Farm Advocate

Farm Aid is looking for a full-time Farm Advocate to join our small staff in Cambridge, MA. Farm Aid is a national nonprofit organization working to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Since 1985, Farm Aid has raised $48 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

The Farm Advocate will serve as Farm Aid’s primary direct service provider, working one-on-one with farmers across the country to address their unique resource needs through quality referrals and emotional support. The Farm Advocate will provide strategic development and implementation of the Farm Advocate Link and facilitate additional service provider network development and collaborative efforts.

Responsibilities include: 

• Manage Farm Aid’s farmer services program, including the 1-800 hotline, [email protected] email, the resource directory database, farmer emergency grants and Farm Aid’s disaster response and relief efforts. 
• Monitor, evaluate and report the impact of Farm Aid’s farmer services program.
• Grow, engage and activate Farm Aid’s national network of farmer service providers, including the Farm Advocate Link (www.farmaid.org/advocates), to strengthen the network and in turn the resources available to family farmers.
• Engage in ongoing learning of farmer service providers, programming and resources around the country, with a focus on beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers, crisis and disaster assistance, financial support, legal support and mental health offerings. Translate into quality referrals and content for the Farm Aid Resource Network website (www.farmaid.org/ideas).   
• Participate in ongoing Farm Aid activities, planning and implementation, including the annual grant program and concert functions. 

Areas of expertise include excellent interpersonal skills and relevant one-on-one case management in non-profit/social work environment; strong project management and group facilitation skills; experience with database management as well as data monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly active listening, as well as the ability to handle confidential information. Candidate must be able to establish good rapport with partners and maintain effective working relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Ability to work independently and in a team environment is a must. Also seeking someone with a sense of humor, integrity and compassion, along with an optimistic outlook and willingness for periodic national travel.

Minimum requirements are an equivalency of a BA or BS degree and minimum of 3+ years of experience in the food and agriculture or social service sector, preferably working directly with farmers or individuals in need of support. Proficiency with Microsoft Office required (Word, Excel) and Filemaker Pro preferred. A strong candidate will have extensive and in-depth knowledge and familiarity with many aspects of farmers’ needs and resources.

To Apply:

If you have these qualities and are interested, please apply by May 3, 2015. Early applications are strongly encouraged and applications will be considered as they are received and until position is filled. All applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting their experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, a current resume and a writing sample. Email to [email protected] with “Farm Advocate” in the subject line. No calls please. Farm Aid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

For more information about Farm Aid, please visit www.farmaid.org