Director of Farmer Training & Partnerships

Wolfe's Neck Center•Freeport, ME

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (WNC) is a growing nonprofit organization focused on creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. WNC utilizes regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research, and collaborations to advance agriculture and mitigate climate change effects. The organization operates an organic dairy program, a key part of Stonyfield Organic's supply, which serves as a testing ground for new technologies and trains future farmers in regenerative and organic agricultural systems. WNC also manages 3 acres of fruit and vegetable production and integrated small livestock systems. The dairy program is accredited by the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) and supports the DGA program across the Northeast to provide a pathway to farm ownership and strengthen rural economies. WNC offers various farmer training and learning opportunities, including the New England Grazing Network (NEGN) for knowledge sharing and the upcoming Growing Graziers program focused on business planning, marketing, and leadership. WNC actively engages with farmers to integrate their feedback into programs and strategic planning, including the establishment of a Farmer Advisory Committee in 2025.

Requirements

6-10 years of relevant experience with dairy operations, farmer training and support programming, and/or building collaborations and partnerships with farmers
Working knowledge of dairy, livestock, and grazing-based farm operations (achieved through on-farm experience, farm-based technical assistance, or other relevant programming)
Strong collaborative project management, prioritization, and planning skills, with demonstrated success producing high-quality deliverables on time and within budget
Success in developing and communicating clear strategic vision across departments, teams, and external partners
Experience working with and managing teams, including remote team members, and the ability to foster a collaborative and effective team culture while coaching direct reports
Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, including farmers, agriculture support organizations, technical assistance providers, researchers, government officials, and others
High degree of familiarity with fundraising processes and financial oversight
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Legally able to work in the United States (no VISA sponsorship provided).

Nice To Haves

Preference for experience in the agricultural operations and training landscape regarding fundraising and financial oversight.

Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of Farmer Training & Partnerships programming.
Support the Dairy Manager in facilitating all aspects of WNC's organic dairy and cattle operations and DGA Program, ensuring herd health and productivity while designing and implementing an optimal learning environment for new dairy farmers.
Work with the Dairy Manager to formalize the structure and curriculum of the on-site dairy program, considering stakeholder input and operational needs.
Develop and implement WNC farmer and technical assistance-focused education and training programs with the Senior Manager of Farmer Education, including the DGA Program, NEGN, and the Growing Graziers program.
Support the Senior Manager of Farmer Engagement in developing and implementing farmer engagement and partnership activities to shape programs, expand awareness, guide farmer networks, and facilitate the Farmer Advisory Committee.
Provide overall management of relevant program budgets, including grant tracking, reporting, and ensuring work is completed on time and within budget.
Identify and pursue collaborations across Farmer Training & Partnerships projects and with other WNC programming areas.
Ensure comprehensive partner relationship management and communication, supporting staff who serve as points of contact and serving as a principal point of contact for partners, funders, and subawardees.
Supervise Farmer Training & Partnerships program staff, implementing meetings and processes to support team function.
Develop and implement new areas of Farmer Training & Partnerships programming.
Investigate revisions to the regional DGA program structure to better facilitate apprenticeship engagement and support the regional dairy sector.
Identify and engage relevant subject matter expertise and potential partners to advance new areas of work.
Support efforts to identify and pursue new funding sources for core operations and new initiatives.
Support funding proposals and reporting with the Advancement Team, Operations and Finance Teams, and other staff.
Represent Wolfe's Neck Center at dairy, livestock, grazing, and farming-related conferences, meetings, and symposia as a panelist, speaker, and participant.
Participate in relevant governmental and policy processes, meetings with governmental officials, and related advocacy and policy coalition meetings.