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Job Posting: Communications & Outreach Manager

Open September 17, 2021 until filled

We are growing, and have added a new position to our roster. The first Communications and Outreach Manager (C & O Manager) will support the organization by creating engaging, creative, and clear communications plans and campaigns that focus on organizational and project needs. Reporting to the Executive Director, the C & O Manager will set and guide the strategy for all communications, website and public relations messages and collateral to consistently articulate Ag Innovation’s mission.

The C&O Manager will also provide internal consultation to Ag Innovations project teams, and will develop or support development of internal and public-facing communications. In addition, the C&O Manager will support the smooth preparation, integration, packaging and delivery of products and engagements in the larger context of our work.

If you are eager to apply and grow your talents to reach and connect people, then we look forward to hearing from you. A brief description of the job’s responsibilities and requirements are listed below.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Communications and Outreach:

• Develop, implement and evaluate the annual communications plan in collaboration with the ED, Board, and Staff.
• Develop and implement cost-effective marketing and outreach strategies to communicate with a range of constituencies through printed and electronic media
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures and the Ag Innovation’s website
• Update and maintain organization’s website, on-line publications, and social media
• Support the packaging of electronic and print materials, with cohesive branding and professional appeal.

Project-Focused Communications & Outreach:

• Develop project-based communications and outreach plans, including goals and metrics, and lead implementation of those plans in conjunction with the project team. Work with clients or groups to help develop scope of plan and project, as needed by project team.
• Support generation of communications and outreach that drive engagement by being audience and outcome focused.
• Write articles and participate in the generation of project-based content for Ag Innovations and project websites, blogs, and newsletters.
• Support outreach efforts, including working with advertising, media, developing social media posts, packaging e-blasts, and newsletters, and event outreach.
• Provide and maintain cohesive organizational branding across projects as is possible within project guidelines.
• Track, report on and evaluate outreach results.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with project teams to develop, implement and outreach regarding stakeholder surveys to understand input regarding public policies and plans
• Support visual communications, through graphic design and layout
• Support the development of story maps

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent. Demonstrated passion for and interest in any of these areas – collaboration, food systems, agriculture, and/or the environment in California.
• Experience managing and executing across several communications media
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail, including proofing own work and that of others.
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated working proficiency in writing, outreach, and communications including blogs, articles, press releases, and social media.
• Demonstrated results in communications and outreach campaigns
• Demonstrated working proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft suite, collaboration tools, layout and design, and basic web editing.
• Ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently, with poise and professionalism.
• Ability to focus and complete job duties in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• Ability to communicate professionally, clearly, and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Values and practices teamwork and emotional intelligence with other staff, and has a commitment to a respectful workplace.
• Collaborates effectively and with discernment with clients and partners to support project outcomes and maintain AI mission and contracted role. Excellent interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, customer service skills
• Maintains the personal flexibility and adaptability to function in an entrepreneurial nonprofit organization.

OUR CORE VALUES

1. We believe that effective process yields effective collaboration
2. Holistic: We acknowledge and operate in complex systems, and seek to help people understand themselves, each other, and the patterns and systems they operate in.
3. Neutrality: We are solutions-neutral, but process advocates.
4. Humility: We show up every day knowing that we don’t have all the answers.
5. Inclusive: We facilitate to raise up voices that can go unheard without the invitation to participate
6. Diverse: We celebrate diversity of background, race, economic status, and perspective by bringing it “into the rooms” that we facilitate.

SALARY RANGE

$65,000 to $80,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Position includes health benefits via a group plan with Kaiser, an employer match for simple-IRA contributions, and professional development. Flexible work hours and location are available as the job allows.

Ag Innovations values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Interested? We invite you to submit a resume and cover letter to us at HR@aginnovations.org, explaining why you would be an excellent fit for our Communications and Outreach Manager position. If your submitted materials indicate a potential match, we will contact you directly.

