Jobs
Managing Director (or Organizational Director)
Location: Washington, D.C.
The Managing/Organizational Director position represents a new senior management structure for NSAC. The new structure facilitates a shared collaborative leadership with the Policy Director managing the policy agenda and the Managing Director handling all other aspects, including operations, administration and staff. The Managing Director will take the lead on fundraising with support from the Policy Director and appropriate staff.
For a full description of the position’s responsibilities and qualifications, download the full Managing Director position announcement.
Application Process:
NSAC has hired Sheila Leahy with SAL Consulting, Inc, to manage the search. NSAC will review applications on a rolling basis and interested parties are encouraged to apply early.
Applications must:
- Include a resume;
- Include a cover letter that speaks to how your experience meets the needs outlined in the position announcemet;
- Be sent to nsacsearch@gmail.com with only YOUR NAME in the subject line. If you do not receive a confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of submitting your application, please contact Sheila Leahy at salcon@salcon.cnc.net.
NSAC encourages people with diverse backgrounds, experience and perspectives to apply.
Policy Associate – Marketing, Food Systems, and Rural Development
Location: Washington, D.C.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is currently seeking a Policy Associate for marketing programs, food systems, and rural development issues. This position is located at NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill.
NSAC is the leading advocacy organization for federal policy that supports sustainable agriculture and food systems. We work towards the vision of creating a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply produced by a legion of diverse family farmers who make a decent living pursuing their trade, while sustaining the environment and contributing to the strength of their communities. NSAC’s collaborative work environment offers a unique career opportunity to advance federal sustainable agriculture policy as part of a dedicated and effective team.
Position Description
NSAC’s Policy Associate will help to:
- Develop and implement policy and strategy focused on marketing, food systems, and rural development, especially as these relate to increasing farm income, creating economic development opportunities, and redeveloping local and regional agriculture
- Advocate before the US Congress and executive branch agencies, particularly the US Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Nutrition Service, and Rural Business and Cooperative Service
- Staff NSAC’s Marketing, Food Systems, and Rural Development issue committee and undertake assignments within NSAC’s Food System Integrity Committee related to food safety
- Support the coalition’s advocacy efforts on the USDA outreach and assistance program for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
- Draft documents, including legislative language, policy papers, testimony, advocacy materials, and rulemaking comments relating to programs and policies that serve value-added producers, farmers markets, farm to school programs, and rural businesses, among others
- Contribute to the organization’s annual planning and priority setting, budgeting, and fundraising activities
- Participate in the planning and execution of coalition-wide meetings
- Assist with grassroots and grasstops outreach
- Write policy blogs
- Represent NSAC at DC partner meetings, at events, and to the media
The Policy Associate will report directly to NSAC’s Policy Director.
Qualifications
- An understanding and passion for sustainable agriculture, including economic development through marketing and local/regional food systems
- Knowledge of the federal policy-making process
- A minimum of three years Hill/lobbying experience or other food policy experience
- Experience advocating in support of marketing, food systems, and/or rural development programs is preferred
- Background with grassroots advocacy campaigns
- Excellent written and verbal communications and public speaking skills
- Experience with print, radio, and online media
- Experience with large, multi-organization grassroots coalitions
- Ability to both work independently and be a good team player
- Willingness to work around a demanding congressional schedule and administrative deadlines
- Willingness to travel domestically several times a year
- A public health background desired though not required
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is on a non-profit scale and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. NSAC offers an excellent employer-paid benefits package and a lively and collaborative work environment.
Application
Please send resume, cover letter (including an explanation of your interests in sustainable agriculture), salary history, and the names of three references to Emily Gilbert at egilbert@
NSAC is an equal opportunity employer. We actively encourage people of color to apply for this position and all positions at NSAC.
Job Openings in the Field of Sustainable Agriculture
For frequently updated listings of jobs in sustainable agriculture, check out the Sustainable Food Jobs website. To submit a job posting, email sustainablefoodjobs (at) gmail.com.
For sustainable farming internships and apprenticeships, check out the National Sustainable Agriculture Service’s interactive directory.