Position Overview

SAFSF is seeking a Program Director to lead the design, coordination and administration of all aspects of our programs including planning, organizing, and executing an annual program plan and an annual in-person Forum. The function of this role is to ensure that SAFSF’s programs are aligned with our strategic direction, relevant to our community of members, and impactful towards our mission. The Program Director, reporting to the Vice President of Impact, will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to the Program Team, and directly supervise Associates. They will lead co-creation and coordination with managers and cross-functional roles, to develop, promote, and execute SAFSF’s programs. Strong candidates for this position will excel at working collectively with a team, quickly organizing and synthesizing information from many sources, setting vision and strategy, and executing tasks to reach goals and objectives. There will be considerable opportunities for professional growth and education with regard to philanthropy, agriculture, and food systems issues. The Program Director is expected to contribute to a highly professional, impact-oriented work environment, motivated by a sincere desire for a more equitable and sustainable food system. Apply by July 16, 2024.

All SAFSF employees work remotely; candidates may live anywhere within the United States.

About Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) amplifies the impact of philanthropic and investment communities in support of just and sustainable food and agriculture systems. SAFSF helps funders and investors strengthen connections within the sustainable agriculture and food systems community, foster collaboration with their peers, and build capacity to be more effective in their philanthropy and in their advocacy for change. We convene, educate and organize funders around issues critical to rebuilding community food security and agricultural resilience, and seek to amplify the voice of farm and food systems philanthropy in public policy. SAFSF members are regranting organizations, community foundations, corporate and private foundations, impact investors and other capital providers, operating throughout the U.S. and abroad. 

Major Responsibilities

Program Management (40%)

1. Design and deliver an annual program plan for online and in-person programs aligned with SAFSF's strategies for changemaking.
2. Oversee and direct the conceptualization, production, development, and execution of all SAFSF programs, including webinars, policy work, learning cohorts, and annual forums.
3. Manage planning committees and facilitate meetings, ensuring effective scheduling and follow-up.

Event and Logistics Management (20%)

1. Oversee logistics for events, including registration, speaker invitations, travel planning, and venue management.
2. Maintain accurate databases and project management tracking for events.
3. Ensure financial and contract accountability by managing budgets and contracts.

External Engagement and Communication (15%)

1. Direct external-facing programs and activities engaging SAFSF members in food and agriculture systems change.
2. Create communication materials and resources using various platforms.
3. Develop relationships within the SAFSF network and present at events to enhance SAFSF's visibility.

Team Management and Leadership (15%)

1. Lead and manage Program Associates, fostering effective communication, collaboration, and professional development.
2. Support Program Associates in developing and executing work plans aligned with the program strategy.

Strategic Planning and Evaluation (10%)

1. Analyze programming objectives to develop strategies increasing value and impact for SAFSF members.
2. Conduct strategic program evaluation and monitoring using evaluation tools.

Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

1. Team Leadership: Lead by example and provide strategic guidance to foster a collaborative and high-performing environment within the Program Team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
2. Facilitation: Possess extensive experience in facilitating productive discussions and planning sessions across diverse groups, from small teams to large gatherings, to achieve consensus and drive actionable outcomes.
3. Strategic and Adaptable: Demonstrate the ability to think strategically for long-term goals while remaining adaptable to dynamic changes, promoting innovation and agility in program development and implementation.
4. Project Management: Efficiently manage projects from inception to execution, overseeing detailed project plans, coordinating with team members and external partners/vendors, and ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
5. Information Synthesis: Proficiently gather and synthesize information from multiple sources, applying analytical insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize project planning and execution.
6. Financial and Operational Oversight: Ensure financial and contract accountability, working with the operations team to manage budgets and contracts.
7. Skilled Relationship Builder: Skillfully cultivate and nurture relationships across stakeholders in food and agriculture systems change, philanthropy, impact investment, and peer networks to advance organizational goals and initiatives.
8. Markets and Capital: Demonstrate an understanding of agricultural markets and blended financial capital within the context of systemic change, leveraging insights to drive impactful strategies and initiatives.
9. Food System Expertise: Possess deep knowledge and experience navigating the complexities of food and agriculture systems in the U.S., applying expertise to develop innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact.

Required Skills and Experience

1. 6-8 years of relevant professional experience in program development or management, with at least 2 years experience in sustainable agriculture, food systems or related fields. 
2. 2 years of program management or related experience.
3. Demonstrated experience developing and implementing racial equity concepts and a demonstrated commitment to dismantling white supremacy within program frameworks.
4. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
5. Strong project management skills, including managing timelines, schedules, tasks, and budgets effectively with limited supervision.
6. Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
7. Experience managing virtual and/or in-person events with diverse participants and perspectives.
8. Experience facilitating groups working towards a common goal.

Basic Work Requirements

1. Fluency in English.
2. High degree of comfort with common computer-based tools such as Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Drive (Docs, Sheets, Slides).
3. Willingness and ability to travel within the U.S. occasionally, up to several times per year.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt, permanent, remote position with a starting salary of $85,000- $100,000, based on experience. SAFSF offers an excellent benefits package, which currently includes automatic (5%) and matching (up to 3%) retirement contributions; medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance (100% paid by SAFSF for employee); as well as health and fitness, internet, and cell phone reimbursements. Paid time off includes 8 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving, half-day Fridays, office closure the last week of the year (December 25-January 1), accrued personal time, and sick time. SAFSF has an entirely remote workforce.

Application and Hiring Process

All interested applicants must apply online at www.tfaforms.com/5134019 no later than end of day July 16, 2024. Applicants will be required to upload: 

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. An example of a program they developed; the information uploaded will be the basis for questions during interviews.  

Interviews will begin in late July with an expected start date for this position in early September. 

We are committed to transparency and aim to minimize the stress and uncertainty of our application and hiring process. SAFSF seeks to minimize bias and the impact of structural discrimination within our hiring practices. As such, we focus first on relevant work skills and experience, both lived and professional. We are seeking a diverse pool of candidates.

The application form will ask candidates to voluntarily disclose demographic information, which will not be visible to the members of the hiring committee. Voluntarily providing demographic information helps SAFSF assess the diversity of our applicant pool throughout the hiring processes.

Applicants who move forward through the hiring process will participate in a combination of a phone and video interview(s).

Please contact jobs@safsf.org with any questions. We look forward to getting to know you! 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

SAFSF is a 501(c)(3) public charity that is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. SAFSF’s work environment is open to all people, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

SAFSF complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and corresponding state or local law. If you believe you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application process, please contact jobs@safsf.org.