For more information about this position, or to apply online, visit the North Carolina State University employment website: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/83675

Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Education and Experience

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday / 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (some evenings and weekends may be required)

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:  The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is a partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.

The Community Food Strategies Initiative is an initiative of CEFS that builds alignment across new, emerging and existing food systems initiatives, weaving together local activities into a statewide plan that reflects local priorities.

Essential Job Duties:  The primary purpose of the Project Coordinator is to oversee and manage the strategic expansion and deepen the reach of local food policy councils in NC, and beyond, to bolster food sovereignty in local communities, especially as it relates to working with the wisdom in the most vulnerable communities across North Carolina. This position’s aim is to support the voices of community members to engage with policy and systems change for a more healthy and community-based food system. The role will include direct/strategic support of a growing network of local food councils across North Carolina to apply an equity lens to impact policies and practices that advance community-centered food practices.

The position will also organize, develop and lead training for project team staff (at multiple organizations) as it relates to food sovereignty and race equity; and engage project partners (organizations and funders) and project allies across the state and region. The position will collaborate on strategy and vision for the overall project, holding the value for a consent based governance model as central to the project’s work; work as part of a team; work to garner the support necessary for the network of local food councils to thrive; learns from and contribute to a national community of practice developing impacts for resilient food systems that are rooted in food sovereignty and believes in building that capacity through food policy councils and community voices.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Independent planning of projects; facilitation for the continued development of a functioning network of local food councils across NC, especially in vulnerable and rural communities.
  • Cultivate statewide partnerships supporting the network of communities in this work.
  • Identify and implement appropriate community engagement strategies for developing councils in vulnerable communities.
  • Make decisions regarding programming around food sovereignty and race equity.
  • Train project team and community groups in project related expertise.
  • Independently facilitate large and small groups; collect data, provide evaluation, and reporting of project.
  • Participate in planning and coordination of annual gatherings of food councils in NC.
  • Prepare publications and reports of findings.
  • Present at conferences and educational workshops statewide.

Other Work/Responsibilities:  In addition to leading the development of a food sovereignty lens for the Community Food Strategies Initiative, this position will support ongoing community-based local food systems work of CEFS. The position will also support the Community Food Strategies Project Lead and team members in modeling equity and systems change at an organizational level. Also, this position may also be required to supervise bi-weekly staff members.

This incumbent will need to travel off-site on occasion alone across NC and must independently be able to travel from location to location without reliance on others or the advanced notice that is often required of alternative means of transportation.

Minimum Experience/Education:

  • Master’s degree, from an accredited institution, with concentrations in the areas of assignment, or a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of equivalent combination of training and experience.

Departmental Required Skills:

  • Qualified candidates will possess and have demonstrated the following skills and abilities: superior communication skills, written and verbal; project management skills; ability to manage a multi-organizational project team; ability to work independently; ability to manage others; ability to interact with a varied and diverse set of community stakeholders; strong facilitation skills; event planning and coordination; experience with WordPress; experience with grant writing/fund development; ability to travel periodically around NC to attend and lead stakeholder meetings and trainings.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, project management, graphic design, communications strategy and writing skills.
  • Must be capable of doing all the described activities independently and be able to make project decisions.
  • Must be knowledgeable of food systems generally, and of North Carolina food systems in particular.
  • Strong experience and skills working with vulnerable and rural communities.
  • Strong facilitation skills with community organizations.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

  • 5+ years of related experience.
  • Experience with food councils, either personal or professional.
  • Understanding of policy and systems change efforts, especially as it relates to food systems and community-based food systems.

Apply at: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/83675.  You will be prompted to upload a cover letter, resume, and three references.

AA/EOE: NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree verified at www.wes.org. Degree must be obtained prior to start date.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.