Job description

Northwest Agriculture Business Center (NABC) provides Northwest Washington farmers with skills and resources required to profitably and efficiently supply their products to consumers, retailers, wholesalers, foodservice operators and food manufacturers. This is done by delivering practical assistance to clients in the areas of business development, access to financing, technical skills, and production issues. Regional market development is a key focus area to facilitate market access for producers. The Puget Sound Food Network (PSFN) is an NABC project. The mission of PSFN is to increase the production, distribution, and consumption of regionally produced food in the Puget Sound market. NABC objectives are pursued and delivered with a sense of urgency.

Job Description:

This individual is responsible for managing projects for NABC. Projects generally involve these areas: technical support, access to marketing, access to financing, and infrastructure development. The project manager will be working with producers/entrepreneurs individually or in business groups to assist in identifying and making efficient decisions related to one or more of these areas of business development. This individual will be spending a significant amount of their time assisting in the development of and creating marketing opportunities for value-added products. The primary background required for supporting this area of client services is a first-hand understanding of the difficulties and challenges entrepreneurs face when developing a business. Wholesale or retail marketing experience is preferred. Experience with creating and implementing a business plan for an agriculture-related business is desired. A background that includes a working knowledge of county, agricultural, financial and educational support organizations would be beneficial.

Measurable Results:

1. Number of clients/projects served
2. Number of jobs created
3. Program revenue generated for NABC
4. Formation of farmer-owned entities
5. Long term sustainability of projects
6. Establishment of processing, distribution, and marketing infrastructure
7. Active participation by buyers and sellers in the Puget Sound Food Network
8. Increased consumption of food produced within the region NABC serves clients in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

This full- time position will be based the offices of NABC in downtown Mount Vernon, Washington. This individual reports to the Executive Director.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to recruit and work with a diverse group of farmers and build consensus within the group
• Skilled at creating and sustaining business relationships
• Knowledge of and work history with Northwest Washington farms and related businesses
• Self-motivated individual that requires minimal supervision
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• Experience working with a diverse group of organizations
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to pay attention to details
• Familiar with computer application programs i.e. MS Word, Excel, Access

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects
• Provide business planning expertise and financial evaluations
• Use farm and business visits as a means to providing NABC services
• Develop, implement, and manage revenue programs
• Cooperate with private, county, state, federal, and other organizations and agencies as needed to strengthen or extend NABC programs
• Develop business mentor programs with other organizations that focus on agricultural operations
• Foster communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers
• Maintain a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in training, research, and professional activities
• Utilize electronic mail, the internet and other technology to serve the needs of clients and to communicate with NABC staff and others
• Collaborate as a team for planning, implementing and evaluating NABC programs
• Personal mobility/transportation required. Flexible working hours required.
• Position requires a limited amount of night and weekend work.

Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and salary history. Benefits and travel reimbursement will be provided in addition to the base salary. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Compensation

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Deadline

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