Company description

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) amplifies the impact of philanthropic and investment communities in support of just and sustainable food and agriculture systems. SAFSF helps funders and investors strengthen connections within the sustainable agriculture and food systems community, foster collaboration with their peers, and build capacity to be more effective in their philanthropy and in their advocacy for change. We convene, educate and organize funders around issues critical to rebuilding community food security and agricultural resilience, and seek to amplify the voice of farm and food systems philanthropy in public policy. SAFSF members are regranting organizations, community foundations, corporate and private foundations, impact investors and other capital providers, operating throughout the U.S. and abroad.

Job description

Position Overview

SAFSF is seeking a Program Director to lead the design, coordination and administration of all aspects of our programs including planning, organizing, and executing an annual program plan and an annual in-person Forum. The function of this role is to ensure that SAFSF’s programs are aligned with our strategic direction, relevant to our community of members, and impactful towards our mission. The Program Director, reporting to the Vice President of Impact, will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Program Team, and directly supervise Associates. They will lead co-creation and coordination with managers and cross-functional roles, to develop, promote, and execute SAFSF’s programs. Strong candidates for this position will excel at working collectively with a team, quickly organizing and synthesizing information from many sources, setting vision and strategy, and executing tasks to reach goals and objectives. There will be considerable opportunities for professional growth and education with regard to philanthropy, agriculture, and food systems issues. The Program Director is expected to contribute to a highly professional, impact-oriented work environment, motivated by a sincere desire for a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Major Responsibilities

Program Management (40%)

• Design and deliver an annual program plan for online and in-person programs aligned with SAFSF's strategies for changemaking.
• Oversee and direct the conceptualization, production, development, and execution of all SAFSF programs, including webinars, policy work, learning cohorts, and annual forums.
• Manage planning committees and facilitate meetings, ensuring effective scheduling and follow-up.

Event and Logistics Management (20%)

• Oversee logistics for events, including registration, speaker invitations, travel planning, and venue management.
• Maintain accurate databases and project management tracking for events.
• Ensure financial and contract accountability by managing budgets and contracts.

External Engagement and Communication (15%)

• Direct external-facing programs and activities engaging SAFSF members in food and agriculture systems change.
• Create communication materials and resources using various platforms.
• Develop relationships within the SAFSF network and present at events to enhance SAFSF's visibility.

Team Management and Leadership (15%)

• Lead and manage Program Associates, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and professional development.
• Support Program Associates in developing and executing work plans aligned with the program strategy.

Strategic Planning and Evaluation (10%)

• Analyze programming objectives to develop strategies increasing value and impact for SAFSF members.
• Conduct strategic program evaluation and monitoring using evaluation tools.

As the role changes, other duties may be involved. Job descriptions are reviewed semi-annually and modified as needed.

Core Competencies

• Team Leadership: Lead by example and provide strategic guidance to foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within the Program Team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Facilitation: Possess extensive experience in facilitating productive discussions and planning sessions across diverse groups, from small teams to large gatherings, to achieve consensus and drive actionable outcomes.
• Strategic and Adaptable: Demonstrate the ability to think strategically for long-term goals while remaining adaptable to dynamic changes, promoting innovation and agility in program development and implementation.
• Project Management: Efficiently manage projects from inception to execution, overseeing detailed project plans, coordinating with team members and external partners/vendors, and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
• Information Synthesis: Proficiently gather and synthesize information from multiple sources, applying analytical insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize project planning and execution.
• Financial and Operational Oversight: Ensure financial and contract accountability, working with the operations team to manage budgets and contracts.
• Skilled Relationship Builder: Skillfully cultivate and nurture relationships across stakeholders in food and agriculture systems change, philanthropy, impact investment, and peer networks to advance organizational goals and initiatives.
• Markets and Capital: Demonstrate an understanding of agricultural markets and blended financial capital within the context of systemic change, leveraging insights to drive impactful strategies and initiatives.
• Food System Expertise: Possess deep knowledge and experience navigating the complexities of food and agriculture systems in the U.S., applying expertise to develop innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact.

Required Skills and Experience

• 6-8 years of relevant professional experience in program development or management, with at least 2 years experience in sustainable agriculture, food systems or related fields.
• 2 years of program management or related experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing racial equity concepts and a demonstrated commitment to dismantling white supremacy within program frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, schedules, tasks, and budgets effectively with limited supervision.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Experience managing virtual and/or in-person events with diverse participants and perspectives.
• Experience facilitating groups working towards a common goal.

Basic Work Requirements

• Fluency in English.
• High degree of comfort with common computer-based tools such as Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Willingness and ability to travel within the U.S. occasionally, up to several times per year.

Compensation and Benefits

Full-time, remote position with a starting salary of $85,000- $100,000, based on experience. SAFSF offers an excellent benefits package, including automatic (5%) and matching (up to 3%) retirement contributions; medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance (100% paid by SAFSF for employee); and health and fitness, internet, and cell phone reimbursements. Nine holidays, half-day Fridays, office closure the last week of the year. Plus accrued vacation.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $85,000.00 - $100,000.00

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

July 16, 2024