Job Description About Us:

Birthplace of the navel orange industry and home to the University of California at Riverside (U.C.R.), a land grant university that started as a citrus experiment station, Riverside is a dynamic city of 314,000 with a 7.23 square mile agriculture greenbelt and a unique blend of historic charm and modern city features.

Riverside is also a leader in sustainability and was designated as California's first Emerald City by the California Department of Conservation.  The City recently hosted Grow Riverside, a sold-out, outcomes-based conference designed to help Riverside reconnect to its agriculture roots and galvanize the citizens, growers, advocates, government officials and other major stakeholders around the economic opportunities that can result from employing sustainable agriculture in the city.

Position Description:

The City of Riverside has an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Coordinator to work with agriculture land owners and growers to promote investment in sustainable agriculture and to connect local food growers with local restaurants, stores and distributors.

Position Definition:

Under general direction, to assist a Project Manager, or higher level staff, in the planning, developing, organizing, and managing of development programs, projects, and activities within one or more development project areas, involving the following aspects: financial analysis; liaison with the community; coordination of activities with developers, nonprofits, business operators, owners and tenants; business development; contract preparation and supervision; marketing activities; and to do related work as required.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be familiar with small farming practices and agriculture economics, possesses a solid understanding of business principles and have a passion to help people.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

General assignments, which may be assigned for all positions:

• Assist the Project Manager in the coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating of the planning and execution of all activities for assigned projects.
• Assist in the development of objectives, priorities, schedules and budgets for programs, projects and activities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with organizations, businesses, commercial and/or housing developers, brokers, public agencies, property owners, non-profits, community groups, and the general public to promote and facilitate the planning and execution of various Development projects, programs, and/or processes. 
• Make public presentations to legislative bodies and other public agencies, as directed; make public presentations to community groups, development associations and other major assemblages regarding various Development projects, programs and/or processes.
• Assist in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of contracts and other related documents between the Department, the Agency and developers, other City departments, and non-profits; coordinate and administer construction and demolition contracts.
• Gather and analyze data, participate in special studies and analysis, and prepare and submit comprehensive reports on various aspects of programs and projects; prepare factual data, on an ongoing basis, for City, Agency and/or Housing Authority information and promotional materials.
• Assist in the development, monitoring, and administration of project-specific budgets on annual and multi-year basis; participate in coordinating long- and short-term project cash flow analysis; assist in redevelopment and/or affordable housing tax allocation bond financing.
• Coordinate with other departments the review and processing of specific private development projects; provide assistance and facilitation whenever necessary to expedite project development.
• Assist in the preparation and evaluation of Requests for Qualifications and Request of Proposals.
• Serve as a management liaison to a board and/or council; coordinate special projects and requests; write council reports.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate para-professional, technical, and clerical staff.

When assigned as Agriculture Business Development Coordinator:

• Coordinate the City's agriculture and food-related business development program to create jobs and economic growth through agriculture and the food systems industry in Riverside
• Guide development of an action plan to increase the City's agriculture economy including goals and objectives to increase the amount of land in active agriculture use.
• Develop and actively maintain a measurable business plan to promote investment in sustainable agriculture and to connect local food growers with local restaurants, stores and distributors, including agri-tourism.
• Prepare and maintain an inventory of agriculture land ownership, for lease and for sale status, and production.
• Identify sales and distribution channels for agriculture products and meet with local restaurants, markets and other businesses to promote the purchase of local products.
• Research and compile information on types of agriculture that is suitable for Riverside's climate and soils and help promote Riverside as a location for those crops.
• Recruit agricultural-related headquarters, R and D, distribution, food processing and related businesses to Riverside.
• Identify opportunities for international agricultural trade and connect local businesses to international outlets.
• Collaborate with City departments to coordinate workshops and event planning (e.g. Grow Riverside, citrus heritage events, etc.) 
• Participate with local and regional Food Policy Council(s) and Food Alliance(s).
• Market Riverside as a destination for agriculture, agri-tourism, local food and quality of life.
• Build strategic relationships and partnerships and engage the community and stakeholders.

Salary: $5,353.00 - $7,174.00 Monthly

For a complete job description please visit the link below. Compensation this position is : salaried How to apply DeadlineAugust 31, 2014