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This announcement was posted late to SANET. AERO is willing to
negotiate a deadline extension with potential applicants who received
this notice via SANET. We apologize for the short notice (original
deadline: March 13).
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Please Post thru March 15, 1998
Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager
AERO (the Alternative Energy Resources Organization) is a nonprofit
membership organization based in Helena, Montana, which serves the
Rocky Mountain and High Plains West of the northern U.S. and southern
Canada. AERO is a widespread community of people creating social,
economic and environmental healthone farm, one neighborhood, one
community at a time. Organized in 1974, we work toward a vision of a
sustainable, community-centered society. Sustainable agriculture and
local food systems, smart growth and transportation, resource
conservation, and community self-reliance are the areas in which we
focus our pro-active work.
The full-time position AERO is seeking to fill is responsible for
management and ongoing development of AEROís 14-year-old sustainable
agriculture programour largest, most well established program area.
This program encompasses several projects to improve the
sustainability of agriculture and communities. These projects work to
change agricultural practices and systems, improve ag research and
education, localize the food system, increase community economic
vitality, and build social capital. This position is responsible to
the executive director in a cooperative, team environment, and to
AEROís 600-plus members, particularly AEROís agriculture task force,
which sets agriculture program direction.
Duties and Responsibilites:
I. Program management and administration
Oversees implementation of the sustainable agriculture program;
allocates and manages program resources; provides opportunities for
member leadership and participation; leads the small agriculture
program staff team; connects members with resources they need to be
effective in their work; manages contracts with consultants; utilizes
and maintains relevant office and administrative systems; organizes
events; facilitates meetings; builds collaborative relationships.
Takes primary responsibility for carrying out some of AEROís
agriculture projects, and will take the lead on our largest project,
a new Montana food systems initiative.
II. Program development and fundraising
Works with members, staff and consultants to continually develop an
agriculture program that meets the needs of the members and promotes
and develops the organizationís vision. Identifies potential
fundersboth public and private, writes grant proposals and reports,
and seeks some non-grant funding. Networks with relevant individuals
and organizations throughout AEROís region and the country.
III. Member and leadership development, member services, information
management, outreach
Is responsive to members; nurtures development of AEROís Ag Task
Force and emerging leaders; recruits new members; serves membersí
information, networking and technical assistance needs; provides the
means for members to connect to each other and AEROís resources;
manages information for easy retrieval; communicates through a
variety of means to members and the public AEROís program,
accomplishments, and opportunities for involvement.
Desired Qualifications:
I. Knowledge and experience
Experience with principles, practices and systems of sustainable
agriculture and conventional agriculture (preferably in the West),
and local food systems.
Experience with sustainable ag issues and networks, rural
development, and ag and natural resources policy.
Experience building inclusive, strong communities of people, and
translating their vision into action. Strong networking experience,
experience developing community-based leadership.
Knowledge of group dynamics and conflict resolution helpful.
Knowledge of relevant funders.
Program development and management experience in a grassroots
nonprofit or with government (min. 2 yrs required).
Experience working in a rural setting, excellent rapport with
farmers and ranchers.
II. Skills and abilities
Excellent writing and oral communication. Excellent listening
skills.
Computer skills (Macintosh preferred): word processing, electronic
communication, data base. Knowledge of office systems.
Private foundation and government grant-writing and reportingwith
track record of fundraising success.
Good media and public education skills.
Supervisory and team management abilities, contract management.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and keep people on deadline in a
small, cooperative office environment.
Ability to manage budgets, allocate and manage other project
resources.
Event organizing; meeting facilitation. Adult learning and group
process skills.
Ability to work in the realm of ideas and possibilities while
keeping attention to detail.
III. Personal characteristics
Passion for and vision of sustainable agriculture, local/regional
food systems and rural communities. Personal commitment to proactive
social change and social justice.
Commitment to creating a culture of connection through grassroots
action and community-based leadership. Commitment to fostering member
involvement in all facets of the agriculture program; commitment to
inclusion and diversity.
Management style that is team-oriented.
Commitment to collaborative learning.
Deeply and broadly inquisitive.
Systematic, well-organized, thorough.
Compensation:
In the 20s, comensurate with experience. Generous tenure increases,
medical and disability insurance, excellent vacation, holiday and
sick benefits, pre-tax medical and childcare savings account, and
modest retirement.
Deadline and Application Process:
Please send a resume, written answers to the four questions below
(max. 3 pages), a list of three references, and a cover letter
highlighting your relevant strengths and experience. Additional
writing sample welcome. Send to: AERO Program Manager Search, 25 S.
Ewing, #214, Helena, MT 59601. Due to the lateness of this posting,
please call AERO to negotiate a deadline for your application beyond
the original March 13 deadline. For more information contact Nancy
Matheson or Pam Mavrolas at (406) 443-7272 betweeen the hours of 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. MST; or fax (406)-442-9120; or e-mail at
nmatheson@desktop.org or pmavrolas@desktop.org.
AERO is an affirmative action employer, seeking gender and
ethnic/racial divsersity. AERO members are encouraged to apply.
===========================
AERO Agriculture Program Manager
Application Questions
(keep answers to a maximum of three pages total):
1. Describe your passion or vision for this work, how it developed
and where it comes from.
2. Give an example of how youíve inspired or responded to the ideas
or vision of a grassroots group of people in a way that helped them
move to collaborative action and create change.
3. What are some things that need to change in order for our food and
agricultural system to become more sustainable?
4. Describe the various aspects of a project or program you helped
develop and managed, and some things it taught you about program
management and development.
=================
Nancy Matheson
AERO
25 S. Ewing, #214
Helena, MT 59601
(406) 443-7272
nmatheson@desktop.org
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