Job description: The Farm Advocacy Program Manager will restructure, organize, and add to existing farm advocacy training materials to create a user-friendly resource that provides basic training for new farm advocates. The Program Manager will observe and learn from current farm advocacy casework with the ultimate goal of becoming trained as a farmer advocate. The Program Manager will also provide administrative support for the Farm Advocacy Program and coordinate with the Lead Farmer Advocate and the Policy Director on agricultural credit-related policy advocacy.
Position Responsibilities
- Develop Farm Advocacy Training Materials (37%). Watch, index, organize & edit existing training video footage. Identify topic areas still missing, and both a) find existing resources to provide additional information and b) work with the Lead Farmer Advocate to record additional instruction as needed.
- Casework-based Training (30%): shadow Lead Farmer Advocate’s current casework, read and analyze case documents, Join phone calls or visits with farmers when possible, and attend National Appeals Division hearings and other in-person casework events. Over time take on more responsibility with casework. Use casework experience to improve training content and identify additional training content needed.
- Policy Advocacy (23%): work with the Policy Director and Lead Farmer Advocate to identify policy positions that could improve farmers’ access to credit and their experience with Farm Service Agency and the National Appeals Division, and to develop credit policy-related content. Work with organizational partners on credit policy.
- Program Management and Administration (10%): Ensure that casework data is kept up to date in Salesforce, complete board reports and assist with grant applications, and develop and manage the Farm Advocacy Program budget.
Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- Demonstrated experience working with farmers and general knowledge of farming practices and finances.
- Knowledge of the basics of agricultural credit, in particular the options for, requirements of, and process for obtaining, credit at the Farm Service Agency.
- Self-starter: can take initiative both on projects and work plans, and seek information independently. Self-motivated, autonomous work style.
- Ability to analyze and organize large amounts of detailed content and to present it clearly to an audience less familiar with the material
- Ability to conduct research on additional topics as needed. Ability to work at a granular level of detail when required by casework
- Curiosity, intellectual engagement, and an active interest in continual learning
- Desire to eventually become a farm advocate to help farmers navigate financial crisis
Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- Strong interpersonal skills, especially when working with farmers in stressful situations
- Experience in or willingness to learn video editing software
- Experience working in Salesforce or other CRM
- Experience with case management
- Experience in policy advocacy, whether administrative or Congressional and experience researching / locating federal rules and statute
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Works well within a team environment
Compensation:
Full-time, exempt position. Annual salary of $62,858 based on 40 hours/week. Generous benefits package includes paid time off, 401k, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and long/short-term disability insurance plans. This position is fully grant-funded for 1 year with several grant proposals pending which would extend its funding.
Location: NC preferred; remote also an option
Travel: Some travel required (4-6 trips a year requiring overnight stays)
Contact/application information: Apply here.
Contact Margaret Krome-Lukens with questions: [email protected]
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 farmworkers 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 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.
COVID & EEOC Statement:
RAFI-USA’s workplace policies require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless medical or religious exemptions are present.
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.