Job Description:
EcoFarm is seeking a Program Director to lead its annual conference and to develop new programming. This is a unique opportunity to shape one of the most influential events and beloved organizations in the food and farm movement from the inside, while working closely with key leaders in the field in California. Your expertise, relationships, and insights can be key to leading us down the path in this time of transition.
In practical terms, this position will be primarily responsible for the annual EcoFarm Conference programming, management of advisory committees, and support the event implementation and logistical arrangements. The Program Director supervises one to two staff and interns. The Program Director is also responsible for designing and implementing additional programming, including in-person and virtual events. The ideal candidate will have experience in event management, project management and design, as well as knowledge of ecological agriculture/ agroecology and food justice or food sovereignty.
Responsibilities
Annual EcoFarm Conference
Oversee EcoFarm in-person and/or virtual conference programming, including all workshops, keynotes, awards, pre-conference events, and special events
Facilitate conference planning committee and subcommittees to identify and implement program content
Lead the design of the conference structure
Develop conference budget and pricing
Communicate with all speakers and moderators
Support conference website and printed program design and content development
Coordinate contractors including audiovisual and translation professionals
Collaborate with the executive director and committees to ensure their priorities are included
Assist with grant writing and other fundraising activities
Supervise interns, fellows, and Spanish Program Coordinator
Lead conference evaluation activities, including annual conference report
Coordinate with other EcoFarm staff in successful implementation of events
Other Programming
Ideate, develop, help fundraise, and implement year round programming, such as field days, webinars, and virtual content
Coordinate on virtual content with Communications Director
General
Represent EcoFarm at conferences, meetings and trainings
Support Executive Director with information needed to make decisions on programming
Contribute to organizational planning and process improvement tasks
Other activities as needed
Qualifications:
Minimum of five years of experience in event planning and program management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent group facilitation skills
Supervisory experience
Well organized and skilled multi-tasker
Proficient in Google Suite (primarily Google Sheets and Docs), MS Office, and a CRM database, such as CiviCRM
High personal standards for the quality and timeliness of work, proactive problem solver, and collaborative team player.
Commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression work
Commitment and sophisticated understanding of sustainable food systems and agriculture, especially in California.
Preferred but not required fluency in Spanish
Location: Must reside in California, with a preference for Santa Cruz area. Some travel and overnight trips and attendance at EcoFarm events in California are required for this position. If the successful candidate is in the Santa Cruz area, a hybrid remote and in-office work location is desired. This position requires attendance and onsite support at the annual EcoFarm Conference, typically held the third week of January.
Start Date: July 2022
Compensation & Hours: $60,000 – $70,000 per year. EcoFarm pays 100% of health and dental insurance, participation in a retirement plan, paid holidays, sick leave and vacation time.
To apply:
Please submit a résumé and cover letter to andy@eco-farm.org with the subject line:
“Program Director Application.” Priority will be given to applications submitted by June 5, 2022.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Ecological Farming Association (EcoFarm) is an equal opportunity employer. We make hiring decisions based on capability and performance — regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lifestyle, age, educational background, national origin, religion or physical ability. We believe that social justice and racial equity are core elements of the food system and agriculture we promote. As such, we are looking for candidates who have meaningful experiences and contributions in these areas, especially as they relate to food and farming.