Michigan Food and Farming Systems-MIFFS

Hiring Organization: Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS)
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Remote, Based in Michigan
Application Due Date: July 31, 2022

Michigan Food and Farming Systems Field Organizer Position Description

Application deadline: July 31, 2022 Desired start date: August 2022

Status: Full-time; 2-year contract Salary: Starting at $50,000

Location: Remote, must be based in Michigan or able to travel around Michigan regularly

Founded in 1998, Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) is a statewide nonprofit that connects beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and to resource opportunities, ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. MIFFS fosters and leverages collaborations that create and support sustainable food and agriculture systems for producers and consumers in Michigan. MIFFS is committed to being an anti-racist organization that values diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism, and are advocates for social justice and racial equity in the food system.

Position Summary:

MIFFS is seeking a passionate, organized, and self-directed individual to fill the Field Organizer position. This person will have a combination of experience and knowledge in community organizing, food systems, and/or sustainable agriculture policy, and is motivated to learn more. This position is responsible for establishing a grassroots and grasstops action network across Michigan leading up to the 2023 Farm Bill. The Organizer will lead critical strategies in Michigan using an environmental and equity lens to advance policy priorities that can impact climate change mitigation, foster racial equity, and shape more resilient food systems.

Specific Responsibilities:

Establish and facilitate a grasstops network of allied organizations and leaders in Michigan and nationwide primed for Farm Bill response opportunities
Organize a cohort of farmers around Farm Bill programs, climate smart agriculture, rural and urban sustainable agriculture, and technical assistance
Conduct trainings, workshops, strategy sessions, field days, and other coordinated calls- to-action with farmers, legislators, and local partners
Deepen MIFFS’ long-standing relationship with Senator Stabenow and other legislators and ensure connections are made with new Stabenow and Senate Ag Committee staff
Attend local and national conferences and meetings, building relationships with other key organizers, such as the Native Farm Bill Coalition
Maintain close collaboration with National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), including attending bi-annual meetings, joining sub-committees, and participating in check-ins with NSAC and Pasa Sustainable Agriculture around Farm Bill priorities
Develop grassroots strategies in response to Congressional events and regional needs
Performing other duties that may arise to support MIFFS’ mission

Preferred Qualifications:

Successful candidates will have some level of experience and knowledge in a combination of food and sustainable agriculture policy, organizing, racial justice, and/or sustainable agriculture systems. You are encouraged to apply if you don’t meet these specific criteria but still believe you would be a good fit. MIFFS embraces diverse perspectives and wisdom and encourages candidates to apply with both formal and informal education on relevant topics.

Other preferred qualifications include:

Experience developing and implementing grassroots advocacy campaigns and strategies
Understanding of, passion for, and experience with sustainable agriculture, food systems, and Michigan farming communities
Experience developing communications and written products for grassroots advocacy
Outstanding writing, speaking, and verbal/public speaking skills
Self-motivated with exemplary interpersonal skills and commitment to working collaboratively with a wide, diverse range of people and perspectives
Working knowledge of federal policy process and USDA Farm Bill programs or strong desire to learn more
A commitment to racial justice and experience working within an equity framework
Experience navigating cross-cultural relations in an open-minded and respectful way
Understands that policy often diversely impacts individuals based on their intersections of race, class, immigration status, class, disability/ability, gender, sexuality, veteran status, language, age,
Detail-oriented and highly organized with strong time management skills
Comfortable traveling to events regionally and nationally
Access to personal vehicle and possession of a valid driver’s license
Familiarity with USDA Natural Resource Conservation programs
Bilingual Spanish and English (preferred, but not required)

Compensation and Benefits Package:

This is a full-time position (35 hours per week) with a salary starting at $50,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid time off, health insurance, SimpleIRA Retirement plan, flexible work schedule, and remote work options.

Application:

Email your resume and a cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience to lauren@miffs.org by July 31, 2022.

MIFFS is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from groups that have been historically under-represented, including but not limited to women and people of color. MIFFS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability,