Farmer Partnerships Coordinator

Organization: Agricultural Platform Collective (APC)

Position: Farmer Partnerships Coordinator, Full-Time Exempt

Reports To: Director of Agricultural Projects

Compensation: $55,000 - $90,000, depending upon experience

Start Date: May 1, 2024

Submit: Cover Letter and Resume to jobs@okthink.org

About the Agricultural Platform Collective (APC)

The Agricultural Platform Collective (APC) is a partnership between OKThink Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, and . The APC aims to establish an aligned network of California agricultural producers that is equitable and diverse, and provides farmers and ranchers with services and assistance that promote economic viability, sustainability, and resilience. The APC is particularly focused on serving the needs of small and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The APC seeks to contribute to a circular and resilient economy by assuring consistent, relevant, and long-term support for the agricultural community by giving small-scale, Socially Disadvantaged, and conservation-minded producers the training, tools, and resources they require to build their businesses and gain access to more and consistent sales channels.

The APC is launching its pilot efforts in the Central San Joaquin Valley (Fresno, Madera, Merced, and Tulare Counties) and is looking to expand its capacity and grow its partnerships in this community.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

We seek a candidate who is passionate and knowledgeable about California agriculture, and who strives to bring more social, economic, and racial justice to the industry. The ideal candidate will possess self-starting energy, demonstrate strong interpersonal communication, and have a history of successful relationship-building. An ideal candidate will embody both individual drive and collaborative teamwork. Candidates must demonstrate extensive expertise and genuine connection to the Central San Joaquin Valley farming community. This position calls for someone who deeply values small business agricultural producers, and who can build relationships and communicate clearly with smaller-scale farmers and ranchers – meeting them where they are.

The candidate will need to focus their passion for farming/ranching into building and managing the relationships that will help the APC to spur resilient and collective economic and environmental outcomes for producers. The ideal candidate must be confident and able to forge strong relationships with farming communities, nonprofit organizations, and government representatives.

Position Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Agricultural Projects, the Farmer Partnerships Coordinator will be responsible for building, cultivating, and maintaining partnerships with small- and medium-sized farmers and ranchers in the Central San Joaquin Valley. The candidate must show a commitment to APC’s core values of social, environmental, and racial justice and equity. This position will be responsible for creating, informing, and implementing educational materials and opportunities for monolingual Spanish- and Hmong-speaking members of the APC.

The primary roles and responsibilities of the candidate include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identifying and conducting outreach to producers who are well-suited to join the APC, developing a pipeline of contacts for APC engagement and recruitment,
• Providing support, information, and facilitate member services for producers who are members of the APC,
• Strengthening relationships with key partners of the APC by attending strategic planning meetings, mobilizing turnout for public hearings, and showing up for allied events as needed,
• Communicating and interacting with other staff, community members, and partners in a professional, purposeful, respectful, clear, concise, logical, and organized manner, and
• Having the ability to build trust, work, and interact effectively with farmers and ranchers from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds in a culturally diverse environment.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to take direction and follow instructions and procedures.
• Exhibit strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of the position and in carrying out job duties.
• Deep accountability and ownership of role, responsibilities, and high-impact deliverables.
• Approach problem-solving with creativity and in collaboration with program staff and community partners.
• Create and maintain an organized working environment.
• Maintain regular and consistent communication with the APC team.
• Collect and analyze data to report outcomes and meet program and grant objectives.
• Flexible, resourceful, and helpful – able to change plans, course correct, identify needed work, and adjust tasks as needed to manage time effectively and efficiently.

Experience and Education

• Demonstrated knowledge of and connection to non-industrial farming communities, especially communities of color, in the Central San Joaquin and Central Valley in California.
• Dynamic communication and presentation skills are a must.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and fast-changing environment is essential.
• Knowledge of environmental justice, climate change, racial and social justice, and community organizing principles.
• Ability to work in collaboration with team members and also work independently, and manage multiple priorities, stakeholders, and workflows
• A minimum of two to five years of experience coordinating or managing a diverse, small-scale farm operation utilizing conservation agricultural practices, or related agricultural programs.
• Passion for supporting small- and medium-sized farmers and ranchers.
• Attention to detail, ability to do paperwork and back-office tasks as needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in hot and cold weather, and varied terrain.
• Ability to work weekends and evening hours during peak growing season.
• Experience creating and delivering educational presentations and hands-on agricultural education.

Requirements

• Bi- or Multilingual speaking ability, such as Spanish or Hmong is a must.
• Possess a current and valid driver's license.
• Be able to travel to various farms and ranches to meet producers’ needs.
• Reside in or willing to relocate to the Central San Joaquin Valley.
• Prepare a brief weekly report and meet monthly with APC Team to review progress and outcomes of efforts, and ensure ongoing alignment.

Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color, immigrants, women, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, and offers a competitive salary and benefits, including Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance and:

• 401(k)
• Career Development
• Generous Vacation and Paid Holidays
• Wellness, Mobile Phone, and Internet Benefits

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pescadero, CA 94060