Download the job description

Ag Innovations is a 501c3 nonprofit that facilitates systems leadership and collaborative action in California around key issues including agricultural viability, fire and forest resiliency, water stewardship, and food systems. We serve our community by facilitating transformational collaboratives that help leaders think beyond their disciplines and unlock new ideas. Our methods have proven effective in stakeholder engagement, public input, and planning, which helps improve the public plans and policies that allow for a better future. We are dedicated to serving the public interest by helping people think and work better together to solve the complex issues facing all of us who depend on our natural and working lands.

We are looking for a full time Project Manager to support our facilitation team in creating effective change processes with project management and coordination, communications and other support to Ag Innovations clients, Program Team and Senior Facilitator(s). The Project Manager ensures the smooth preparation, integration and conclusion of engagements in the larger context of our work. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. Specific duties include project and budget management, project design and support as appropriate, and tracking and reporting on project deliverables for clients and funders.

If you are eager to apply and grow your talents to facilitate and support positive change and community engagement, then we look forward to hearing from you. A brief description of the job’s responsibilities and requirements are listed below. Visit aginnovations.org for a full job description and to learn more about us.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties of the Project Manager include but are not limited to the following:

Project Responsibilities: (70%)

• In consultation with the Facilitator for each assigned project, develop a written strategy and work plan for the project, including funding, budget design, tracking and measurement of deliverables, and assignment of responsibilities.
• Project management and project support (project planning and implementation, calendaring, deliverable tracking, stakeholder and participant communications and tracking, research, materials preparation, collaboration technology tools, operations, etc.)
• As jointly determined by the project lead and team members, participate in client meetings and events to gain knowledge, track progress or respond to requests.
• Working with project lead, ensure the timely completion of tasks laid out in the project plan; make adjustments to the plan along the way as client and project needs require.
• Complete or ensure completion of all reporting and documentation of the project to meet the needs of internal financial tracking and external funders.
• Assist with facilitation duties, as needed and as able with regards to skill level, including agenda design, small group facilitation, flipcharting, and other responsibilities.

Program Responsibilities: (30%)

• Stay abreast of current events related to program content area and support development of program strategy.
• Write articles and participate in generation of content for Ag Innovations website, blog, and newsletter based on assigned projects and program.
• Working in cooperation with other senior staff, research and pursue funding for existing and projected projects and engagements; supervise and support the work of analytic staff as needed and available.
• Upon request, review incoming Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or grant applications and, after consultation with the Executive Director, respond to those determined worthy of pursuit by Ag Innovations.
• Review each project after completion, and present proposals for process improvements to the Executive Director and senior staff for application on future projects; include outside data as applicable, with input from analytic staff and other resources.
• Coordinate effectively with team members, and develop skills and knowledge appropriate to better support assigned projects and program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (partial listing)

The following skills and experience are required unless otherwise noted:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent
• 3 or more years’ experience managing projects that include planning and budget management, meeting and event management, including note taking, and writing and research.
• Certificate or equivalent training and experience in project management or other field(s) involving collaborative goal-setting, decision-making and evaluation.
• Demonstrated passion for and interest in food systems, agriculture, and/or environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with collaborative office platforms, including the google suite and Microsoft Office, including documents, spreadsheets, presentation tools, group calendaring, and basic web editing.

SALARY RANGE

$56,000 to $68,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Full time positions include health benefits via a group plan with Kaiser, an employer match for simple-IRA contributions, and professional development. Flexible work hours and location are available as the job allows.

Ag Innovations values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Interested? We invite you to submit a resume and cover letter to us at HR@aginnovations.org, explaining why you would be an excellent fit for our Project Manager position. If your submitted materials indicate a potential match, we will contact you directly.

Download the job description

Ag Innovations is looking for a Senior Facilitator!

Ag Innovations is a 501c3 nonprofit that facilitates systems leadership and collaborative action in California around key issues including agricultural viability, fire and forest resiliency, water stewardship, and food systems. We serve our community by facilitating transformational collaboratives that help leaders think beyond their disciplines and unlock new ideas; and stakeholder engagement, public input, and planning, which helps improve the public plans and policies that allow for a better future.

