Company description

The mission of the Farm and Food Growth Fund (FFGF) is to create employment and safe affordable housing, capital access opportunities for low and moderate income individuals, families and communities with a focus on farm and food-related industries located in the Northeast Foodshed encompassing parts of the greater Hudson Valley, western Connecticut, western Massachusetts, southern Vermont and eastern Pennsylvania by stimulating economic vitality through technical assistance services, community development and increasing the flow of capital. Programs will target both rural and urban underserved populations in need by aligning capital, knowledge, and workforce skills to advance opportunities for business ownership, job creation, safe and affordable workforce housing, and community revitalization. The FFGF has a special interest in supporting the development and growth of jobs on farms, in other aspects of agriculture production and value-added activities, and in food manufacturing and food retail businesses in the Northeast Foodshed area. The FFGF, additionally, will support small businesses that invest and create jobs in their communities for the benefit of low- and moderate-income persons including, but not limited to, small scale retail, personal and professional service businesses and small-scale manufacturing in a variety of industries, many of which are farm and food-related.

Job description

The Dairy Specialist is a full-time position focused on coordinating grant and funding opportunities aimed at improving efficiency in milk storage, handling, and processing. The responsibilities will include facilitating outreach activities, managing relationships with dairy producers and state and regional stakeholders, and providing technical assistance to dairy producers. Primary responsibilities include:

• Outreach through communications and in-person visits to dairy producers throughout the state to promote and encourage application to New York Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Dairy Modernization Grant Program, which FFGF will administer.
• Outreach to state and regional agricultural development agencies, associations and other Diary-related groups to inform and educate about these grant opportunities.
• Work with FFGF’s Grants and Program Manager to develop the internal flow of the grant application process for applicants.
• Work with FFGF’s Grants and Program Manager to maintain accurate records of grant-related documents, expenditures and outcomes.
• Communicating effectively with internal teams to gather necessary information and updates for grant activities.
• Preparing regular progress reports, awardee budget reports, and impact assessments for grant-funded projects.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Collaboration with state and regional agricultural development agencies, associations and other Dairy-related groups including NYS Dairy Inspectors.
• Development and facilitation of one to two conferences to be conducted by FFGF for grant recipients, and state and regional stakeholders, including programming and promotion.
• Attendance at other conferences/events throughout the state to cultivate relationships and represent FFGF and the Dairy Modernization Grant Program.
• Coordination with FFGF staff regarding Business Technical Assistance programs and loan products to grant awardee dairy producers as needed.
• Working with other FFGF staff and staff from affiliate organizations such as the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC), preparing reports for FFGF Board, status reports for grants and other reports as needed.
• Participating in meetings, workshops, and presentations with staff, clients and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Animal Science, Agricultural Science, Food and Agricultural Business, Agribusiness Management, or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience (one to three years) in the Diary industry.
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production and handling practices related to the dairy industry throughout the state.
• Demonstrated ability to work and relate to farm families and agribusiness on an individual, group and mass-media basis.
• General understanding of grant processes.
• Understanding of Agribusiness and economic development.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to assist applicant in crafting persuasive grant proposals and reports.
• Proficiency in grant management software (i.e. Survey Monkey), databases, Zoom, Dropbox and Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in grant documentation and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal, team building and relationship-building skills.
• Understanding of and adherence to confidentiality and privacy practices.
• Strong attention to detail, time management and organizational skills.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred but not required.

Additional Information and Requirements:

• This is full time position based in Hudson, NY, with flexibility for remote work.
• Required travel, mainly throughout New York state (and some regionally) to meet with producers, and state regional stakeholders.
• Commitment to racial and social equality.
• Comfortable working in environments with animals, i.e. cows, goats, lambs, dogs.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to independently travel within FFGF’s coverage area to visit with clients and partner organizations.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination; mask wearing/social distancing in office required as conditions warrant.
• Must be available five days/week, with the possibility of weekends and off-hours to accommodate farm hours.

Participating in meetings, workshops, and presentations with staff, clients and community stakeholders.

Compensation:
is a yearly salary of $60,000 to $70,000, dependent upon relevant and valid skills/experience. Generous benefit package that starts with 150 hours paid time off, 13 holidays, 403B retirement plan and medical. Mileage reimbursement is given for travel to farmer, client and partner meetings.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, varies DOE, $60,000.00 - $70,000.00

Application instructions

Deadline

December 15, 2024