Job -- The Food Alliance (II)

Andy Clark, SAN Coordinator (san@nal.usda.gov)
Mon, 23 Mar 1998 14:04:33 -0500 (EST)

The Food Alliance (TFA), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting
expanded use of sustainable agriculture practices, seeks a Program
Manager to develop and implement TFAs food eco-label program.

Job Description

The Program Manager will have primary responsibility for working with
retailers to integrate sustainably produced agricultural products into
mainstream grocery stores. S/he will implement a retail marketing
campaign to encourage consumers to buy sustainably produced goods and
provide the retail support necessary to make the program a success. To
increase consumer demand, the Program Manager will initiate a broad based
communications campaign (centered around an identifying seal that
consumers can look for when they shop) designed to educate consumers and
retailers about the benefits of sustainably produced agricultural
products.

Specific position expectations include:

create an in-store program that effectively promotes agricultural
products bearing the TFA-Approved seal;
train store personnel to effectively promote TFA-Approved products;
oversee the test marketing of TFA-Approved products;
oversee both a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the programs
effectiveness;
develop and implement public relations strategies;
manage the development of written material such as brochures, retail
sales packets, and point of purchase information,
serve as TFA liaison with graphic design team;
coordinate consumer research and other consumer education strategies;
make presentations within the food industry, to consumer and
environmental groups, and at regional and national conferences; and
establish a long-term plan and financial self-sufficiency for the
TFA-Approved program.

The position requires a detailed working knowledge of the agriculture and
food industries. A high level of credibility with retailers and ability
to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people are needed.
Previous experience developing sales program is a must. The position also
requires energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and a commitment to the projects
goals. Familiarity with Windows 95 system and programs is required.

Position will be based in Portland, Oregon with significant travel in the
Pacific Northwest and beyond. Salary DOE, excellent benefits. The
application deadline is April 1 or until suitable applicants are found.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and letter of introduction of no more than two pages to
The Food Alliance, 1829 NE Alberta, Suite #5, Portland, OR 97211.

The Food Alliance

The Food Alliance identifies, develops and utilizes market incentives and
provides technical support to encourage expanded use of sustainable
agriculture practices. In July 1994, organizing members received four
years of support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Integrated Farming
System Initiative. A Board of Directors composed of representatives from
each of the interest groups (growers, processors/packers, buyers,
consumers, environmental groups, and farm labor) provides overall
direction to TFA.

Stewardship Program: Farmers who meet minimum requirements of TFA are
eligible to market their products with our seal: TFA-Approved. TFA
endorsement is based on an assessment in three major sectors: pest and
disease management, soil and water conservation, and human resource
development. In addition to satisfying minimum requirements in three
sectors, program participants are also required to submit farm
improvement plans.

TFA endorsed food products were introduced into the Portland market for
the first time this March. Three broad goals guide our activities:

Increase sales of sustainably produced agricultural products by
increasing the number of TFA-Approved farmers in the PNW.

Increase consumer access to TFA-Approved products by increasing the
number of retail partners involved in the program.

Build consumer support and thereby create enough incentive for mainstream
farmers to change their growing practices in order to become eligible for
TFA approval.

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