Working as a member of RAFI-USA’s Policy Team and in coordination with partner organizations, the Manager will convene partners and farmers of color as needed to identify or refine policy priorities and to strategize together on pursuing those goals in the Farm Bill. The ideal candidate will be an organizer with strong relational skills and an eye for policy detail.
The Policy Manager will report to the Policy Director.
Responsibilities
Serve as/become an in-house expert on policy issues affecting Black farmers, Indigenous farmers, and other farmers of color, especially issues related to climate change and equity (for example equitable access to conservation programs, land access and retention, and others).
- In coordination with RAFI-USA’s Farmers of Color Network staff, implement listening strategies with Network member farmers to seek feedback on policy issues and gather stories and testimonies from farmers.
- Monitor development of policy issues, bringing decisions to other staff or the policy team as necessary. Help the team identify specific strategic priorities within the issue.
- Track timeline of the issue and serve as driver for any needed action. Be the lead writer on policy briefs and communications content (press releases, blog posts, action alerts, public comments, etc).
- Represent the organization on the issue as necessary (with policymakers, at conferences/workshops, to media, etc). Participate in relevant partner/coalition calls on the issue.
- Participate as a member of RAFI-USA’s Policy Team. Coordinate with the Farmers of Color Network Team and the Direct Service Team.
Build relationships with agriculture and food system organizations led by or serving farmers of color to advance collective policy goals in the Farm Bill.
- Contact agricultural organizations led by or serving Black, Indigenous, or other people of color that are not currently represented by grassroots advocacy coalitions; interview them concerning their interest in engaging in a range of policy-related activities, especially those related to climate and racial justice.
- When organizations are interested in some level of engagement, meet further (and potentially travel to them) to understand their organization, constituency, and goals and share more about RAFI-USA’s work.
- Convene partners as needed to set collective policy goals, build power, and act strategically together.
- Keep partners updated as needed on policy developments and opportunities.
General Responsibilities
- Support the administrative, evaluative, and reporting requirements of the work. Ensure grant deliverables are met.
- Adhere to and respect the organization’s policies and procedures including submission of reports on a timely basis, attendance at required meetings, etc.
Qualifications
- Curiosity, intellectual engagement, and an active interest in continual learning
- Passion for working on equity issues
- One or both of the following:
- Experience in agriculture: working on a farm or in some aspect of agriculture, or agricultural education
- Experience in policy advocacy: familiarity with the mechanisms and processes of pursuing a policy change
- Self-starter: can take initiative both on projects and work plans, and seek information independently
- Strong relational skills: active listener with the ability to also communicate personal and organizational needs and priorities clearly
- Strong communicator and writer: ability both to communicate details of policy to decision-makers, and to translate policy issues into everyday language for stakeholders.
- Emotional intelligence: self-awareness, ability to give and receive critical feedback, and to navigate conflict constructively
- Organized: able to track progress on work and keep records that coworkers can easily find and access
- Ability to be detail-oriented and investigate a policy thoroughly
Compensation: Full-time position. Annual salary of $56,000 based on 40 hours/week. Generous benefits package includes paid time off, 401k, medical, dental, life insurance, and long/short term disability insurance plans. This position is fully grant-funded for two years. Grant-funded positions are contingent on the renewal of the grant.
Location: This position can be done remotely and will also require occasional travel in the Southeast U.S. Some travel to the Pittsboro, NC office is required. Candidates local to the Triangle area of North Carolina preferred.
RAFI-USA’s workplace policies require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless medical or religious exemptions are present.
Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. We envision a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system where farmers and farm workers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community.
RAFI-USA values an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are deeply committed to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. RAFI-USA is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who have managed complex projects or programs, supported farmers, and want to contribute as a part of a dedicated, hard-working, collaborative team, driven by equity. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.
RAFI-USA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.