Overview:
Since 1973, CCOF has been widely recognized as one of the nation’s top organic certifiers. Today CCOF is the only full service organic certification and trade association supporting the growth of organic food and agriculture through its mission: certifying, educating, advocating and promoting organic. CCOF provides premier organic certification programs and trade association benefits to farms, processors, private labelers, retailers, restaurants, brokers, and supporting members including individuals, suppliers and service providers. For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.
The Outreach and Policy Specialist position is a full-time salaried employee of CCOF’s trade association based in Santa Cruz, CA. The Outreach and Policy Specialist reports to the Director of Policy and Programs and takes the lead role in communicating with and organizing CCOF members on policy and educational topics.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
CCOF is seeking a skilled and experienced organizer of people, programs and projects. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2-3 years experience in a similar role, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
The ideal candidate will also have the following:
- BA in a related field
- Demonstrated experience preparing and conducting outreach and educational programming, preferably in a member-based organization
- Excellent organizational and logistical skills, including event and meeting coordination
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated familiarity with food and agriculture policy, preferably the organic sector
- Strong computer skills
- Demonstrated ability to excel in fast-paced, high workload environment
- Attention to detail
- Availability for occasional travel, evening and weekend work.
Hiring Process:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants please submit the following:
- Cover letter summarizing your interest in CCOF and the position, qualifications and compensation requirements
- Current resume
- List of three professional references
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Submit all materials to employment@ccof.org.
Compensation:
CCOF takes pride in offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits. The Specialist’s compensation package will be based on qualifications and experience.
Job Responsibilities:
Policy Support
- Research and write on policy topics, including legislative and regulatory issues.
- Coordinate meeting logistics for CCOF staff and/or members with policy makers (may include farm tours and other events).
- Prepare materials and information for policy meetings.
- Assist in recruiting and training interns.
- Support other Policy and Program projects, as needed.
Member Outreach
- Develop timely action alerts and other communications to CCOF members on policy topics.
- Manage database to support grassroots organizing.
- Serve as liaison to members and regional chapters of CCOF members, including:
- Facilitate development of agendas for member and chapter meetings, as needed
- Respond to member requests
- Work with chapters to facilitate elections for Board seats and other chapter positions
Education Program Coordination
- Develop and implement educational programming for CCOF members based on CCOF and members’ needs. May include field days, workshops, webinars, events, or development of written materials.
- Coordinate and collaborate on educational programming with sustainable agriculture allies.