Dear Andy, Please post the following job announcement over the next two
months - we hope to begin interviewing around June 1.
Sanetters:
We welcome applications for the following position. Thank you! Kim Staritzky
Job Announcement
Market Structure Project Leader
The Center for Rural Affairs in Walthill, Nebraska has an opening for a
full-time project leader with its Market Structure Project. The project works
with family farmers and other rural people opposed to corporate farming but
committed to a healthy livestock industry composed of independent producers who
are economically strong and environmentally responsible. The project believes
that farmers must have access to fair, open, and competitive markets, especially
livestock and capital markets, and they must not be discriminated against in
public policies that influence these markets.
Duties
-organize grassroots support among livestock producers for policies that
encourage fair, open, and competitive markets;
-work with local groups of citizens opposed to the development of industrial
farming operations;
-provide staff support and coordination to citizen committees and assist with
recruitment;
-organizing and facilitating informational meetings;
-analyzing policy, developing policy resolutions, and soliciting support for
them among farmers;
-organizing and implementing issue campaigns;
-fundraising and grant management;
-supervision of project consultants
-serve as media spokesperson for project;
-meet with, write to, and influence policy makers;
-support and provide leadership to coalition efforts;
-write for the newsletter.
Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate the ability to critically and objectively
analyze issues. We seek demonstrated experience in motivating and organizing
grassroots citizens to support a common objective; ability to work well with
livestock producers, other farmers, and rural people in general; excellent
speaking and writing skills, and some understanding of the issues involved. We
seek applicants with initiative in developing and implementing activities
without close supervision; who are committed to social justice and environmental
stewardship; and who possess a strong commitment to the health of rural
communities. Since much of the project's work is in Iowa and Nebraska, the new
staff person must be located in, or must be willing to relocate to, Iowa or
eastern Nebraska.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $28,000 to $29,600
annually, depending on experience and qualifications. The Center for Rural
Affairs has an excellent benefit package including full major medical and dental
coverage, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, generous paid sick and
vacation leave, and, after two years of employment, contributions to a
retirement fund. It is estimated this benefit package is worth approximately an
additional $10,000.
Application Procedure
Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of references, and a
short (two page) writing sample responding to the following questions:
* Why are you interested in this position and how does it relate to your
personal goals?
* What are the most significant issues confronting agricultural communities and
how can they be addressed?
* What are your two most significant accomplishments?
* What are your strengths (provide examples that demonstrate your strengths)
Address your application to Kim Staritzky, Farm and Community Policy Program,
Center for Rural Affairs, Box 406, Walthill, Nebraska, 68067. Interviews will
begin around June 1. Applications will be accepted until the position is
filled. If you have questions call Kim at 402-846-5428 between 8:30 and 4:30
Central time.
About the Center for Rural Affairs
The Center for Rural Affairs was formed by rural Nebraskans concerned about the
decline of family farms and rural communities. It was chartered in 1973 under
Nebraska state law as a private, non-profit corporation headquartered in
Walthill.
The Center has developed a national reputation for its prominent work on federal
and state policy, as well as its pioneering work with rural people to strengthen
their communities. We fight for family farming, fair and open markets, small
scale entrepreneurship, strong rural communities and sustainable agriculture.
We believe that:
* The people who work the land should have meaningful opportunities to own and
control it;
* All people - rural and urban - are entitled to decent economic opportunities
that support quality lives;
* The entrepreneurship of rural people should be nurtured and supported to
establish new self-employment opportunities;
* Small communities have value;
* We have a responsibility to leave the land as well or better than we receive
it. The public must share in that responsibility.
The Center is governed by a volunteer board of directors. About half of the
board are farmers and ranchers; the rest are business people, educators and
civic workers. The board's policies and programs are implemented by a staff of
25. The Center has a budget of about $1.5 million.
Financial support comes from sales of publications, fees for services,
individual contributions and grants and contracts from private and public
sources, churches, and foundations. The Center is not a membership
organization.
Mission Statement of the Center for Rural Affairs
The Center for Rural Affairs is committed to building communities that stand for
social justice, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship. To achieve
this objective, we encourage people to accept both personal and social
responsibility, and we provide opportunities for people to participate in
decisions that shape the quality of their lives and the future of their
communities. We engage in research, education, advocacy, and service work to
further this vision of rural America.
Center for Rural Affairs
PO Box 406
Walthill NE 68067-0406
voice: (402) 846-5428
FAX: (402) 846-5420
e-mail: hn1721@handsnet.org
Connect Mail Sent: April 21, 1997 10:54 am PDT Item: R00lWhu