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Open Positions:
RFP - DEI Learning Consultant
Cade seeks a consultant to advance internal learning opportunities for staff and Board members on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related to New York’s food system over 1 year, with the potential for annual contract renewals or a long term retainer for continuous learning.
As reflected in CADE’s DEI Statement, CADE acknowledges structural barriers that prevent equity in food production and farmland access, which compromise the viability of agricultural business ownership. Given CADE’s commitment to providing accessible, client-focused services to all, we recognize the need for our staff and Board to continuously learn and adapt. This consultancy aims to support the CADE team in fulfilling our commitments to advancing DEI within and without on an ongoing basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultant will support CADE’s commitment to strengthening food system equity by providing educational opportunities, awareness-raising, capacity building, and coaching for the staff and Board on such areas as: the impact of racism or other ‘isms’ in the food system, understanding the unique needs of diverse communities engaging in commercial food production, best practices for “meeting people where they are” in provision of CADE’s services, equitable models for farmland stewardship, positive examples of effective multicultural food systems to work towards, etc.
The work will include:
- With input from CADE staff at the outset, setting learning objectives and curating educational content on food system related DEI themes for twelve (12), 1-hour monthly learning modules, to include providing reading assignments, videos, or podcast episodes as well as discussion questions for each module and active facilitation for each;
- Providing up to 3 hours of individual or group support or advice to staff or Board members on both big picture DEI questions, to queries on day-to-day operations/services as related to DEI.
- At the end of 12 months, providing a 2-5 page summary of observations of the sessions–where learning objectives have been met, where additional attention is needed, and recommendations for future learning priorities.
DELIVERABLES
- Written summary of learning objectives for 1 year with a complete list of 12 learning modules, reading or viewing materials, and discussion questions (to be developed and agreed with CADE);
- Implementation of 12 DEI facilitated learning sessions total over 1 year;
- Up to 3 hours of mentoring support/consultation as may be requested;
- One 2-5 page summary at the end of 1 year with final conclusions noted above.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 2-5 (more preferred) years experience providing DEI consultation services to nonprofits or businesses, or other relevant experience developing and facilitating curriculums or trainings
- Solid foundation in agriculture and food systems at the intersection of DEI
- Direct relationships with BIPOC/LGBTQ-led agribusinesses or organizations working in food systems equity, providing familiarity with emerging needs in the space
- Highly personable, with comfortability and patience working with people at all levels of DEI / anti-racism awareness, knowledge and understanding.
TO APPLY
Please submit a proposal (not to exceed 2 pages) to careers@cadefarms.org with subject “RFP-DEI Learning” that contains the following information:
(1) a resume and brief letter of interest, highlighting experience and qualifications, examples of previous clients served, and network;
(2) a draft work plan, including a start date; and
(3) a quote for fees and proposed fee disbursement schedule.APPLICATION PROCESS
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found.
No phone calls please. Farmers, people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration for the contract.
Internships at CADE
Our internship program is open to college students or recent graduates who wish to gain real world job experience with a regional and state leader for agriculture and economic development. Internships are based in Oneonta, NY. A travel stipend is available, and we can accommodate hybrid or remote work depending on personal preference and type of internship. The time commitment would typically be 5-20 hours/week for at least 3-4 months, to be coordinated with the internship supervisor. The internship may be eligible for college credit or work study – speak with your internship coordinator or career counselor at your college or university.
To apply, send a cover letter noting which internship(s) you are interested in and your related qualifications, along with your resume and a 1-2 page writing sample (essay, presentation, social media post, self-produced video clip, etc) to careers@cadefarms.org. Please include “Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with start date based on availability.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Enthusiasm for CADE’s mission
- Self-motivated and able to accomplish work independently as well as collaboratively
- Outstanding writing, editing, and communications skills
- Comfortable with a variety of office technology or readiness to learn (e.g., spreadsheets/Excel, Wix, Squarespace, Salesforce, social media, GSuite, etc.)
- Must meet internship-specific qualifications (below)
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Read on for types of internships and general scope of work. Note that no two internships are alike – they will consist of specific projects co-developed by the intern and internship supervisor in an effort to make the experience as meaningful and impactful as possible.
