The RI Food Policy Council seeks a part-time, paid Community Food Security Research Intern. The primary objective of the person in this role is to complete an assessment that identifies and quantifies current funding gaps in advancing long-term community food security. Community Food Security is defined for the purposes of this position as a state where all Rhode Islanders in need have reliable access to fresh, local, culturally appropriate food.
The ideal candidate for this position will be:
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Interested in Rhode Island’s local food system, specifically funding sources for food systems justice and resilience. Someone who wants to understand how grants, government funding, and policies can better support efforts to ensure Rhode Islanders in need have reliable access to fresh, local, culturally appropriate food.
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An accountable teammate. Someone who manages time well is highly organized and can be counted on to work either independently or cooperatively. A helpful-in-nature person who enjoys “owning” projects, but understands the importance of checking in and being responsive to the team.
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A good listener and an excellent communicator. Someone who is comfortable reaching out via phone and email to individuals in state agencies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to collect data, and who can write up ideas and information in a compelling, accessible manner.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Conduct research, including internet searches, document analysis, and interviews (via email, phone, Zoom, and at least one in-person focus group) to identify and quantify current funding sources and unmet needs of Rhode Island nonprofits, farmers, fishers, policy educators, and others who are contributing to community food security
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Create a written inventory that details your research findings
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Perform other work as requested by the Executive Director
REQUIREMENTS
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Research experience, including internet searches, document analysis, and interviews
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Experience using Google Drive, Excel, MS Office Suite, Zoom, Basecamp, and other common professional platforms/programs
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Excellent writing skills
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Comfort working and communicating with a broad range of demographically, experientially, and cognitively diverse people
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Excellent active listening, verbal, and written communication skills
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High school diploma/GED, some college coursework related to planning, food systems, or data collection preferred
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Knowledge or awareness of the Rhode Island/regional food system preferred
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At least 17 years of age
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A U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Permanent Resident
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Willingness to undergo a National Criminal History Background Check
The intern reports directly to the Executive Director, develops and updates spreadsheets, reviews materials, writes drafts, and responds to review comments. The intern takes part in weekly staff meetings and also communicates with members of RIFPC’s Community Food Security Endowment Fund Group and others, depending on the research findings and questions that arise during the intern’s term.
This is a part-time position working 10-15 hours per week at $15 per hour. Most work will be conducted remotely and some hours are flexible. There will be virtual meetings throughout the week, with weekly interaction with the Executive Director. In-person meetings and events may occur at a rate of 1-2 per month. The start date is flexible, initiating sometime in June and continuing until sometime in August.
We have closed the application process for this position. For those interested in future opportunities, we encourage you to subscribe to our “Food for Thought” newsletter and follow the Rhode Island Food Policy Council on Instagram, @rifoodcouncil.