We are dedicated to serving the public interest by helping people think and work better together to solve the complex issues facing all of us who depend on our natural and working lands.

Job Description

We are looking for a full time Senior Facilitator who will serve as process designer and a prime facilitator for our collaboratives and roundtables, public engagement, and general facilitation projects. With direction from the Executive Director, our ideal candidate will act as the team lead for projects and also coordinate with staff and consultants to ensure timely and outstanding outcomes. Industries you may be working in include: consultative facilitation, organizational development, policy, public planning, community organizing, agriculture, water, fire, ecological sciences, or air quality.

Ag Innovations values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

TYPE OF WORK THIS PERSON WILL DO

• Facilitate collaboratives, roundtables, and working groups focused on key issues such as ag viability, fire resilience, food systems, integrated pesticide management and water stewardship. These groups may be at the state, regional or local level.
• Develop creative process arcs that lead groups through a clear and consistent process over time to achieve a better understanding of themselves and each other within the system they are seeking to work on.
• Lead creative public engagement efforts including outreach, surveys, workshops, and planning around water and fire planning and infrastructure for stakeholders. Stakeholders include agriculture, public agencies, land managers and land owners, residents of rural communities, businesses, environmental organizations, and disadvantaged and environmental justice organizations
• Collaborate with team members to produce written products that synthesize group work, and Supervise and support the assigned AI staff in fulfilling their role on your projects.
• Support program and partnership development, and occasionally lead relevant fund development efforts
• Manage a team and budget to achieve program and contract goals

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PERCENTAGE OF TIME

• Serve as Project Lead and Senior Facilitator, with duties including design, facilitation (virtual, in groups, with the public, and spanning from one day to multiple years), client, contract, and team management; and development of written products that reflect group agreements, research, and actions. 75%
• Participate in learning organization goals, including strategic advising, offering and training on models of engagement, methodology, and content, and seeking to develop your own skills and your teamwork with other team members. 15%
• Support fund development, including writing about AI process approach and results achieved; Cultivating opportunities for grants, contracts, or other funding for the realization of the organization’s mission and write contracts and MOUs for new projects. 10%

REQUIREMENTS

• Masters level education in a related field, OR equivalent combination of bachelors’ degree and experience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience as the lead facilitator for complex groups, projects, or initiatives. Significant experience or knowledge of facilitation, multi-stakeholder collaboration, public engagement. Experience may include work in not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, or the private sector.
• Significant experience in California in one or more of the following areas – public engagement, sustainability, food systems, water stewardship or planning, fire and forest resiliency, or agricultural systems. Each of these areas is a great starting place for a facilitator to work with the content that Ag Innovations facilitates in.
• Training, certification, or equivalent experience demonstrating mastery of a theory-based approach to facilitating change or group dynamics.
• Aptitude and Experience facilitating collaboration in a virtual environment, using platforms such as zoom, GoToMeeting, or others.
• Aptitude and experience with a variety of technologies for supporting remote collaborations (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Kumu, Google Docs).
• Experience managing projects to a contract and budget.

DESIRED

• Bilingual Spanish-English with the ability to facilitate in both languages is very helpful.
• Experience working with under-represented communities

SALARY RANGE

$70,000 to $85,000 per year commensurate with experience. Position includes health benefits, an employer match for simple-IRA contributions, and professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Heavy use of electronic office systems, either onsite or in remote/home setup, requiring keyboarding for long periods of time. Heavy phone communications with clients and others, including remote facilitation (video & audio). Travel within California by car or air on average 2-6 times per month, although travel restrictions are currently in place.

This is a remote position due to precautions being taken in light of COVID-19. It’s likely that the position will return to facilitating meetings in-person at some point, however it’s unclear when this will be. This position may be considered a permanently remote position, with requirements to be in the home office 2-4x per month once the office is re-opened.

Each qualified candidate is invited to submit a resume and cover letter explaining why they would be an excellent fit for our Senior Facilitator position. Please send your resume and cover letter to us at: HR@aginnovations.org. This is a rolling position.