Agricultural Policy & Advocacy
Are you interested in how politics and policies impact lives, sectors, and economies? Do you understand that the voices and interests of farmers need to be heard in our political system? Do you enjoy getting involved in advocacy campaigns, activism, or online petitions? In this role you might:
- Monitor federal and state policy or legislative trends in agriculture
- Monitor the work of federal and state agricultural agencies
- Prepare short updates on legislative trends for staff and potentially CADE newsletters, social media or other communication channels
- Help explore the potential for CADE to host political forums for government stakeholders and farmers, ensuring the voices of farmers are amplified among elected officials both locally and regionally
- Identify opportunities for action and advocacy in line with CADE’s mission, possibly in conjunction with national or state-level organizations
Communications & Social Media
Do you understand the value of communications and marketing for any business to succeed? Are you a social media junkie? Are you creative, detail oriented, and an excellent writer? In this role you might:
- Serve as CADE’s managing editor for the website, email list, and social media including identifying opportunities to improve CADE’s SEO strategy (basic knowledge of graphic design, HTML, and WordPress are a plus, but not required)
- Prepare an annual communications calendar, identifying specific days for promoting content (i.e. World Water Day to promote the Catskill’s watershed farmers, International Women’s Day to celebrate rural women farmers, National Dairy Month, etc.)
- Assist with preparing draft press releases, writing copy for marketing materials, and curating social media posts
- Support campaign promotional efforts vis-a-vis email blasts, social media, cold calls, mailers
Development/Fundraising
Are you an excellent writer? Do you understand how to frame issues in a way that attracts attention and captures the interest of your audience? Are you considering a career in grant-writing? In this role you might:
- Search out prospective grant opportunities from federal and state entities as well as private foundations, keeping an updated log of contacts, due dates, and deadlines
- Map CADE’s wealth contacts/networks and coordinate with Executive Director on creating a major donor giving strategy
- Assist Executive Director with preparing grant proposal applications, articulating CADE’s work in a way that appeals to each specific donor
- Assist Executive Director in preparing grant reports in collaboration with the CADE program staff
Marketing & Sales
Are you a people person? Do you enjoy talking to strangers? Do you jump at the opportunity to make connections? In this role you might:
- Assist with and coordinate sales research and outreach in target markets across New York State
- Assist CADE staff in drafting, designing and distributing regional marketing materials (online and print)
- Represent CADE and farmers we work with at in-store sampling events and other promotional opportunities
- Track prospective buyer relationships through various stages using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
Program Administration & Office Management
Are you a whiz with details, from setting up filing systems to creating sophisticated spreadsheets? Do you love the minutia and take pleasure in organizing every little thing? Do you enjoy working with a team and contributing to the overall mission? In this role you might:
- Support all aspects of CADE’s programmatic, operational, and logistical needs including:
- Personal assistance to CADE’s Executive Director
- Aid with preparing financial documents or other paperwork
- General support to all team members
- Maintain office organization (keep supplies stocked, documents filed, etc.)
- Assist in organizing CADE events, workshops, etc.
- Take meeting minutes from internal or external meetings
Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
Do you love research, formulating surveys to collect information, and analyzing big data? Is your writing style straight and to the point? Do you have the ability to clearly and confidently articulate how and why does this information matter? In this role you might:
- Assist with and coordinate research projects on behalf of CADE, along with area universities, on topics relating to farm and food businesses
- Assist CADE staff with creating surveys or utilizing other data collection tools to assess the impact of CADE’s programs and services
- Compile data on CADE’s farmer constituents to document ways CADE has served them over the years to help streamline future outreach and engagement
- Organize and analyze data collected, including creating graphs or other visualizations
- Write reports to document findings, capture learnings, and prepare recommendations to inform future programming
Volunteer with CADE
CADE is seeking volunteers to support our work in event planning, outreach and promotion, donor management, and logistics/administration. To apply, send an email to careers@cadefarms.org with “Volunteer Application” in the subject line. Please include your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in volunteering for CADE. Volunteers will be accepted on a rolling basis, as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Enthusiasm for CADE’s mission
- Ability to multitask, keep organized, and be collaborative and communicative
- Outstanding writing, editing, and communications skills
- Comfortable with a variety of office technology or readiness to learn (e.g., spreadsheets/Excel, Wix, Squarespace, Salesforce, social media, GSuite, etc.)
- Self-motivated and able to accomplish work independently as well as collaboratively
Note: Volunteers and Interns are accepted on a rolling basis, as needed.
CADE is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. CADE prohibits discrimination against any employee and considers applicants for all positions without regards to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, religion, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or any other legally protected status.