Food Systems Coordinator

DESCRIPTION
1 in 5 children in North Carolina lives with hunger. You can have an impact. Apply for the Food Systems Coordinator to help the Piedmont Triad create an inclusive, healthy, and resilient local food economy.

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council seeks a talented, dynamic, and self-motivated Food Systems Coordinator to facilitate vibrant collaboration among Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council members. The Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council (PTRFC) is an enthusiastic regional food council that envisions communities united for an inclusive, healthy, and resilient local food economy. The coordinator will stimulate dialogue that encourages diverse perspectives and consensus making while fostering an energetic environment of trust and collaboration. PTRFC website: www.ptrc.org/food.

The Regional Planning Department will oversee the Food Systems Coordinator position. The food council represents the region, a broad array of food system sectors, and a balance of rural, urban, socio-economic, cultural, racial, and gender backgrounds.

Primary responsibilities:
Seek innovative funding opportunities to support the goals of the program through persuasive grant proposals
Work collaboratively and enthusiastically with local governments to build strategic partnerships and increase action on economic development opportunities
Prepare, review or analyze a variety of technical reports including grant applications, annual reports and the Regional Food System Assessment (a tool that provides data to understand processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population)
Maintain knowledge of current issues and strategies related to food policies, and appropriately convey information to the local governments in the Piedmont Triad region and PTRFC stakeholders

Additional duties may include providing support for other projects in the planning department, including long-range land development plans; transportation, pedestrian, and bicycle plans; greenway and open space preservation plans.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field and three years of experience working with food system policies and practices. Candidates can distinguish themselves with a Master’s or AICP certification. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with a variety of individuals, including elected officials, local government staff, communities, and stakeholders
Understanding of food systems. Food Systems is the path that food travels from field to fork including growing, harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consuming, and disposing of food.
High energy and ability to work collaboratively and independently
Exceptional organizational skills are critical
Experience working in Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint software is required
Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, ArcGIS, Mail Chimp, and social media is highly desirable, but not required
Pass the organization’s pre-employment drug screen and background screening process
Valid NC driver’s license required. Travel throughout the 12-county region is required. Other travel may be required on occasion.
Standard hours are 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, but the employee is expected to work some evenings and Saturdays occasionally

Job posting will close at 11:59 pm on Monday, July 15, 2019.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council is the Lead Regional Organization that collaborates with the local leaders of the 12 county Piedmont Triad region to implement creative regional solutions with the mission to improve the lives of the community. The PTRC accomplishes its mission through seven programs that include the Area Agency on Aging, Criminal Justice Systems Administration, Economic Development, Community Development, Management Services, Regional Planning, and Workforce Development. The PTRC hires and retains staff that is at the top of their field. See why our employees love working at the PTRC.

SALARY RANGE
Classification and starting salary ($42,107 – $46,421) is dependent upon credentials and experience. PTRC offers excellent benefits including Local Governmental Employees Retirement System (LGERS).