Policy Associate

California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) is one of the oldest and largest organic certification organizations in the U.S. CCOF works to promote organic production through education, advocacy, outreach and certification programs.

Position Summary:

The Policy Associate will work with our diverse membership on State, Federal and International policy matters. The Policy Associate will assist the Executive Director in tracking decision-making processes relating to organics; evaluating governmental agency performance in issues relating to organics; and advocating for more effective policies supporting organics. The Policy Associate will work closely with CCOF's Executive Director, Government Affairs Committee, and members to effectively advocate for CCOF's interests and member interests. Will require occasional overtime, working weekends, and travel.

Responsibilities: Applicants must be able to work independently on a variety of projects and tasks.

• Assist the Executive Director in developing, managing and implementing CCOF's policy work in the organic sector including, but not limited to, U.S. Congress, National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), National Organic Program (NOP), the California State Organic Program (SOP), and other Federal, State, and International bodies
• Coordinate CCOF involvement in legislative activities including, but not limited to, coordinating CCOF representation at meetings, in hearings, and through written comments as well as recruiting members for various activities
• Create and manage technical resources such as internal databases and communication tools
• Serve as liaison to Government Affairs Committee including, but not limited to, preparing meeting agendas and packets, researching issues pertinent to policy work, coordinating committee meetings, and ensuring completion of action items
• Monitor, document, and report on CCOF's policy activities
• Draft, edit and distribute reports, position statements, and public comments, as well as articles and alerts for CCOF publications and website
• Answer general questions from members and the public or refer them to appropriate staff
• Supervise contractors and interns, as needed
• Perform clerical tasks related to advocacy work (i.e., maintaining contact lists, setting up conference calls, taking minutes, general e-mailing, faxing, copying and data entry)

Qualifications: Applicants must be able to document work experience and/or training to demonstrate the skills needed for the job. The following qualifications are desired:

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree in political science or a related field preferred
• Two years of experience in policy, advocacy, lobbying, or related experience
• Knowledge of issues, policies, processes, and decision-makers related to organic food production in California, the United States and internationally
• Existing relationships with relevant decision-makers
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. from ground to waist
• Must have own reliable vehicle available for work purposes

Skills: Applicants must have a wide range of administrative and communication skills as well as practical business skills.

• Excellent communication skills in person, on the phone, and in writing
• Competency in word processing, databases, and email (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)
• Organizational skills to organize, monitor, and track numerous activities throughout the year
• Ability to logically solve problems with little supervision
• Ability to work with various groups of people with strong and differing opinions and positions
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work under pressure in a dynamic environment
• Willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done

To Apply:

Email or fax: resume, cover letter, salary history and needs, and  writing sample. Please ensure that your cover letter or resume documents your qualifications as listed above. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

No phone calls, please. You will be contacted only if an interview is requested.