New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (NYSAWG)
NYSAWG is seeking a full-time staff person to coordinate its work of
promoting a local and regional food and agricultural system in New York
State that is environmentally sound, economically viable, socially just
and humane, and assures food security for all. The Coordinator will
develop membership and volunteers, coordinate policy briefings and
legislative advocacy, and work on programs to foster agriculture-based
economic development for farmers and communities.
NYSAWG is a statewide consortium of farmers, environmentalists,
consumers, faith groups, anti-hunger groups, minority farm and farm
worker organizations, labor organizations, and others. Our Mission is
to raise awareness of issues affecting the sustainability of the food
and
agricultural system. This mission is pursued through: fostering
coalitions of groups and individuals working to realize our shared
vision; creating and supporting projects that help sustain New York
farms and strive to attain food security for all; and promoting and
supporting policies at the local, state, and national levels that
increase
the sustainability of the food and agricultural system. Through a
newsletter, an advocacy network, public policy briefings, and regional
meetings, NYSAWG provides education and information to
constituents to assist them in promoting public policies that support a
sustainable food system.
NYSAWG has had two part time staff people at its office in Rochester,
New York. This position is in part a replacement for Alison Clarke,
who is retiring, and part an increase in staffing by .4 FTE. NYSAWG'S
steering committee members and volunteers live throughout New York
State. NYSAWG was initiated in 1991 and is in the process of
incorporating as a not-for-profit organization.
Statewide Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator’s Duties:
The coordinator will work with the NYSAWG Steering Committee/
Board of Directors, its committees, and other staff to strategically
craft and develop NYSAWG's public presence. In this the coordinator
will work closely with the Public Information and Education Director.
The Coordinator will be responsible for leading NYSAWG'S
legislative and advocacy work (including organizing briefings,
meetings and conferences, developing extensive phone contacts, and
maintaining a phone/FAX/e-mail legislative alert network),
membership outreach, volunteer recruitment and supervision.
The Coordinator will also manage programs in economic
development in the food system, such as small-scale food
processing and direct marketing of agricultural products. The
Coordinator will share responsibility for organizational
development, office administration, and fund-raising activities,
including preparing grant proposals, contacting foundation and
other granting agency staff, and conducting related research.
Qualifications:
-Expertise in the food and agricultural systems (producing, processing,
marketing, and distribution) is required. Experience in New York
State is preferred.
-Working knowledge of the social and political issues involved in
making such systems more sustainable.
-Demonstrated organizing ability, including the ability to recruit
and organize volunteers.
-Teamwork skills, including excellent interpersonal skills, knowledge
of facilitation and process, including consensus. Comfortable with
leading and empowering others to lead.
-Ability to speak and write clearly and appropriately to intended
audiences.
-Sufficient computer literacy to enable routine word processing and
electronic communication, and willingness to learn other technical
skills useful to the position.
-Experience in successful fund raising.
-Experience in planning and carrying out successful public events.
-Ability and willingness to work out of the Rochester Office of
NYSAWG and to travel frequently.
-Have reliable vehicle and valid drivers license (travel expenses
reimbursed).
Salary is commensurate with experience. Send resume and list of
3 references with a cover letter highlighting relevant strengths and
experience to: Personnel Committee, NYSAWG,
2475 Arcadia-Zurich-Norris Road, Newark, NY 14513.
Deadline for applications is December 1, 1998.
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