JOB ANNOUNCEMENT – Deadline to apply is 2/4/2021
Program Assistant, Oregon Pasture Network – Southwest Oregon
Friends of Family Farmers seeks a motivated and independent half-time organizer (20 hrs/wk) to join our team. This position involves supporting and promoting pasture-based producers throughout Oregon, with particular attention to underrepresented voices. This person will work alongside and complement the Oregon Pasture Network (OPN) Program Manager. We all work from home, so the ideal candidate must be organized, driven, and able to create a reliable work space. Due to COVID-19, we are currently conducting all business online and do not encourage in person meetings/events.
The OPN Program Assistant will promote and grow the network and its website to both producers and eaters. This job requires a significant amount of time on the computer and phone with OPN members, as well as regular travel (approx. 10%, and more at times) to meet with farmers, ranchers and partners – once COVID subsides. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Building and sustaining relationships with individuals and groups to advance OPN goals, ie current OPN members, agencies who serve farmers/ranchers (Extension service, SWCDs and irrigation districts), and regional and local partner organizations, local schools, businesses and other community groups
- Developing and implementing a plan to recruit new OPN members, including tabling at public events (when possible), publicity and media
- Promoting the OPN to the public through community events, speaking engagements and social media
- Assisting FoFF staff with occasional farmer education and non-OPN FoFF events in Southern Oregon
- Creating or participating in events to expand our reach, and identifying potential new sponsors
- Meeting all data, event planning and media deadlines, sometimes at short notice
- Attending staff phone/virtual meetings as necessary, and occasional in-person staff meetings
- Working closely with the OPN Program Manager to standardize messaging and programming style.
Qualifications
- Education: College degree or equivalent experience required
- Experience: At least two years prior experience in community organizing as an approach to social change; including organizing public meetings and events; and familiarity working or living in a rural community.
- Knowledge of: Oregon’s agricultural community; rural life; working with coalitions of diverse individuals and groups to address a community need; working with the media, online activism, and email lists. Experience as an agricultural producer and/or farming for soil health, are a plus, but not required.
- Character: Demonstrated commitment to service, humility, integrity, and transparency; hold a high level of trust and respect for self and others.
- Skills: Strong written, interpersonal and public communication skills; excellent organizational skills; Experience with social media and content creation is highly desirable.
- Capabilities: Ability to think creatively; leadership capacity; collaborative; positive attitude and commitment to public interest work; adaptable to change; and a high level of independent judgment.
- Conditions: Commitment to promoting our mission; ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings and travel; access to consistent, reliable telephone and internet.
- Have and maintain a current OR drivers’ license, clean driving record and access to reliable transportation.
- Location: Must live in Southwestern Oregon, Roseburg/Coos Bay or Southern Oregon.
*Interviews will be scheduled in 2021. Thank you for your patience.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS 2/4/2021
Compensation: Part time, 20hrs/wk, based on $36,000 FTE; $25/mo phone stipend, PTO and holiday pay
How to apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to FoFF at opn@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org