Buy Local Food In Kitsap

Looking for a job in the local food network? Here is an advertisement from the Northwest Cooperative Development Center:

Position:

Co-op Food Systems Specialist / Program Coordinator

Description:

The Northwest Cooperative Development Center (NWCDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to foster community economic development, primarily through cooperative business models.  NWCDC is committed to nurturing cooperative industries that increase business diversification and economic stability of Northwest communities while providing local, regional and national co-op models.

The Co-op Food Systems Specialist (CFSS) will be responsible for working individually and collaboratively with various projects and partners focused on developing sustainable local food systems.  In this role the CFSS will work with NWCDC staff to carry out existing food system grant contracts by providing direct technical assistance, monitoring projects, writing reports, partnering with other stakeholders, and cultivating related new projects and resources.

This position:

Reports to the Executive Director

• Is a part-time position requiring travel, with some evening and weekend work

• Is anticipated to become a full time / benefitted position within two years

• Requires the ability to work both independently and with internal and external partners to implement strategic goals under time constraints

• Collaborates and maintain relationships with a broad base of stakeholders
• Supports Cooperative Principles (see below)

• Supports Madison Principles (see below)

• Requires the ability to design, write and edit research documents, articles and reports

• Utilizes primary and secondary data, both quantitative and qualitative in nature

• Provides technical assistance in community organizing and cooperative development.  Assistance provided may include writing feasibility research, cooperative business education, business planning, strategic planning, market research, and grant writing.

• Works with and supports consumer, producer and worker cooperatives.

Required skills:

• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Event Organizing
• Community organizing; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and inspire leadership.
• Effective team player
• Computer proficiencies, Microsoft Office suite, internet
• Self motivated and directed
• Grant Writing

Primary Job Duties:  Following is a summary of the initial primary duties and responsibilities of the position:

1.Lead implementation for the current on-line market initiative recently funded through a USDA Farmer’s Market Promotion Program.  Duties include: primary and secondary research of similar programs, report writing.  Necessary skills encompass, technical writing, survey development, qualitative and quantitative research analysis, working against deadlines, computer proficiencies in Microsoft office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), public speaking and community organizing.
2.Development of NWCDC’s local food systems program.  Manage and collaboratively design a program that provides cooperative development technical assistance to start-up and existing cooperatives.  Develop resources necessary to support a thriving program.

Qualifications:  Minimum requirements and experience

BA
Post graduate finance studies / MBA preferred
3 – 5 years relevant work experience

Compensation:

35k – 40k full time equivalency.  Depends on qualifications.  Medical benefits available when position become full time.

Application Procedure:

For confidential consideration, please send resume, salary history and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications to Diane Gasaway, NWCDC Executive Director, Attn: Hiring Committee, via email at diane@nwcdc.coop.
Please feel free to refer this posting to others for candidacy
Position closes on November 6, 2009
Interviews for selected candidates will be held on November 23 and 24, 2009.
Successful candidate will be expected to assume duties December 1, 2009.

Co-op Principles
As the cooperative form of business developed over the past 150 years, a set of principles, which define features unique to the co-op and characteristics important to cooperative success, were revised in 1996 by the International Cooperative Alliance.
1. Voluntary and open membership:
Cooperatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic member control:
Cooperatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting policies and decision making.
3. Member economic participation:
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative.
4. Autonomy and independence:
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
5. Education, training and information:
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives:
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by cooperating with one another.
7. Concern for community:
While focusing on members’ needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.

Madison Principles

Professional Standards for Cooperative Development Practitioners
Written by the members of CooperationWorks!
in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1995 and revised in 2005
1. Cooperative developers subscribe to the highest level of ethics and shall declare any conflict of interest, real or perceived, so that they can be a credible source of objective feedback and an articulate advocate of the project as needed.
2. There are essential development steps that must be taken in a critical path to success.
3. An enthusiastic group of local, trustworthy leaders is a prerequisite for providing technical assistance. The effective cooperative developer nurtures that leadership by helping them shape a vision that will unite members and provide ongoing training.
4. Cooperatives only work when they are market driven; the cooperative developer works to ensure that accurate market projections precede other development steps.
5. Member control through a democratic process is essential for success. Success also depends on the commitment of the members’ time, financial resources and loyalty to the cooperative.
6. There must be tangible benefits for members.
7. The cooperative’s products and services must generate sufficient revenue so the effort can be financially self-sustaining. Provisions must be made to share any surplus equitably.
8. Each cooperative responds to its unique economic, social and cultural context; as a consequence, each cooperative is different.
9. Cooperative developers link emerging cooperatives with established cooperatives to facilitate mutual communication and learning.
10. Cooperatives are tools for development and promote social empowerment and economic goals.
11. Applied appropriately, cooperatives have value to all population groups and for all businesses and services in the public and private sectors.
12. Opportunities for human cooperation exist throughout the world. Cooperative development transcends national boundaries.
These principles are meant to guide both the steering committee and the professional developer.