Farm to School and Institution Coordinator

As a farmer-serving organization, we recognize the historic and lasting inequities in the California food and farming system. We believe farmers of color, and other historically oppressed people, should have the opportunity to create and participate in a food and agriculture system that aligns with their needs, values, identities, knowledge systems, and communities. We commit to advancing racial, gender, and environmental justice in our larger systems, as well as in our own workplace. Currently, our programming is focused in four areas: Farm to Market, Policy & Advocacy, Farmer Services, and Ecological Farming. To learn more about CAFF, our history, and our core values, visit https://www.caff.org/about.

Position Summary

The Farm to Market Team at CAFF supports farmers and buyers across the state to facilitate sales relationships and increase capacity to access and serve markets. Housed within the Farm to Market Program, our Farm to School/Institution work supports over 200 California schools, hospitals. Since 2001, the program has leveraged statewide partnerships and created efficiencies to close supply chain gaps.

Some of the position’s core responsibilities are identifying farmers, schools, hospitals, universities, and other institutions interested in participating in CAFF’s programs, providing technical assistance to farmers and buyers, creating marketing materials, supporting institution’s produce bid development and sustainable procurement goals, and tracking sales and impacts.

The ideal candidate has experience working with both farmers and buyers on procurement, is interested in learning about institutional procurement, and is committed to equitable supply chain facilitation. Strong communication, organizational skills, management skills, and relationship building skills are required in this position, as is passion for CAFF’s mission and core values.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Essential responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

90% Time Program Implementation

● Proactively build and maintain relationships with farms, buyers, and other supply chain players throughout CA.

● Support institutional buyers interested in purchasing products from small family farms/ranches including: goal setting, navigating procurement regulations, purchasing planning, and buyer/supplier relationship building

● Support the building out of procurement technology and resources

● Provide direct technical assistance to farmers and buyers to facilitate sales and build capacity for accessing new markets

● Create marketing and educational materials for institutions as needed

● Assist planning and leading of farm tours and other special events related to the program

● Support senior staff, as needed, in setting the strategic direction of farm to school work at CAFF

● Assist with data collection, tracking, and reporting

● Support and participate in community events such as workshops and conferences 4-6 times per year

● Conduct some administrative duties for the Farm to Market program ie tracking, reporting support, data management, etc.

10% Time General CAFF Responsibilities

● Occasionally support local and statewide CAFF events and organizational initiatives, like the California Small Farm Conference regional event

● Participate in weekly CAFF staff meetings and annual retreats.

● Participate and contribute to racial equity action planning discussions.

● Participate in local grassroots engagement efforts, including outreach and relationship-building with farmers in your local community.

● Represent CAFF by participating in community activities and events as necessary.

● Participate in other administrative tasks as needed.

We know it's impossible to convey every single task for a particular job in one job description. Our hope is that as we work together, and your role evolves over time, we can adjust your job description accordingly.

Qualifications

Education

● High school diploma or equivalent

● At least 2 years experience working in a related position, ideally with a nonprofit organization

● Experience working with the farming community in sustainable agriculture, or related fields preferred. However, more important than hands-in-the-dirt agricultural experience is a passion for food systems work and CAFF’s mission and values.

Knowledge and Experience

● Strong written and oral English communication skills are required

● Resourceful with a creative approach to problem-solving

● Flexibility to work independently, with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively with a remote team

● Strong ability to multitask on a variety of projects with competing priorities

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

● Familiarity with collaborative working platforms such as DropBox and Google Drive

● Experience with Creative Adobe Suite or other graphics software preferred

● Passion for food and agriculture issues

● Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and roles across California

Physical Abilities

● Ability to sit for long periods of time working at a computer

● Requires a full range of physical mobility, such as bending, stooping, lifting, turning, carrying objects, and grasping

CAFF’s policy is that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage those from diverse backgrounds and from historically underserved communities to apply.

To apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume, with the subject line “Farm to School / Institution Coordinator” by replying to this ad or visiting https://caff.org/jobs/ by October 18, 2024. Reference requests will be made further along in the application process.