Job Opening: Market Access & Communications Specialist
Contact Information
- Contact Name: Patricia Carrillo
- Business/Organization Name: ALBA
- City, State: Salinas, CA
- Email: patricia@albafarmers.org
Description
Do you have a passion for sustainable agriculture and a just food system? Do you want to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams of farm ownership? If so, ALBA is the place for you! ALBA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and farm training center located in the heart of the Salinas Valley. ALBA creates opportunities for low-income field laborers through land-based training in organic farm management, helping them advance their careers or pursue the dream of farm ownership.
The Position:
The Market Access & Communications Specialist prepares ALBA’s participants for, and connects them to, direct and indirect marketing opportunities, as well as serving as the point person for ALBA’s outreach and communication efforts.
Responsibilities
i. Market Access Facilitation
- Provide education through direct technical assistance, small groups and workshops to build farmers’ marketing skills;
- Connect farmers with direct and indirect sales channels for their produce;
- Manage the Farmers Market Pilot Project in tandem with partners;
- Facilitate the creation of a seasonal produce availability list by OFI participants;
- Provide buyer support for liaising with beginning farmers at ALBA; includes addressing produce quality, pack consistency, post-harvest care, logistics, adherence to crop plans, fulfillment, and other communication as needed;
- Bring in outside technical expertise as needed to support ALBA participants in achieving their marketing and business goals;
- Complete special projects related to market access education, and other topics, and support reporting requirements for grants.
ii. Communications Coordinator
- Perform general outreach and promotion for ALBA that will consist of attending tradeshows, conferences, seminars, and other community events;
- Develop content for ALBA’s social media pages;
- Create and maintain farmer profiles;
- Create and distribute quarterly newsletter and develop and execute other online outreach strategies;
- Research new possibilities for outreach and collaboration with organizations, the local agricultural industry, and local elected officials;
- Maintain donor database;
- Assist with capital campaigns;
- Liaise with partners, host visitors, and the local agricultural community;
- Participate in ALBA’s farmer and community events;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in communications, marketing, agriculture or a business-related discipline; Bilingual (English/Spanish); ideally, at least 1 year of work experience in agricultural sales and/or marketing; ability to work in a non-profit and people-centered environment with shifting priorities and deadlines; ag communications experience, knowledge of Monterey County agriculture and produce sales; ability to communicate and maintain positive relationships with a diverse constituency, including farmers, vendors, staff, and partners.
Working Conditions: Work will be outdoors and indoors. May be required to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. May assist others in lifting/carrying objects heavier than 50 lbs.
To apply please send a cover letter and resume to: patricia@albafarmers.org