Healthy Food in Heath Care Organizer

The Ecology Center is a Michigan-based environmental organization that works for a safe and healthy environment where people live, work, and play. Founded in 1970, the Ecology Center has approximately 18 staff persons.

In recent years, the Ecology Center has led successful campaigns to close down Michigan's medical waste incinerators, improve the environmental performance of the auto industry, and save thousands of acres of working farms and valuable natural areas. We have also launched the highly successful www.HealthyStuff.org consumer website and database, using our extensive expertise in toxics and chemical policy reform. Ecology Center leads the statewide coalition, the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health.

Our staff members are advocates who translate cutting edge environmental science into calls for changes in policy and in the marketplace. We work in an informal, team atmosphere, where individual initiative is expected and respected. The Ecology Center is the parent organization of the non-profit, Recycle Ann Arbor, which operates the premier recycling program in the state of Michigan, and of Energy Works Michigan, a nonprofit offering energy reduction and clean energy services to schools across the state.

Position Overview:

The Ecology Center is seeking a talented person to assist our Healthy Food in Health Care Program by conducting outreach and education to health care facilities about the link between a healthy food system and public health; advocating for health professionals to support the development of a healthier and more equitable food system; and supporting the broader Healthy Food in Health Care movement.

This position offers opportunity for educational and professional development. It includes some shared organizational responsibilities and office duties. Ecology Center staff are unionized, and actively participate in organizational decision-making. This position is a great opportunity for a creative person to make a difference working with outstanding colleagues for a nationally respected public interest organization.

The Healthy Food in Health Care Organizer will join our staff working full-time from the Ecology Center downtown Ann Arbor office with options to work from our Detroit office.  

Responsibilities:

The Organizer will:

• Provide outreach, education and offer technical assistance to our network of engaged healthcare facilities and partners while maintaining monthly e-newsletter, website and educational opportunities;
• Work with Ecology Center staff to expand educational and advocacy opportunities for health professionals in support of a healthy, green, fair and affordable food system for all;
• Coordinate special projects while developing and disseminate resources, tools and materials to support project implementation; and,
• Participate as a regional organizer in a national coalition called Health Care Without Harm's Healthy Food Systems Work Group lending time and resources to support the national campaign and projects. 

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position is passionate about supporting the development of a sustainable food system to protect public and environmental health; has experience in organizing, and success in non-profit environments; possesses strong writing, communication, computer, and leadership skills; and has a relevant academic background.

Specifically, we are seeking an individual with the following:

• At least 2-3 years of organizing experience in environmental issues, public health and/or community food systems;
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including experience in preparing and delivering presentations, and ability to communicate health information;
• Strong leadership skills, self-initiative, and the willingness to take risks;
• Ability to balance multiple simultaneous projects and to easily shift between working independently and as part of a team;
• Sound judgment and good habits of consulting with others;
• Strong computer skills are necessary including, but not limited to, web-based advocacy/organizing tools, social media, and content management systems (CMS); additionally, the following skills are desired, but not required, graphic design/Adobe InDesign, geographic information system/ArcGIS; and,
• Tenacity in the face of challenges.

Note: Candidates with experience in organizing and a masters degree in food systems, nutrition, public health or public health policy, health education, or nursing are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with relevant professional experience. The Ecology Center offers very generous benefits, including medical, dental and retirement.

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief current writing sample, with "HFHC Organizer Application" in the subject line.

Alternatively, you may send you application materials via fax, or mail to: 

Ecology Center
339 E. Liberty Street, Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI
48104

Applications accepted until June 17, 2013 or until position is filled.

~ The Ecology Center is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people of diverse cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. ~