Company 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.

In order to achieve this vision, we are building a coalition of farmers, ranchers and supportive consumers of all racial, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. Social justice and equity are central to our programs, and tackling the structural barriers facing young farmers of all communities is a central organizing strategy. We currently have 38 chapters in 28 states and a grassroots reach of over 120,000 people.

The National Young Farmers Coalition is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and veterans to apply.

Job description

The National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC) seeks a California Organizer to mobilize young farmers and ranchers across California to advocate for critical policy reform. The California Organizer will report to NYFC’s Western Program Director but will also work directly with NYFC’s national leadership. This is a full-time, temporary position currently funded through June 2018. 

NYFC 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. In order to achieve this vision, we are building a coalition of farmers, ranchers, and supportive consumers of all racial, ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. NYFC strongly encourages women, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people of color to apply.

Primary responsibilities: 

• Co-lead the development of a California Young Farmer Platform that is inclusive of farmers of color, Native American farmers, and other underrepresented communities. 
• Organize three farmer listening sessions across the state, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders and partner organizations. 
• Facilitate one NYFC Water Bootcamp that convenes local water professionals to train young and beginning farmers on California water law and policy. 
• Offer direct support to NYFC’s San Diego chapter and prospective chapters across the state by serving as a general resource, facilitating leadership development, and increasing membership. 
• Represent NYFC at conferences and events and cultivate relationships with funding partners. 
• Assist with national organizing and federal policy priorities as necessary.

Requirements:

• Strong familiarity with California’s agricultural communities and organizations.
• At least two years of experience in policy advocacy, grassroots organizing, and/or a related field.
• Outgoing and sociable; a strong listener who approaches new communities with humility and curiosity and is able to build trust over time with diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Takes initiative to identify and carry out the work that needs to be done to a high standard of excellence.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication. 
• Excited to travel frequently and work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Native Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Advanced degree is desired but not necessary. 

Hours & travel 

This is a full-time, temporary position for January 2018 – June 2018. There is a high probability of extending the position beyond that timeframe, and applicants who are excited to support fundraising efforts for the position are strongly encouraged to apply. Organizer should be based in an agricultural community. NYFC supports a flexible work schedule to accommodate long hours while traveling and work on evenings/weekends when necessary. All travel expenses will be covered by NYFC.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $50,000.00 - $55,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

December 15, 2017