Job description

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) seeks a dedicated and experienced policy analyst to lead policy work in the Southwest. This is a full time position.

General Description: The National Young Farmers Coalition represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success. We envision a country where young people who are willing to work, get trained and take a little risk can support themselves and their families in farming.

The Western Water Program is NYFC’s first regional program. In addition to supporting our national policy and organizing priorities, in the West we also focus on challenges unique to this vast and arid region. Namely, NYFC works across the West to protect water for agriculture and promote the good stewardship of that water. We organize young farmers and ranchers to advocate for their water needs, promote sound policies and practices for conservation and resilience, and provide young farmers and ranchers with the resources and knowledge they need to enter roles of water leadership.

The Southwest policy analyst will work as part of the NYFC team to develop state-level policy recommendations and grassroots campaign strategies to ensure the above for young farmers and ranchers in the West.

Duties and Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Research and analyze state-level policy and create whitepaper(s) on issues pertaining to young farmers and water conservation in Colorado and New Mexico;
• Work with NYFC D.C. policy analyst to research, analyze, and create USDA whitepaper identifying reforms to support young farmers and water conservation in the Colorado River Basin;
• Work with NYFC team and partner groups to develop a grassroots campaign strategy following recommendations from whitepaper(s);
• Attend and represent NYFC at pertinent meetings and events;
• Additional tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Excellent research skills and ability to synthesize broad and complex information
• Professional analytical skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Rigorous critical thinker with ability to understand implications of policy reform
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Understanding of western water law and policy
• Working knowledge of Farm Bill conservation programs
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and deadlines
• Experience in developing advocacy strategy for policy reform
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with NYFC team and partners
• Flexible and able to work periodic weekend and/or evening hours
• A minimum of two years of related experience at a nonprofit, consultancy, government agency, or similar institution
• Commitment to increasing the number of young farmers in the U.S. and enhancing the opportunities available for young farmers to succeed

Additional Skills & Experience (preferred):

• Experience crafting legislation and/or working for a legislator or government agency
• Hands-on experience working in western water issues
• Familiarity with agricultural production, ideally with at least one growing season of hands-on farm or ranch work

Education:
Bachelors degree required; masters and/or law degree in related field highly desirable.

Location, Hours, & Travel:
Ideal candidate will be located in or able to relocate to the NYFC Western office in Durango, Colorado. A remote position in either Colorado or New Mexico may be considered.Position is full-time (40 hours/week). Majority of job hours will not require travel. Periodic travel may include driving and/or flying within the Southwest with the possibility of travel beyond the region. All travel expenses will be covered by NYFC. NYFC supports a flexible work schedule to accommodate travel and work on evenings/weekends when necessary. This is a full time position through December 2017. Offer of extension of employment will be considered upon review.

Compensation:
Compensation is commensurate with experience. A competitive salary and benefits package is available for full-time staff.

Target start date:
By May 2, 2016.

Compensation

this position is: salaried

Application instructions

Deadline

March 03, 2016