POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POLICY ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH
<<Description of Position>>
The Research and Technology Policy Project Leader will lead the
Center's efforts to redirect federal agricultural research and extension
policy to support sustainable agriculture and family farming. The position
will involve organizing, policy analysis and advocacy on national research
and extension policy issues. The Project Leader will work closely with
other advocacy groups and scientists to develop and promote research
policies and funding supportive of sustainable agriculture; communicate
with the public through newsletters, publications and speaking engagements;
and fund raise. In the near-term the work will focus largely on USDA
implementation of the Government Performance and Review Act and the
national research and extension purposes defined by Congress, and funding
for sustainable agriculture research and extension.
The Project Leader also will serve as the Policy and Outreach
Director for the national Consortium for Sustainable Agriculture Research
and Education. The mission of the Consortium is to facilitate cooperation
and collaboration among researchers, extension workers, educators, farmers,
advocates and other professionals in order to enhance their individual and
collective capacity to conduct research and education and to shape research
and education policy toward a more sustainable agriculture and food system.
Primary responsibilities will include organizing and providing staff
support to Consortium task forces on of national research and extension
policy, and facilitating Consortium members' outreach to the broader public
and to policy-makers. Task force activities are likely to include:
identifying and promoting research needs for sustainable agricultural
systems; developing criteria and evaluating outcomes of federal research
agencies and programs; reforming USDA reward structures;
and including sustainable agricultural experts in advisory, evaluation and
priority-setting bodies. The Policy and Outreach Director will work with
the Consortium's Organization and Development Director who will be located
at the University of Wisconsin. The co-Directors will share responsibility
for Consortium fund raising.
The position entails an average of two to three overnight trips per
month.
<<Description of Organization>>
The Center for Rural Affairs is a well-established private,
non-profit organization engaged in research, advocacy, education, and
organizing on behalf of rural economic justice, family farming and
sustainable agriculture. We are based in northeast Nebraska in the small
agricultural community of Walthill, about 25 miles south of Sioux City,
Iowa. We have a staff of 23 and a budget of about $1.25 million.
<<Qualifications>>
The breadth and responsibility of this position demands a person
with a wide range of skills who is self-directed yet a team-player.
Experience in organizing or policy advocacy preferred. Applicant should
demonstrate strong capabilities to:
* organize/involve people in actions around common interests;
* develop and implement strategies to change public policies;
* communicate effectively verbally and in writing with farmers, academics,
activists and policy-makers;
* analyze research and technology issues and policy options;
* plan, lead and raise funds for project activities;
* organize and provide follow-up to meetings and events; and
Applicant should be familiar with the concept and practice of
sustainable agriculture, and have a commitment to its social and
environmental precepts. Applicant also should be familiar with the
institutions and activities of agricultural research and education.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Advanced degree in
related field and/or farm experience helpful.
<<Terms of Employment>>
The position will be based in Walthill, Nebraska, although an
alternative location would be considered for an exceptionally experienced
and qualified applicant. The salary will start at $26,437, with
adjustments for cost of living increases and employee's length of service.
Fringe benefits include excellent health and dental insurance for employee
and dependents, disability and life insurance, 13 paid holidays, 10 paid
vacation days, and sick leave. Travel expenses are paid (mileage at state
of Nebraska rate, currently $.275/mile). After two years of employment,
the Center contributes to the employees' personal retirement fund at a rate
of 5% of salary.
<<Contact>>
Elizabeth Bird at above address. Write for more information (e.g.
Consortium Newsletter or Center for Rural Affairs newsletter or annual
report) and/or send letter of application, resume, brief writing sample and
reference list.
<<Deadline>>
Applications must be postmarked by October 13. Applicants will be
notified if an interview is needed and when the position has been filled.
This job opening was posted one year ago, but funding to fill it was not
available until now. Previously rejected applicants are not encouraged to
re-apply. Other previous applicants need not re-apply but may wish to
provide updated information.
The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer.