JOB POSTING with Animal Welfare Approved Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator – Southeast Region AWA seeks a Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator based in the Southeast region to recruit and support farmers seeking a third-party certification for their sustainable, pasture-based farming operations. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits. The Coordinator will work from a home-based office accessible to a major city in the Southeast region (includes AL, AR, DE, FL, KY, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV). JOB DESCRIPTION: Working within assigned region, the primary focus of this position is to identify and recruit pasture-based farmers to apply for AWA certification, to deliver AWA services to farmers in the program, and to build awareness of the benefits of AWA within the farming community and in the marketplace. Responsibilities and requirements include: Farmer Recruitment • Initiate and follow up on individual farmer contact and maintain records of potential farmers, using a variety of lists and sources as leads, as well as contacts made at events and via ongoing research. • Attend conferences, extension meetings, producer group meetings, farmers’ markets and workshops in order to recruit farmers and promote the program. Coordinate advertising, travel, materials, and expenses associated with such events. Contribute to the maintenance of pre- and post-event evaluation data. • Serve as first point of contact for farmers unfamiliar with the program and succinctly and effectively communicate the purpose and benefits of AWA certification. • Disseminate information about grants and AWA services to existing and potential farmers. General Marketing and Outreach • Serve as regional contact for AWA farms, consumers, and retailers in the Southeast region and deliver AWA marketing support services. • Develop content for social media, blogs, press releases, website, newsletters, etc. • Draft farm profiles and press releases for newly approved farmers. • Attend and/or organize consumer-facing events and workshops (i.e., in-store demos, presentations, etc.) to promote certified farmers and the AWA label in the marketplace. • Other responsibilities as assigned. Requirements • Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively. • At least two years experience in agriculture or food-related field. • Strong written and verbal communications skills. Comfortable engaging new contacts both in person and by phone or email. • Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and deliver assignments on time with attention to detail. • Working knowledge of social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Website experience a plus. • Understanding of sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. • Experience with Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook, necessary. Basic experience with Adobe products and contact management desirable. • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time, to make frequent day trips to major cities, and attend weekend and evening events as needed. How to Apply • Send cover letter and resume (including salary history and requirements) to [email protected]. Please list “Southeast Farmer and Market Outreach Coordinator” in the email subject line. • In cover letter, please describe your interest in this position, your ability to travel and work weekends, and address the following question in 300 words or less: What is the importance of sustainable animal agriculture? • Deadline for applications is August 15, 2014.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:00:01 +0000