Reports to: Executive Director
Employment Type: Exempt; 0.5 FTE with opportunity to grow
Location: Oregon (remote / work from home)
Compensation: Starting salary based on $45,000 full time employment. Position requires an average of 20 hours per week, with some fluctuation throughout the year. Requires the use of your own cell phone, computer, and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed) or a rental car for longer distances (also reimbursed). Benefits include paid vacation, health care stipend, technology stipend, matching retirement account, and flexible work schedule.

Rogue Farm Corps is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.

Position Description

The Communications & Development Manager is responsible for managing the organization’s external communications and assisting with fundraising activities. This position collaborates with the Directors team and programmatic staff to develop strategic messaging to support a diverse and thriving next generation of farmers.

Organization Background

Rogue Farm Corps (RFC) was founded in 2004 by a community of southern Oregon farmers who recognized the need for beginning farmer training and shared a commitment to mentoring the next generation. Since that time, Rogue Farm Corps has grown to become a leader in beginning farmer and rancher education. Our Internship and Apprenticeship programs combine classroom and field-based learning with immersive, hands-on training on a diverse network of commercial family farms. Together, these programs equip beginning farmers with the knowledge, skills and experience they need to create a successful and sustainable career in agriculture. Program participants also learn about food justice, the history of the US food system, and how to help build a more just, equitable, and Earth-sustaining food system.

RFC’s Changing Hands Program addresses the interrelated issues of access to land, farm succession, and the threats facing Oregon’s farmland. This program provides education, training and resources to beginning farmers seeking access to land and capital, and helps retiring farmers plan for the succession and transfer of their farmland and farm businesses. Through conferences and events, RFC brings these two audiences together in order to make connections, help facilitate the intergenerational transfer of farmland, and preserve Oregon’s agricultural land base for future generations of farmers.

RFC is committed to engaging in an ongoing learning process around privilege, power, inequality and systems of oppression, and using our organizational power to be an agent of positive change. As a historically white led organization, RFC is working to lift up the voices and knowledge of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) farmers, to become a more diverse and equitable organization, and to advance social and racial justice in the food system.

Position Responsibilities

Communications (40% ~ 8hrs/week):

• In collaboration with staff, create and manage annual communications calendar,

  including coordinating the following communications projects:

  • Electronic newsletter (4-5x/year)

  • Annual report

  • Print newsletter (1-2x/year)

  • Online spring fundraising campaign

  • End of year fundraising campaign with direct mail appeal

• Manage RFC’s social media in collaboration with program staff

  Program Outreach (10% ~ 2 hrs/week):

● Work with the education team and the Changing Hands Program Director to conduct outreach for programmatic events and RFC’s farm training programs

Development (50% ~ 10 hrs/week)

• Grant writing and reporting

• Support event planning and developing business partnerships

• Work with Executive Director and Assistant Director to coordinate fundraising appeals

Required Competencies

1. Commitment to RFC’s mission

2. Excellent written and verbal communicator

3. Experience writing and/or coordinating organizational communications

4. Experience with grant writing and reporting

5. High level of organization and attention to detail

6. Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team environment

7. Understanding of and commitment to social justice, including anti-racism and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

8. Knowledgeable about communications and social media best practices

9. Ability to use online applications including email, calendar, database, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, and social media platforms

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of and/or experience with farming and food systems

2. Graphic design skills are a plus but not required

3. Comfortable speaking / presenting to a group

Working Conditions

• The Communications and Development Manager can expect a flexible working schedule that may include some occasional evenings and weekends. Requires approximately 20 hours/week with some fluctuation throughout the year.

• All of RFC’s staff work remotely, connecting with other staff via Zoom video conferencing, email, messaging, and conference calls. A good internet connection and phone service are necessary. A home office is highly recommended as no office is provided.

• Must be self-directed, excellent with time management, and have experience working independently.

• Must coordinate monthly schedule and work plan with the Executive Director.