FW: position open-National Farm-to-School Program Manager

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Just forwarding this from NE Community Food Systems listserve

Subject: position open-National Farm-to-School Program Manager

HEALTHY FARMS, HEALTHY SCHOOLS, HEALTHY KIDS
POSITION AVAILABLE 

National Farm-to-School Program Manager
Position Description:

Exciting new opportunities have been identified to expand direct marketing
for small and regional family farmers and potentially revolutionize school
lunchroom options. Programs that provide farm-fresh items directly to school
cafeterias have begun to be piloted at a number of school districts around
the country. These farm-to-school programs give children and youth healthy
and appealing options at mealtime while also supporting regional family
farmers. As a way to potentially jump start these initiatives nationally and
significantly expand the number of school districts participating in the
farm-to-school approach, the Community Food Security Project, based at the
Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College (Los Angeles,
California), is leading a national farm-to-school project consortium that
was recently granted funding by the USDA for four years. The consortium
includes nine institutions: major universities, a state department of
education, school districts, and community organizations including the
Community Alliance with Family Farmers and the Community Food Security
Coalition. 

The ideal candidate will have a background in food system and/or
school-based issues and possess a combination of experiences in program
development, evaluation, outreach, and project management. Must be able to
lead a project team and keep track of multiple types of tasks and projects
simultaneously. While the position requires an ability to manage the overall
consortium (including program development, evaluation, policy development,
and outreach), the ideal candidate will be able to think strategically about
how specific pilot projects can more broadly contribute to a healthy farms,
healthy schools, and healthy kids approach nationally.

Responsibilities: 
· Manage communication between consortium members, including facilitating
conference calls and annual meetings and compiling email reports
· Help consortium members stay on track with workplans and trouble shoot as
needed 
· Write annual reports which will include information from reports from
consortium members 
·  Ensure coordination of cross-site evaluation between consortium members
· Ensure that the project  meets objectives according to established
workplans  
· Provide analysis of barriers and lessons for projects
· Supervise staff 

Required Skills: 
· Must be able to make presentations to engage diverse groups of people
(food service directors, parents, farmers, community groups, etc.)
· Must have excellent writing skills
· Detail oriented and well organized
· Must have supervisory skills and ability to manage and inspire a team
· Research and/or evaluation experience
· Ability to manage data and budgets
· Self motivated, hard working, and dependable
· Must have strong computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
· Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Public Health, Nutrition,
Urban Planning, Social Welfare, Environmental Policy, or related field

Must be able to work some evenings and weekends, and travel to conferences
around the country as needed.

Preferred but not required:
· Experience working with the media
· Experience working in or with school food services or in schools
· Some experience with farmers' markets and/or gardening
· Some experience with food system or secondary school issues
· Other computer skills such as desktop publishing (making flyers and
newsletters) and webpage management
· Some familiarity with development and grant writing

$40,000-$50,000 starting salary DOE, with full benefits including health,
dental, and vision plan; paid vacation; and retirement benefits. 4 years of
funding committed, but position is likely to continue when and if additional
funding is secured.

Position posted October 19, 2000. Open until filled.

FAX or mail resume and cover letter to:
Human Resources FAX: (323) 341-4957
Occidental College 
1600 Campus Road 
Los Angeles, CA  90041

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