Food Policy Pathways is hiring - Program Director

By rachelatcheson @ 2024-11-05T04:24 (+3)

[Food Policy Pathways is launching in January! In order to have a successful launch, I'm hoping to have a full team (we plan to be a 3-person operation). To do that, I'd love your help in hiring our third staffer. Please forward this to folks, but please do not post on LinkedIn as we have not launched and I want to make sure that algorithmic traffic comes in January. Thank you so much for the help!]

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Remote, available only to candidates based in and eligible to work in the U.S. 

Reporting to: Executive Director

Anticipated Start date: January 2025 

Application deadline: Rolling basis until filled

Food Policy Pathways (FPP) mentors and supports emerging policy professionals, fulfilling our mission to strengthen the workforce that shapes sustainable, healthy, and practical food, agriculture, nutrition, and rural policies across the U.S. These professionals will further policies at the local, state, and federal levels, advancing a healthier and more sustainable food system, which reduces chronic disease, decreases air and water pollution, and saves taxpayer dollars.

Position Objective: Public policy is one of the most critical avenues for improving the food system. As the Program Director, you will lead FPP’s career mentoring program by working with program participants, helping them to identify, apply for, and land government positions. You will share logistical responsibilities and coordinate the programs of FPP with the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. You will engage in recruitment and event planning efforts, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations while delivering a meaningful and successful experience to our program participants.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead Career Mentoring Program: Oversee the portfolio of participants, providing career support, mentorship, and professional development guidance to ensure their success. Maintain regular communication with participants, track their progress, and facilitate engagement with external stakeholders, including mentors and industry experts. Advise participants on resumes, cover letters, interviews, networking, and more.
• Database Management: Build and maintain a back-of-the-house database of job postings in government offices and potential candidates for such jobs.
• Program Coordination: Coordinate and ensure the smooth execution of FPP’s virtual and in-person program activities, including workshops, networking events, and retreats.
• Recruitment Support: Assist with participant recruitment efforts to attract high-quality candidates to the program, such as event coordination and management, and posting in applicable newsletters, job boards, and other recruitment channels. Support the development and distribution of promotional and informational materials for program participants and external audiences. Foster the development of partnerships with universities and other relevant programs to spread the word about the organization and support participant recruitment.
• Operational Support: Share operational responsibilities such as managing internal communications, scheduling meetings, maintaining program databases, and ensuring efficient organizational workflows. Assist with invoicing, tracking expenses, and processing payments. Ensure accurate data entry and reporting to track participant success.
• Mission Alignment and Organizational Fit: Exhibit a strong commitment to the mission and values of FPP, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in a small, emerging organization. This includes a willingness to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a fully remote environment and the ability to navigate a startup-like setting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred (but not required) Qualifications: 

• Experience in Government: Minimum 3-5 years of experience working in or with state or federal government entities/agencies, ideally with experience in policy, public administration, or government relations. (Experience working in food, agriculture, and/or rural policy is a plus.)
• Mentorship and Career Development Skills: Experience providing career guidance, including advising on resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation.
• Data and Database Management: Proficiency in building and managing databases.
• Event Planning and Coordination: Experience organizing and executing virtual and in-person events such as workshops, networking events, and retreats.
• Operational Competence: Strong organizational skills with experience in managing internal communications, scheduling, and creating and maintaining workflows and databases.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrated ability to handle complex problems, make decisions, and take initiative to move work forward.
• Ability to Travel: Willingness to occasionally travel for in-person events, such as networking retreats and partner meetings, if needed.

We plan to provide a comprehensive Total Reward offering with competitive compensation and benefits. 
 

Compensation: This is a salaried position paying $90,000 - $120,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials.
 

Benefits: Access to a health plan or financial support towards a health plan, a 401K, 20 days of vacation, 8 days of sick time, and 14 paid federal holidays. 
 

Location: This is a full-time, fully remote position. We are currently only able to hire employees who are based in and can legally work in the U.S. 

To Apply: In order to apply, please fill out this form. Applications will be received on a rolling basis until filled. We aim to have this position start in early January 2025.