Corvallis Environmental Center - Community Food Center Planning Coordinator


The Community Food Center Planning Coordinator works as a team with Corvallis Environmental Center staff members, planning committee, community stakeholders and partner organizations to formulate and implement a 12-month community planning process to inform the design and construction of a Neighborhood Food Center.  The Coordinator will coordinate a strategic planning process by developing community partnerships, conducting community assessments, and facilitating multi-stakeholder meetings. The Coordinator will lead the development of a business plan for a Neighborhood Food Center that will meet the growing food access challenges of the South Corvallis community.
Duties include:

• Conduct community assessment including resident focus groups and organizational stakeholder interviews.
• Analyze existing garden-to-table infrastructure and work with existing neighborhood food groups and community garden programs. Research and plan for food-related business and entrepreneurship development
• Build relationships with South Corvallis Food Bank, their clients, and gleaning groups in order to ensure that the Food Center will adequately serve the needs of the primary emergency food providers in the community.
• Develop and conduct outreach to existing community organizations and to non-traditional groups to ensure that low-income members of the community are engaged in the planning process.
• Involve community members in planning discussions to determine other group/community needs in a Neighborhood Food Center.
• Facilitate the Community Food Center Planning Committee to develop a strategic planning process.
• Conduct outreach and Identify existing events in the Corvallis area and integrate the Neighborhood Food Center in these efforts.
• Work closely with community and local government leaders
• Research funding to ensure sustainability of the Food Center project.
• Create a business plan for the Neighborhood Food Center.

Minimum requirements:

• Four year college/university degree in agriculture or food policy, city and regional planning, public health, public policy or related field preferred
• Two years experience in: community organizing or development or working in coalition and collaborative settings

Abilities required:

• Experience in: working with coalitions and or collaborative settings; community organizing; and agricultural or food systems policy advocacy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge or experience in nutrition, agricultural or food systems policy, or producing and marketing local foods
• Ability to work independently while meeting project deadlines

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Additional information:
This is a part-time position for 1 year.  Future employment is not guaranteed and is dependent on funding. Pay is $16/hour. The position begins November 1, 2010. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter addressed to Edible Corvallis Initiative Director.
Submissions may be made by: Email:   [email protected]
Mail:     P.O. Box 2189
Corvallis, OR 97339
or dropped off at the Corvallis Environmental Center’s downtown office: 214 SW Monroe Ave., Corvallis.
Application deadline: October 11, 2010
The Corvallis Environmental Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.