If interested, contact Alice at aliceatsunbirdfarm@gmail.com
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Farmer Recruitment and Support
In collaboration with the Value Chain/Local Food Supply Chain Consultant/Advisor:
• Create and implement an outreach plan to inform the Delaware and Maryland farmers about wholesale and institutional buyer opportunities and recruit farmers for secured markets
• Assist producers with production planning to ensure a continuous supply that meets secured market demand
• Create template then track coordinated production plans for regional farms and help secure corresponding grower agreements that match farmers’ interest and experience
• Connect in-person or virtual training resources for farmers with subject matter experts to increase their market readiness and successful outcomes
• Maintain channels of communications with farmers regarding planting and harvesting schedules, quality requirements and rejections, GHP/GAP and regulatory compliance, post-harvest handling procedures, packaging and labeling standards, and delivery
Buyer Recruitment and Support
In collaboration with the Value Chain/Local Food Supply Chain Consultant/Advisor, as well as the Maryland and Delaware Departments of Agriculture:
• Create and implement an outreach plan to inform the Delaware and Maryland wholesale and institutional buyers about regional farmer buying options and recruit buyers for volume purchases and local purchase compliance
• Assist buyers with procurement planning to ensure a continuous supply that meets secured market demand and compliance requirements
• Create template then track coordinated purchase plans by regional buyers and secure corresponding buyer agreements that match farmers’ interest and experience level
• Coordinate site visits with regional buyers to monitor and identify issues with purchase, production, quality, food safety and/or regulatory compliance, etc.
• Maintain regular communications with buyers regarding farmer supply and order fulfillment at the institutions.
Aggregation and Distribution Logistics
In collaboration with the Value Chain/Local Food Supply Chain Consultant/Advisor:
• Identify strategically located aggregation points with necessary infrastructure, equipment, and personnel to coordinate farm and food products
• Provide support and ongoing communication to virtual food hubs to ensure successful aggregation, storage, grading, packaging and labeling, and regulatory compliance
• Collaborate with private distributors to develop new or tap into existing delivery routes that distribute produce between food hubs and/or to end markets
• Identify backhaul and outgoing delivery opportunities to ensure routes are financially viable
• Connect logistics resources for farmer’s produce delivery to virtual food hubs, and distributor pick-up and delivery of produce between food hubs and/or end markets
Project Management
In collaboration with the Value Chain/Local Food Supply Chain Consultant/Advisor:
• Provide data and reporting on work plans, budgets, and metrics collection
• Professionally represent the CAIC and the region’s value chain during community outreach meetings, conferences, and other events
Value Chain Coordination Administrator
Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center
Easton, MD
For immediate Consideration
3 years as contractor and permanent employee thereafter
• Work with consultant/partners to explore business or network model for the Delawarevand Maryland region
QUALIFICATIONS:
• High school diploma, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities; Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferred
• Proficiency with basic software and technology including MS Office Suite, Google Drive, smart phones, copier, webinar platforms, etc.
• Familiarity with data management systems (preferably HubSpot and Qualtrics)
• Dependable and resilient self-starter with an interest and experience in taking on new challenges and overcoming obstacles with little supervision
• Excellent work ethic, self-starter and problem solver, as this position requires ability to innovate and create new tools and processes
• Outstanding organizational, record keeping and data management skills
• Superior listening, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to network and collaborate with multi-agency/state initiatives
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely to groups of farmers, buyers, etc.
• Solid business acumen
• Familiarity and experience in postharvest handling, wholesale produce quality standards, regulatory compliance, food procurement processes, and GHP/GAP food safety regulations; within the farming, wholesale, or food service sectors is preferred
• Own reliable vehicle for periodic travel in Maryland and Delaware, available for occasional overnight trips
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:
• Knowledge of and comfort with agriculture production, farms, and farmers
• Knowledge of local food procurement processes and challenges
• Experience selling to, buying from, and/or operating a food hub
• Experience teaching or training farmers
• Leadership skills with proven project and team management
About Nonprofit Economic Development Organization:
Founded in 2004, the regional nonprofit economic and community development organization helps to commercialize innovations and technologies, especially focused in the region’s traditional industries of agriculture and aquaculture.