The National Center forAppropriate Technology (NCAT) is seeking a Coordinator for Grow Montana, a statewide food and agriculture policy council. This is a great opportunity for an individual to work with an innovative team of leaders in food and agriculture from across the state.
Founded in 2005, the Grow Montana collaborative promotes policies that support sustainable Montana-owned food production, processing, and distribution, and that improve all of our citizens' access to healthy Montana foods. Grow Montana envisions a vibrant Montana-based food system that fosters healthy communities, individuals, and environments. Please visit www.growmontana.ncat.org for more information about the research, project, and policy work of Grow Montana. This position is located in our Butte, MT, office.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  The position requires the equivalent of a BA/BS degree plus a minimum of three years of related professional experience. The successful candidate will need to be well-organized and able to work independently as well as in a team.  You should be an excellent communicator with experience in writing and public speaking. Other qualifications include but are not limited to:

• Strong facilitative leadership skills with experience and knowledge of community development.
• Strong organization-building skills with the ability to prioritize.

• Professional experience in membership-driven community-based organizations.
• Proven program and project development, coordination and implementation capacity.
• Demonstrated fundraising experience with foundation donors, individual donors, and/or grants.
• Demonstrated passion for social change, and clear understanding of the vision of Grow Montana and community-based food systems.

• Experience in community-based food systems.
• Familiarity with state and federal policy arenas.
• Familiarity with Montana’s community of progressive organizations, leaders, and policy makers.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Grow Montana Coordinator will carry out the responsibilities of facilitating the Steering Committee and council partners and allies in their efforts to support community-based food systems by conducting public policy research and education that will garner statewide investments in healthy food systems, and increase the supply and access of diverse local products. The Coordinator, with guidance from the Steering Committee and NCAT staff, will also lead an inspiring campaign to frame our vision and conduct outreach and inquiry among Montana citizens and policy makers. She or he will strengthen partnerships and collaborations among relevant food and agriculture organizations in order to advance the council’s vision. The Grow Montana Coordinator will provide staff support to the Steering Committee, providing follow-up on decisions, facilitating participation of the coalition’s partners and allies, organizing fundraising,   grant writing, and grant reporting. Some in-state travel will be required for meetings, conferences, and other relevant activities.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: $28,000 - $35,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation and holidays, health, life and disability insurance, cafeteria (flex) and 401(k) plans and a pleasant, professional working environment.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications will be accepted through September 4, 2012 or until a suitable candidate can be identified. Early applications are encouraged and applications will be considered as they are received.  All persons interested in being considered for the position must submit a cover letter highlighting their experience and skills relevant to the listed qualifications, a current resume, three professional references, and a completed NCAT application.  Requests for an NCAT application and inquiries about the application process should be directed to Jerrid Burk. Incomplete applications or reference on the application to “see resume” will not be considered. Applicants interested in learning more about NCAT can visit our website at www.ncat.org for a gateway to websites and projects developed by NCAT staff. Send completed application materials to:
Jerrid Burk
NCAT Human Resource Specialist
P.O. Box 3838
Butte, MT  59702
e-mail:  [email protected]