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Careers

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MFAI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion or belief, disability, economic circumstances, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or any other status protected by law.  

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MFAI is guided by a vision of agriculture that prioritizes human and ecosystem health, food sovereignty, and justice. As such, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work. We seek individuals with a demonstrated dedication to these values. 

 

Diversity, Equity Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) is a high priority of the Board of Directors and Staff at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI). The Institute's mission depends on recruiting, hiring, retaining, and developing the best talent. MFAI remains committed to employing a highly qualified workforce representative of the diversity in our nation, drawing from all segments of society. We will continue to foster and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment that advances diversity and inclusion as core values and critical components of the agency's culture.

 

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond the technical requirements of a job. Data shows that Women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, and other people of color are less likely to apply for a job if they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. With this in mind, we believe our job descriptions are general overviews, not a comprehensive list of the skills and abilities one could bring to a role. We encourage those with lived experience at the intersection of our core values, which may include paid and unpaid experience, to apply. 

 

Women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Hispanic, Asian, and other people of color, as well as bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as others from other historically marginalized communities, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Underserved Farmer Outreach Coordinator
 

To apply, please submit a copy of your resume to careers@michaelfields.org.
 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Position Description

The Underserved Farmer Outreach Coordinator is responsible for community relationship development for the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, including recruitment, participant programming, resource development, and peer-community spaces geared toward historically underserved beginning farmers, including women, farmers of color, immigrant/migrant farmworkers, and veterans. 

 

Requirements 

  • Bilingual (Spanish or Hmong preferred), specifically for printed resource development and written communication

  • Ability to drive or access transportation to travel between SE Wisconsin, Chicago-land area, and SW Michigan (anticipate 3-5 travel days/month)

 

How the Position Supports Our  Mission

  • Build & Maintain Partnerships: Serve as a liaison between MFAI and partners, including NRCS, community organizations, and underserved farmers, facilitating collaboration and capacity-building efforts.

  • Facilitate Outreach & Education for Underserved Farmers: Lead targeted outreach and education initiatives focused on underserved and BIPOC farmers. This includes organizing culturally relevant workshops, field days, and community events to enhance understanding of conservation practices, soil health, and USDA program opportunities. Work closely with partners to address these farmers' barriers and help them access technical and financial resources.

  • Monitor Progress & Impact: Track outcomes, collect data on farmer participation, and use feedback to improve the effectiveness of initiatives. Focus on measuring the success of outreach to underserved communities and the adoption of conservation practices.

 

Core Position Functions

  • (5%) Assist in recruitment and enrollment of farmers programs hosted by MFAI and partner organizations, including liaising with potential candidates and regional organizations to support ongoing awareness

    • Attend relevant regional conferences and events for community building

  • (65%) Ensure project programming is planned, coordinated, and delivered effectively and promptly, as designated by project goals and objectives. Tasks include:

    • Manage event calendar and meeting scheduling; create and manage system for shared accountability to ensure equitable program participation

    • Plan and facilitate virtual and in-person events across multiple projects that include MFAI program participants and stakeholders

    • Develop and provide linguistically appropriate resources for project participants and permanent resource-sharing

    • Develop and manage a system to store programming materials

    • Develop and manage a database to connect participants and community members for resource sharing and collaboration

    • Identify and connect appropriate opportunities for ongoing learning and connection to forge strong relationships between farmers and peer networks

    • Maintain strong relationships with participants to support collective outcomes

  • (10%) Manage program administration in partnership with the project director, project partner organizations, and evaluation team

    • Prepare agendas and facilitate regular project team meetings, deliver effective partner communication and community building

    • Co-develop program communications with the MFAI Communications manager and other partner comms teams, including keeping the website and digital database up to date

    • Develop and manage the system for securely storing and using farmer application materials and evaluation data

    • Request paperwork for honorariums and reimbursements and conduct follow-up activities such as thank you letter

    • Support annual project and organizational reporting

    • Support grant writing efforts and other opportunities for securing continued program funding

  • (10%) Additional Responsibilities 

    • Participate in relevant MFAI staff meetings 

    • Participate and support MFAI racial equity efforts

    • Participate in professional development activities

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