Position: Strategic Equity Consultant
Location: Washington DC-area (preferred); remote within the Mid-Atlantic region possible
Status: Contractual, approximately 120 hours between May 2022 and May 2023 ($61.92/hr)
Reports to: Libby Lyon, FMPP Project Director, Common Grain Alliance
About: Since January 2022, Common Grain Alliance (CGA) has been working with FRESHFARM on a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant project meant to 1) increase consumer awareness of and literacy around regional grains and staple foods and 2) expand producer access to direct-to-consumer market channels. So far we have developed two programs:
1. The Mid-Atlantic Grain Share: an opportunity for consumers to receive a weekly grain or
staple food item from a variety of producers across the region, following a community
supported agriculture model.
2. The Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand: a shared space at farmers markets where producers can
expose consumers to their products, with infrastructure and marketing support from
FRESHFARM and CGA.
So far, the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand is at one farmers market, the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Sunday Market. Our goal is to expand the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand into up to six FRESHFARM markets to reach a diverse range of communities. Part of this expansion will be exploring different models for the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand, with a specific focus on creating equitable opportunities that promote accessibility of regional grains and staple foods (in terms of cost, product type, and more).
Scope of Work:
We are looking for a Strategic Equity Consultant to lead us in the process of exploring
different models for the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand that focus on equity and accessibility. The
Equity Consultant will:
● Organize and guide 4-6 strategic meetings with Common Grain Alliance, FRESHFARM,
DC-area partners, and community members, to:
○ Identify equity and accessibility issues related to the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand, and regional grain and staple food access more broadly
○ Explore existing and potential opportunities that eliminate barriers and actively promote equity and accessibility related to the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand, and regional grain and staple food access more broadly
○ Develop 2-3 models for what the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand could look like
● Write a final report that:
○ Synthesizes meeting notes and outcomes
○ Details the identified 2-3 Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand models
○ Includes opportunities for further exploration and work to be done related to equity and accessibility of regional grains and staple foods
Desired Experience, Knowledge, Education, and Skills:
● Experience facilitating strategic meetings and committees
● Ability to authentically center equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice in your work
● Strong writing, verbal communication, interpersonal, and strategic skills
● College degree (or equivalent experience)
● Experience writing detailed reports
● Adaptable, able to take initiative and collaborate well with others to achieve goals
● Preferred:
○ Knowledge of regional food systems and sustainable food systems reform
○ Familiarity with the Washington, DC Metropolitan area
Common Grain Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the
basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability,
veteran status, political orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We strongly encourage applications from members of the BIPOC community, the LBGTQ+ community, people from working class backgrounds, and women. Interested
candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don’t possess all of the above
qualifications. If you feel drawn to our efforts and think you would be a good fit with our
organization, we would love to hear from you!
To Apply:vPlease send an email to libby@commongrainalliance.org with the subject line “Strategic EquityvConsultant” that contains the following attachments:
1. Your resume
2. A proposal that summarizes:
a. Your ability to accomplish the responsibilities specifically outlined in this RFP
b. The approach you would take to do so
3. Two references (names and email addresses)
We will be collecting proposals through Friday, April 14th at 11:59PM EST. Interviews for
selected candidates will take place between April 17th and May 5th. This position will begin in May 2023.