The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. MOFGA is a broad-based community that educates about and advocates for organic agriculture, illuminating its interdependence with a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities.

We accomplish that education and advocacy through several programs:

• Education – including farm apprenticeships, journeyperson training, farm and garden tours, low-impact forestry events, scholarships and more
• Agricultural services – with specialists in organic crops, livestock and marketing
• The Common Ground Country Fair – our annual celebration of rural living, held the third weekend after Labor Day
• Organic certification – MOFGA Certification Services LLC, the USDA-accredited organic certifier in Maine
• Policy – including our Public Policy Committee and our MOFGA-El Salvador Sistering Committee
• Publications – including our quarterly newspaper, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener; our weekly emailed Bulletin Board; fact sheets; pest reports; and more

We are looking for an entrepreneurial self-starter with a passion for the organic food movement in Maine. The Educational Programs Coordinator is responsible for coordinating educational events and assisting educational department staff with administrative and communication tasks.

Primary Responsibilities: Coordinate logistics and outreach to support successful and meaningful educational and food access programming.
Supervisor: Educational Programs Specialist
Work Week: 40 hours --Monday through Friday, and additional evening and weekend hours as needed for events.
Position: Salaried. Federal Fair Labor Standards Act Exempt. The employee is not eligible for overtime payment.

Required Abilities and Knowledge:

• Firm understanding of issues related to organic farming, gardening and food access in Maine
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to manage many projects simultaneously
• Capacity for quick, creative problem solving with flexibility and composure when unexpected challenges arise
• Skill for coordinating complex events logistics (often concurrently) involving diverse contributors, stakeholders and objectives
• Ability to work cooperatively and efficiently with staff, program participants, volunteers and the public through effective verbal and written communication, in-person and remotely
• Ability to bring projects to conclusion under deadline
• Fluency with computer systems and communication tools including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, online form building, website maintenance and social media.
• Capacity to take initiative and work independently and creatively when appropriate

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with program directors and program staff to coordinate logistics of meetings, events, and programs
• Manage the Maine Harvest Bucks CSA Program by communicating with program partners, work with participating farmers to project seasonal budgets, process invoices, assist with fundraising efforts and grant reporting, work closely with other departments in MOFGA to coordinate public education and outreach efforts
• Work closely with program directors and program staff to develop promotional literature in support of meetings, events and programs via established MOFGA communications channels as well as external media outlets
• Perform outreach to announce educational opportunities to the public and reach target audiences
• Track event and program income and expenditures, and generate financial analysis as needed
• Ensure thorough quantitative and qualitative data collection on event and program activities, impacts and participation
• Continually strive to improve and systematize ongoing events and programs while simultaneously assisting with development and evaluation of educational events and programming
• Assist with attainment of sponsorships and procure exhibitors to support key educational events
• Ensure procurement of goods and services for educational events in alignment with MOFGA’s mission and budget realities
• Advise and support other MOFGA staff in coordinating educational events
• Work closely with volunteer coordinator to ensure adequate volunteer support for meetings and events
• Work closely with and provide administrative support for database manager and administrative assistant to ensure efficient and accurate processing of registration for educational events
• Work with Country Store manager to order books and related materials for educational events
• Assist with Fair set-up, clean-up, and related meetings as needed
• Carry out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission statement, goals, and philosophy of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

MOFGA’s success is dependent upon the collaborative spirit among its staff members and volunteers. Employees are expected to be ready and willing to assist colleagues in all program areas when directed to do so by their supervisors.

Competitive salary dependent upon experience. MOFGA has an excellent benefits package with paid medical, dental and vision insurance and paid maternity/paternity leave. Employees earn 12 days of vacation during their first year of employment and four weeks of vacation annually in subsequent years, plus 12 sick days, three personal days, and 14 paid holidays annually.

MOFGA strives for a diverse workplace and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Interested parties should submit a resume and cover letter to Ryan Dennett at hiring@mofga.org. Review of candidates will begin immediately, and position will remain open until filled.