Director - California Food Justice Center

POSITION AVAILABLE Seeking Director

Deadline:  Applications Reviewed on an ongoing basis.  Position open until filled. Preferred (but flexible) start date November 1, 2008.  Download Full Job Description at: http://www.foodsecurity.org/california/2008_CFJC_Director_Announcement.pdf CFJC is looking for a dynamic, motivated and entrepreneurial individual who will work with the CFJC steering committee to build and grow the Coalition.  The position requires a diverse skill set and the ideal candidate would possess a range of skills in organizational development, policy advocacy, and program development.  RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate and coordinate fundraising efforts to support and grow CFJC programs - includes grant writing, building a dues-paying membership base, event planning and donor recruitment.
• Work with steering committee and members to develop and monitor organizational priorities and work in accordance with goals set in CFJC's strategic plan.
• Work with CFJC Steering Committee to transition CFJC into an independent organization supported by an active board.
• Provide staffing to the Steering Committee and its sub-committees, coordinating communication and assisting in new member recruitment
• Coordinate CFJC outreach and organizing efforts to expand coalition membership and build partnerships.
• Hire and supervise CFJC staff, interns and contractors.
• Manage communication with statewide members and partners.
• Manage organizational systems, including a contact database, list serve and website management.
• Develop and monitor program budgets in coordination with CFJC steering committee, and review financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with and timely reporting on all CFJC contracts.  
• Coordinate advocacy campaigns and organizing efforts on public policy issues as identified by members and steering committee.
• Coordinate training and technical assistance program as outlined in strategic plan
• Conduct public speaking and public relations on behalf of the coalition and its campaigns as needed and/or requested.   

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of three (3) years in a nonprofit management and/or administrative role, including experience with budgeting and fiscal management.  
• Substantive knowledge of community food security, local food systems, urban agriculture, sustainable agriculture, family farm, or anti-hunger fields in California
• Experience with fundraising and development (e.g., donor development, grant management, grant proposal writing, special events).  
• Human Resource experience including hiring/firing staff and interns, mentoring and evaluating.
• Possess a combination of experiences in program development, outreach, community organizing, and public speaking, including experience planning participatory educational events and coordinating policy campaigns or doing political organizing.
• Able to work some weekends and evenings and to travel to conferences and workshops around the state and possibly country as needed
• Excellent written, oral communication, networking, negotiation (conflict management and resolution), and presentation skills.  
• Ability to work on advisory committees, task forces, and external coalitions, and take on effective leadership roles.  
• Excellent office management and computer literacy (IT) skills (including MS Office applications, FileMaker Pro database, internet research).  
• Fluency in Spanish desirable, but not required.  
• Candidates must have the ability to work with diverse groups; be knowledgeable about to issues of race, class and gender and how they influence the food system; and demonstrate experience working with oppressed communities to create change. 

ABOUT CFJC  CFJC is a statewide membership coalition committed to the basic human right to healthy food while advancing social, agricultural and environmental justice. CFJC collaborates with community-based groups in the state to develop and carry out advocacy, educational and organizing campaigns that support grassroots solutions. We envision a California food system in which all activities, from farm to table, are equitable, healthful, sustainable, regenerative and community-driven. CFJC is a fiscally sponsored organization of the Ecology Center and operates under the Ecology Center's administrative polices and procedures.   Since 2003 CFJC has built a diverse network of advocates to work together to promote a just and sustainable food system. CFJC's most recent campaign was focused on building support for local food systems, increasing access to healthy food in all communities, and reforming unjust commodity subsidy programs through the 2008 Federal Farm Bill.  In 2008 CFJC also launched a training and mentorship program that provides resources, training and in the future, one-on-one technical assistance, to grassroots organizations in organizing local food projects and advocacy campaigns in their communities.   LOCATION  Preferably in Northern CA (Bay Area or Sacramento) but all CA locations will be considered.  COMPENSATION  Salary level depends on experience and qualification ($45,000 - 50,000 with an opportunity for an increase based on fundraising outcomes).  Benefits include medical and dental insurance, vacation, sick leave, major holidays, and retirement plan.    HOW TO APPLY   Please email (preferred) or fax cover letter, résumé and 3 references to Heather Fenney, CFJC co-director, at Heather@cafoodjustice.org  or fax to 510-548-8896  CFJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, military status, pregnancy, or disability. Women/People of color/LGBT applicants are encouraged to apply.