Food Alliance Midwest
Assistant Program Manager

Food Alliance Midwest (FAM) creates market incentives for sustainable agricultural practices, and educates business leaders and other food system stakeholders on the benefits of sustainable agriculture. FAM operates a voluntary certification program based on standards that define sustainable agricultural practices. Farms, ranches and food processors that meet FAM’s standards, as determined by a third-party site inspection, use the certification to support credible claims for social and environmental responsibility, to differentiate their products and strengthen their brands. The program is operated jointly by two non-profit organizations, Land Stewardship Project (LSP) and Cooperative Development Services (CDS). LSP is the employment agency for this position.

The Assistant Program Manager is responsible for providing program support to the Director and the Business Development Manager of Food Alliance Midwest.

Specific responsibilities and qualifications are listed below. 

Director Support

• Research and assist in the development of grant proposals
• Assist in the writing and editing of grant proposals
• Prepare grant program reports/updates

Business Development Support

• Assist growers/processors with FAM application process
• Support Business Development Manager at grower/processor conferences
• Research prospective brands

Program and Administration Support

• Prepare newsletters
• Manage database (File Maker Pro, Sales Force.com)
• Coordinate Minnesota Cooks program
• Assist web developer with content updates
• Prepare for, and follow-up after, client meetings

Supervision

The Assistant Program Manager will report directly to the director of Food Alliance Midwest.

Qualifications

A successful candidate for this position will have all of the following:

• Undergraduate or higher degree in marketing, communications, agriculture, or relevant field. 
• At least 3 years of business experience; background in agriculture or food industry helpful, but not required. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to manage concurrent projects.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Windows-based software applications and database application.
• Willingness to work out of two offices — White Bear Lake (LSP) and Saint Paul (CDS).
• Willingness to travel for meetings and conferences.

Terms

The salary range for this position is $35,000—$40,000 (depending on experience). Land Stewardship Project offers a competitive benefits package that includes full dental and medical coverage, a retirement plan and flexible personal time off.

To Apply

Submit a letter of interest (2 pages maximum), a resume, and 3 references to info@cdsus.coop by April 20, 2007.