KRC Looking to Hire Local & Regional Food and Farm Systems Program Coordinator

The Kansas Rural Center is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator for all aspects of its local farm and food systems work but primarily for its current Farm to School and Integrated Voter Engagement projects. This position will assist in leading and organizing trainings, public meetings and other events that advance dialogue and activities around state and local food and farming systems and health equity. The Program Coordinator will build relationships and connections with Farm to School programs and grassroots constituents across the state, providing them resources and assistance for their efforts. They will also work with KRC staff to strengthen grassroots engagement across other KRC programs and priorities.  

The position will be responsible for ensuring that the program goals are achieved and delivered as planned. They will work closely with the other KRC staff to: 

• Manage KRC’s Farm to School program by organizing trainings for producers and building relationships with schools participating in Farm to School programs.  See below Project Summary for details.  

• Assist with KRC’s Integrated Voter Engagement initiative by organizing town halls and other activities that align with the following strategies: engagement and education, organizing and mobilizing communities, developing strong leaders, and achieving policy impact. See below Project Summary for details. 

• Follow up as needed or requested with community leaders and producers following public meetings to advance connections and action towards a healthy food and farm system. 

• Develop relationships with grassroots constituents to strengthen KRC’s network of farmers, community leaders, health professionals, schools, and other advocates of a healthy food and farm systems.  

• Assist KRC in organizing its yearly farm and food conference.   

• Assist KRC in administrative tasks that advance grassroots engagement, food and farm systems programing, and organizational capacity. This includes possible research and grant writing. 

Project Summary 

The current position is full time until at least June 2022 although funding will be sought to maintain this position permanently.  The position is meant to enhance KRC’s overall promotion of diversified farming and local food systems.  It will primarily involve coordination of two KRC projects including a Farm to School project and an Integrated Voter Engagement (IVE) initiative.   

The Farm to School project includes the coordination of producer trainings, community dialogue, and storytelling that strengthens: 1.) Farmers knowledge of how to produce food safely for schools and the market opportunities, and how to work with school food programs through trainings; 2.) Community involvement and understanding of farm to school programs and specific needs or opportunities through town halls and success stories; and 3.) Youth understanding of where and how food is grown through farm visits and increased access to local food in school meal programs.   

The IVE initiative includes education and outreach activities to engage and mobilize rural Kansans around critical health equity issues using Integrated Voter Engagement strategies (engagement and education, organizing and mobilizing communities, developing strong leaders, and achieving policy impact) to impact healthier policy choices.   A strong component of this initiative is coordinating KRC’s annual future of farming and food town halls.  The purpose is to have a well-informed grassroots citizenry to support public policies impacting critical health equity issues to enhance not only diversity in agriculture  (as in the biodiversity necessary for a healthy ecosystem) but also human diversity as the state’s population changes over time. 

Qualifications 

We are looking for a self-starter with good people skills and the ability to set priorities and carry through on their own.  Also must be a team player.  The ideal candidate will have a background in anthropology, sociology, economic development, communications, education, and/or agriculture.  The candidate must have a practical knowledge of all forms of agriculture and grassroots organizing.   Must have excellent oral and written communications skills.  Computer experience and knowledge of basic Microsoft office components, email, and video correspondence is necessary.  A background in Spanish is helpful.  College degree is a plus but not necessary.   The candidate must demonstrate an interest in and commitment to sustainable agriculture and food systems.   

Terms of Employment 

The KRC maintains a virtual office with all staff working from home-based offices.  Work related expenses such as mileage and supplies are reimbursed with approval.  The Project Coordinator will be under direct supervision of the KRC Executive Director, but will work closely with other KRC staff, and ultimately be accountable to the Executive Director. 

Salary:   $38,500 to $40,000; Work related expenses covered; retirement benefits. 

Application Deadline:  November 1, 2020  

Start Date: Dec. 1, 2020 

For more information contact:  Natalie Fullerton at nfullerton@kansasruralcenter.org or 866-579-5469.

To apply, send resume, cover letter, writing or communications sample, and 3 references to: jobs@kansasruralcenter.org.