CFAC is hiring! Are you a numbers person, interested in helping farmers and ranchers in Western Montana find the resources they need to be successful? CFAC is looking for a Farm Business Finance and Grants Management Specialist.
This unique position provides financial services to both the organization internally (.25FTE) and to beginning farm and ranch businesses seeking business planning and financial assistance (.75FTE). CFAC is looking for an engaging, motivated and personable candidate with the unique ability to convey technical, financial and business expertise in an easy to understand manner.
The Farm Business Finance and Grants Management Specialist will connect farmers and ranchers in Western Montana to the resources they need to succeed. This position will provide small farm and ranch businesses with technical assistance and financial planning.
CFAC’s mission is to develop and strengthen Missoula County’s food system: promoting sustainable agriculture; building regional self-reliance; and assuring all citizens equal access to healthy, affordable, and culturally-appropriate food. CFAC facilitates dialogue, education, and collaboration within the community, encouraging creative problem-solving and proactive policy advocacy. It is essential for all staff, including the Farm Business Finance & Grants Management Specialist, to whole-heartedly embrace this vision and grassroots approach. As a small organization with a holistic mission, all staff contribute to projects across the organization, regardless of their job titles. More information about CFAC’s programs is available on our websites: www.MissoulaCFAC.org and www.farmlinkmontana.org. This is a full-time, year-round position with a competitive salary and benefits, that reports directly to the Executive Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES FARM BUSINESS FINANCE SPECIALIST
- Provide and coordinate excellent farm-based business development services.
- Enroll farm-business participants and provide one-on-one personalized consultation in developing business, financial, marketing, and financing plans.
- Outreach to potential farmer participants for growth of the program.
- Promote community investing and land access tools to connect farmers with local investors and alternative financing options.
- Connect with service providers across the state for coordination of services.
- Represent CFAC at conferences, workshops and other gatherings across the state, and nationally.
GRANTS MANAGEMENT
- Assist Executive Director and program staff to develop and implement a grant tracking and reporting plan for all federal grant funds.
- Develop and manage evaluation process and reporting for federal grants.
- Report to the Executive Director and Board of Directors regularly, while maintaining self-direction.
- Contribute to a highly productive, collaborative and positive work environment.
QUALIFICATIONS
- In-depth experience with financial tools and small business development – preferably farm business.
- Advanced training or experience in farm business management and accounting.
- Working knowledge of alternative financing options.
- General account management expertise.
- Leasing contract knowledge preferred.
- Grants management and budget development experience.
- Good rapport building experience with farmers, ranchers and/or small business owners.
- Understanding of and support for CFAC’s vision of a local food & agriculture system.
- Excellent verbal communication, writing, and project management skills.
- Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet deadlines.
- Proven ability to engage cooperatively and constructively with a diversity of stakeholders, staff, board members and volunteers.
- Event planning and implementation experience preferred.
- Solid computer skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and donor database software. Quick Books and Salesforce experience preferred.
- Fluency with social media (e.g., Facebook) is required.
- College degree required, graduate degree preferred.
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Bonnie Buckingham at Bonnie@MissoulaCFAC.org. The cover letter should cover the following: a) how the applicant has a personal connection to CFAC’s mission and work; b) how the applicant’s past experience will strengthen CFAC’s outreach to the farm and ranch community; and c) how the applicant’s skills and disposition are a good fit for the position and organization (e.g., collaboration, account management, personal expertise, etc.).
The deadline for applications is February 15th, however the position will remain open until filled.
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