Program Assistant

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) is a non-profit organization that strengthens local agriculture by building connections between farmers and the community. Our programs include the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® marketing campaign, technical assistance trainings and workshops for farmers and the public, Senior FarmShare, and various programs to expand market options for farmers, including support for winter markets and research and development related to new food business enterprises.

Position Overview:

The Program Assistant will support CISA staff in program implementation, communications, grants and event management.  

Responsibilities:

Duties and responsibilities will include supporting the following activities:

• Annual recruitment and evaluation for the Local Hero Program;
• Production of CISA's annual Farm Products Guide;
• Planning, implementation, and logistics for workshops, tours, or training sessions for farm or food businesses owners and/or community members;
• Communication, including writing and production assistance for CISA's electronic newsletters and weekly Valley Bounty column and website maintenance and updating;
• Communication with CISA program participants;
• Grant submission and grant management, including assembling required paperwork and completing forms;
• Planning and staffing special events and workshops and representing CISA at community events which sometimes occur on weekends and in the evening;
• Maintenance of paper and computer filing systems and databases, support for mailings, etc.

Qualifications:

We're looking for an organized, outgoing person. Other desired qualifications include:

• Ability to work independently and with a team; organized and self-motivated;
• Ability to work with people of various backgrounds including government agency staff, university researchers, farmers and other local landowners;
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English;
• Experience with grant writing, grant management, and reporting;
• Familiarity and proficiency with office computing and equipment (MS Windows and Office platforms, Excel);
• Experience in the sustainable agriculture field a plus;
• Commitment to CISA's mission to strengthen local agriculture by building connections between farmers and the community.

Compensation: This is a 24 to 28 hour/week position paying $11/hour. Some benefits are provided, and this is a non-exempt position. A car and some weekend and evening availability are required.

Part-time Position, 1 year

To Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume.

CISA
One Sugarloaf Street
South Deerfield, MA  01373

Review begins 12/7/11, position open until filled.

CISA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color and women to apply.