Job description

Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture seeks a Communications and Member Resources intern to research and develop resources for our participating U.S. host farms and international stewards as well as assist staff with MESA event logistics (November exit seminar week and fundraiser dinner). The internship requires a minimum of two days per week (at least 1.5 in our Berkeley office) and six-month commitment.

ABOUT

MESA connects farmers and food activists around the world for hands-on training cross-cultural exchange programs. Training is based on ecological production practices and innovative marketing models to strengthen sustainable local food systems worldwide. MESA facilitates seasonal programs for international farmers and food activists (aka Stewards) to live and train at farms, education centers, and businesses promoting sustainable and ecological agriculture. Hosts are production farms of various scales, agroecology education centers, urban agriculture programs, and related industries. Stewards currently hail from Ecuador, Ghana, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and recently, the U.S. for vocational training opportunities in transitional, organic, biodynamic and sustainable agriculture, as well as processing, distribution and marketing. A blended fund development model helps MESA provide small seeds grants for Steward alumni to implement Home Country Projects in their communities and for on-farm projects called SPRIGs (Sustainable Projects Recognizing Innovative Growers) that add value and sustainability to training site. MESA partners with international NGOs and universities across the globe to connect with steward applicants and provide support services for alumni upon return home.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

The intern will work in collaboration with MESA’s Executive Director and Program Director to support MESA’s efforts in cultivating steward and host services including, but not limited to, program development with our global partners, webpage maintenance regarding steward resources, steward and host communications, social media maintenance and outreach, newsletter and marketing research and development. The intern will also assist with some of our most important events of the year- Exit Seminar week and Cultural Cuisine Celebration. This is a great opportunity for an intern to get hands-on experience with inter-workings of a small non-profit and gain skills in communications, outreach, marketing, and event planning.

Timeframe: 16 hours/week for 6 months. Start date flexible- June through November. Must be available for the weeks of November 4-10 and 11-17.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Steward communications through monthly reports
• Steward resource development on MESA webpage
• Social media (facebook and twitter) maintenance and cultivation
• Web-related content and newsletter development and proofreading
• Assist in new program developments and communications with global partner organizations
• Assist planning of events for large groups (55-100 individuals)
• Outreach to food vendors and in-kind donors
• Community and MESA supporter outreach
• Coordinate schedule and travel logistics for MESA Staff and Stewards
• Participate in the pre- preparation and post- analysis of the event, help asses opportunities and make recommendations for future improvements

COMPENSATION

Unpaid. Commute reimbursement to/from Berkeley office for local Bay Area residents. Reimbursement for any event-related travel costs (i.e. donation pick-ups, vendor visits, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate possesses excellent communications skills in English (Spanish a plus), is highly organized, and is proficient in Excel, Word and Google Docs. S/he has excellent writing and proofreading skills and is eager to learn more about international communications project development. Previous experience in organizing and planning events is highly recommended. He or she is able to multi-task, is internet-literate, and a quick learner.

Compensation

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Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline