Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator (IL)

Savanna Institute

2d•$30•Remote

About The Position

The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Illinois Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator to lead and organize the IL Agroforestry Farm Network, a state-based, regionally-connected network of agroforestry demonstration, research, and community of practice. This position will work to connect farms already practicing agroforestry or at the beginning stages of establishment to Savanna Institute resources and opportunities, other producers, and the larger agroforestry community. This position is designed to be dynamic, adaptable, and community-informed. The Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator is a vital and valued member of the Demonstration Farm Team (including two other state-based Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinators), whose work centers on on-farm agroforestry demonstration, community building, and education. This position will also work closely with the Technical Assistance, Research, Communication, and Commercialization teams at the Savanna Institute, as well as a mix of other local and regional partners.

Requirements

Current or former agroforestry producer or farmer working in perennial systems in IL
Strong interpersonal and writing skills
Experience with program management (meeting deadlines, timely communication, accurate reporting, task prioritization, etc.)
General understanding of agricultural and conservation resources
Willingness to work in a highly collaborative work environment
Commitment to building equitable and just agricultural systems
Proficiency with Google Suite
Access to personal phone and computer
Access to personal transportation for occasional work-related travel to sites only accessible by car

Nice To Haves

Have experience working face-to-face with farmers, landholders, or other similar audiences through network building, community organizing, education, advisement, technical assistance, or other similar channels
Don’t mind traveling by car in rural areas, often
Enjoy a balance of computer work, farm visits, event planning, and public speaking
Can track, collate, and dynamically share data and information
Are comfortable with people disagreeing with you, especially around farming practices
Are comfortable fielding phone calls, as well as sending and receiving emails
Find joy in hearing people’s stories, building networks, and finding common ground
Okay with not always knowing the answer
Excited about building a new program from the ground up
Feel comfortable getting a crowd’s attention

Responsibilities

Lead the expansion of the Agroforestry Farm Network into IL
The creation and coordination of a network of IL farmers and landholders practicing agroforestry via farmer outreach, farm visits, listening sessions, shared meals, community events, and online connections (meetings, listserv, etc.)
The creation of content for on-farm and in-person presentations, tours, and field days within the network (1-3 yearly)
Farmer connection to the Savanna Institute Technical Assistance, Research, Commercialization, Communications, and Demo Farm Team staff
Farmer connection to resources and opportunities, both within and outside of the Savanna Institute
Building a regional network with the WI and IA state-based Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinators
Being an agroforestry “generalist” and “cultural translator”, helping farmers, landowners, and the public understand and become excited about the role agroforestry can play to strengthen their landscapes, economies, and communities
Representing the Savanna Institute at on-farm and off-farm events
Creation and editing of public-facing educational and technical materials, interactive maps, and other resources
Supporting budgeting, financial, and metric tracking, reporting, and other items required through partnerships and grant obligations
Participation in organization-wide activities, when appropriate