February 5, 2015
The Hoophouses for Health Program Manager will focus on administering and expanding the Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) Hoophouses for Health program coordinated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) and the MSU Department of Horticulture. The application deadline is February 28, 2015, or until a suitable candidate is identified. The position will begin in March 2015.
This is a part-time, hourly position with a starting pay rate of $15 per hour.
Supervisor: This position reports to the MIFMA Director and will be part of a Michigan Farm to School project team through CRFS.
Position Duties:
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with all farmers market sites and community distribution partners participating in Hoophouses for Health
- Develop processes for and track voucher distribution and redemption in all participating communities
- Provide information, support, training and technical assistance for eligible community, school and early care partners, farmers markets and farmers
- Facilitate and organize meetings with program partners to ensure cooperation and support implementation at the local level including monthly program wide conference calls
- Identify and develop relationships with nutrition educators and nutrition education programs in close proximity to program partners
- Develop content for program promotional materials and distribute program information
- Develop resources, publications, webinars and presentations
- Document and share program work and accomplishments, maintain regular internal and external communication about program activities, and develop and report on an annual plan of work
- Represent Hoophouses for Health at local and state meetings with ability to travel required
- Participate in relevant MIFMA and CRFS work as interest and time allows
- Report to and collaborate with project principal investigators and evaluators
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with a focus on community food systems, community engagement, public health, public policy, communications, and/or organizational development
- At least two years of experience with project leadership, demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to balance multiple simultaneous projects and to easily shift between working independently and collaboratively
- Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with farmers, market managers, community partners and families from diverse economic, educational and vocational backgrounds
- Strong written and verbal communications skills and experience using a broad range of communications tactics including email communication, telephone conversations, public speaking and meeting facilitation
- Knowledge and use of technology in completing job requirements including Microsoft Office suite, web-based search and information systems, social media including Facebook and Twitter, phone/web conferencing systems including Adobe Connect, project management software including Basecamp, and web-based content management systems including WordPress
- Experience with data collection and analysis
- Available to travel throughout the state and possession of a valid, current driver’s license
- Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunity/affirmative action and diversity/pluralism
- Passion for MIFMA’s and CRFS’s mission and work
Application Process
Candidates should send a cover letter explaining their desire for this position and why their skill set makes them a successful candidate along with their resume and names of three references (indicate relationship) by February 28, 2015. Complete applications (cover letter, resume, and references) should be addressed to Emily Syrja, MIFMA Ofiice Administrator, and e-mailed to office@mifma.org with “Hoophouses for Health Program Manager Application” in the subject line. Incomplete applications or those not following this process will not be reviewed.
MIFMA advances farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products. CRFS works to engage the people of Michigan, the United States and the world in applied research, education and outreach to develop regionally integrated, sustainable food systems.
It is the policy of the Michigan Farmers Market Association to practice nondiscrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. MIFMA does not approve, nor will it condone, any action or behavior that would result in harassment or discrimination in any of these areas.