National Beginning Farmer Technical Assistance Coordinator

The mission of the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (New Entry) is to assist people with limited resources who have an interest in small-scale commercial agriculture, to begin farming in Massachusetts. The broader goals of New Entry are to support the vitality and sustainability of the region's agriculture, to build long term economic self-reliance and food security among participants and their communities, and to expand access to high-quality, culturally appropriate foods in underserved areas through production of locally-grown foods.

Responsibilities:

Conduct national planning, outreach, and technical assistance to emerging or developing beginning farmer training and incubator farm programs. In particular:

• Recruit clients and engage national partners TA and community of practice (CoP) efforts.
• Develop TA protocols in areas of Agricultural Business Planning Training, Strategic Planning, Fundraising for Incubator Programs, and Working with Limited Resource Farmers.
• Establish a national TA request and referral system.
• Develop a national webinar series on incubator farm program topics.
• Develop a web-based national clearinghouse for farm incubator resources and support.
• Develop case studies, success stories, and best practices reflecting effective organizational development by farm incubators.
• Organize a multi-day Incubator Farm School and CoP national meeting.
• Facilitate ongoing CoP strategies for beginning farmer program staff.
• Document and evaluate program outputs and outcomes.

- Participate as part of a team to support the mission of New Entry and CTI's Workforce Development Division
- Attend regular supervisory meetings
- Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:  This position has supervisory responsibility.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• BA in agriculture-related field required, 5 years of experience overseeing beginning farmer technical assistance programs at the national level may substitute for degree. Master's Degree preferred.
• Prior experience in national outreach, beginning farmer training, and educational resource development is essential.
• Experience working with social media, web-based learning, and web resource development required.
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience required. Organizational development and cross-cultural experience helpful

Qualifications:

• Candidate must possess skills and knowledge in multiple aspects of agriculture and farm business management gained through significant experience in training of beginning farmers.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse ethnic and economic groups.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Self- directed and able to work well in a rapidly changing environment.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency with standard computer software (MS Office, social media)
• Ability to travel nationally and access to reliable transportation required
• Flexible schedule needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Bi-lingual (English/Khmer, Spanish, or Portuguese), a plus
• A CORI background check is performed for all employees.