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We’re Hiring: Food Climate and Environment (FCE) Program Associate

Are you passionate about promoting a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system in Rhode Island?

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, FOOD CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT

The RI Food Policy Council seeks a full-time Program Associate for the Food Climate and Environment (FCE) Program. The ideal candidate for this position is outgoing, a good listener, and has the ability to connect with many different types of people (e.g., municipal leaders, composters, farmers, community leaders from many socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, state agency staff, and nonprofit leaders). We seek a person who has professional experience in outreach, education, and planning. Experience with planning conferences is a plus. We seek a team player who is focused and highly organized. Experience coordinating and facilitating complex projects and a passion for building equitable, sustainable food systems are preferred. 

This is a 37.5 hour per week position (full-time). The position is based in Rhode Island with a home office location expected. The Program Associate is expected to attend regular in-person events and meetings across the state. The Senior Program Associate reports directly to the Program Director for Food, Climate, & Environment and works closely with other staff and Council members. 

Responsibilities

  • Build relationships with municipal leaders to advance city and town composting and food waste diversion programs.
  • Coordinate and lead educational presentations with municipal leaders, environmental commissions, libraries, schools, etc.
  • Support coordination of the RI Compost Conference, including coordinating a planning committee and assisting with all aspects of planning the conference (e.g., keynote speakers, workshop nomination and selection, sponsorship program, event day logistics) 
  • Support the Food, Climate, & Environment Work Group as requested
  • Assist the Program Director and our partners on relevant grant applications and grant reporting requirements 
  • Collaborate with staff on program-related communications, assisting as requested with content for website, e-newsletter, and social media channels
  • Attend weekly virtual staff meetings and monthly in-person meetings 
  • Contribute to presentations to the Board of Directors and external audiences

Requirements

  • Two or more years of experience working in community outreach, education, and/or program coordination. 
  • Ability to establish rapport and trust with municipal leaders (e.g. City Council leaders, Town Administrators, Town Planners, Department of Public Works Directors, Recycling Coordinators) and other partners (e.g., community-based organizations, farmers, fishers, composters, farmers, community leaders from socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, state agency staff, nonprofit leaders) 
  • Comfort and experience with presenting to groups 
  • Ability to absorb new information quickly and identify opportunities for creating positive, mutually beneficial change 
  • Ability to quickly identify, explore, and present to Program Director opportunities as they arise
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Alignment with RIFPC  mission and values
  • Experience using a lens of justice, equity, and inclusion in past work
  • Computer literacy (e.g. Microsoft Office suite, Google Drive, Basecamp) 
  • Existing connections with RI community-based organizations preferred 
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred

The RI Food Policy Council offers a flexible workplace with a collegial environment, the salary range for this position is $45,000-$50,000 plus benefits including retirement contributions, a health insurance reimbursement, and generous vacation and paid time off. Please send a cover letter and resume to info@rifoodcouncil.org with the subject line “PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, FOOD CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT”

Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone and email. Employment history and/or background check including 3 references and a writing sample are required of final candidates. The RI Food Policy Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the benefits of a diverse organization.

ABOUT THE RHODE ISLAND FOOD POLICY COUNCIL

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) is a statewide network established in 2011 with a mission to promote a more equitable, accessible, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable food system. We cultivate partnerships, develop and implement high-impact projects, and advocate for good food policy. We center equity in our work, which touches all parts of the food chain – production, harvesting, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management. We operate with a small, all-hands-on-deck, collaborative professional staff, over 125 engaged and diverse council members, and hundreds of stakeholders from across the Ocean State. More information about RIFPC can be found at www.rifoodcouncil.org.

Food Climate & Environment Program Associate