Job Description

OUTREACH SPECIALIST (GEORGIA)

The Outreach Specialist performs a variety of duties related to outreach, recruitment, education, organizing and leading FSC/LAF members, potential members and farmers in programs, projects, and process that serve to create new cooperatives and/or strengthen existing cooperatives and farmers within the Federation’s sphere of influence. The Outreach Specialist is responsible for providing and/or securing relevant resources and technical assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers, ranchers and Federation members. They are to be knowledgeable of all USDA programs and services and must understand all aspects of proposals, especially the deliverables there in. The Outreach Specialist’s driving mission is to proliferate and advance cooperative development for FSC members, farmers and cooperatives.

This full time position will be responsible for working closely with non-members, members, staff (local and regional), and the State Coordinator. Working with the State Coordinator, the Outreach Specialist will develop goals, objectives, strategies, and timelines for cooperatives, FSC members, and farmers in their state. He/she will execute all required duties with a high degree of professionalism, consistency, promptness and integrity. The Outreach Specialist will work under the supervision of the State Coordinator; he/she must also have the ability to self-direct their work. This position requires a commitment to social and economic justice as well as experience working in grassroots communities in the South.

One of the primary goals is to strengthen cooperatives and farmers in southwest Georgia by assisting them to retain their land and transfer it to other family members; assist them to improve the net income they derive from their relatively small farms and become more viable through technical assistance in farm management, marketing, alternative crops and methods, and value-added enterprises, enabling them to increase earnings and position themselves for future success as they acquire the resources to make their farms sustainable by increased participation in federal farm assistance programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Ø Identify and provide technical assistance to FSC membership/farmers and ranchers;

Ø Development of strategies and work plans;

Ø Complete a case profile on each FSC member/farmer;

Ø Prepares weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, annual and other reports related to programs for which he/she is responsible;

Ø Develop business plans for farm operations and for loans, etc.

Ø Weekly site/farm visits;

Ø Responsible for assisting in the development of strategic plans, farm business plan, and feasibility studies;

Ø Complete a detailed site visit report after each visit;

Ø Assist in developing and organizing cooperatives and provide training to members of cooperatives;

Ø Assist farmers with alternative crops and FSC marketing for the FSC membership;

Ø Identify various marketing avenues for FSC membership/farmers;

Ø Maintain updated file on each FSC member, farmer/rancher; recordkeeping is imperative;

Ø Complete and submit a daily, weekly, bi-monthly, monthly activities/progress report to State Coordinator;

Ø Complete surveys, need assessment, and other pertinent data on members;

Ø Seek resources through USDA, extension service; private and other sources;

Ø Assist members/farmers and FSC participants in applying for the GATE (Georgia Agriculture Tax Exempt) cards;

Ø Reliable form of transportation; travel is a must.

Ø Report to FSC/LAF Georgia State Coordinator.

PROFICIENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Ø Minimum of 1 - 3 years of experience in outreach, community organizing and/or volunteer coordination;

Ø Combination of experience and education in the area of community outreach/organizing and leadership development;

Ø Knowledge of cooperative principles and history is preferred, but not required;

Ø Strong organizational skills and a demonstrated capacity to develop and implement practical strategies, plans and solutions to identified issues and problems;

Ø Ability to prioritize and take initiative;

Ø Flexible and works effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and deliverables;

Ø Ability to build relationships based on dignity and respect;

Ø An effective communicator with writing ability;

Ø Familiarity and competency in using computers, Microsoft Office in particular;

Ø Commitment to consistency and concern for community;

Ø Must have some knowledge of USDA agencies and programs;

Must have agricultural experience and/or history in agricu