WEST BRANCH, Iowa — The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust (SILT) is a small 6-year-old statewide nonprofit that permanently protects Iowa land for sustainable/regenerative table food farming. SILT protects 13 donated farms and conservation easements on more than 1,100 acres. We have a supportive board of leaders from across the state and generous team members who respect and support one another.
SILT is seeking a Fairfield, IA-based Food and Farm Coordinator who is self-motivated, organized and focused. This person will work remotely and report directly to the Executive Director. SILT Food and Farm Coordinators are SILT’s ambassadors and networkers. They inspire confidence in SILT by being highly competent, respectful of others, aspirational and inspirational about the future of SILT farms in Iowa. They grow SILT by connecting the dots among community leaders and between those communities and the food farms SILT will protect around them. This is a 1-year flexible full-time proof of concept position with potential for long-term employment. Part-time employment will be considered upon request, based on the candidate.
Job Qualifications
- At least 3 years of successful organizing or electoral experience at the community level.
- Passion for SILT’s mission and vision.
- Familiarity with Iowa values, communication styles and rural sensibilities.
- Patience with creating and testing this new position.
- Willingness to flex schedule for night and weekend meetings.
- Preference given to candidates rooted in the community who possess these qualifications.
- Driver’s license and negative drug test.
Skills
- Ability to work constructively and respectfully with a team.
- Ability to work with and mobilize people of all ages and ethnicities toward common goals.
- Strong writing and verbal skills.
- Ability to organize gatherings and present SILT’s work in group settings and to the press.
- Ability to behave at all times in a way that reflects well on SILT.
- Willingness to use SILT social media regularly.
- Experience working with databases, land records, presentation and project software a plus. Training available.
Responsibilities
- Work with local SILT Steering Committee to identify and meet with key community leaders, nonprofits, public agency staff and policymakers around building a more resilient food system by preserving farms that feed the community. (SILT does not protect urban farms.)
- Network with landowners, real estate agents, developers, colleges, homebuilders, attorneys, CPAs, Extension service and others to identify prospective protection projects.
- Use SILT’s social and traditional media and other avenues to maintain a positive public presence and a sense of momentum in the community.
- Map relationships and strategize with team members to determine best approaches to protecting land and supporting the project.
- Assist in ushering multiple preservation projects to closing and celebration.
- Identify strengths, weaknesses and adjustments to the program to ensure future effectiveness.
Based on success, this position may be extended 2 more years.
Compensation and Values
Compensation commensurate with experience with a ceiling of $40,000/yr. SILT offers generous Paid Time Off and flexible scheduling, work-from-home and professional development opportunities as well a pre-tax stipend toward health care expenses.
SILT incorporates values of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout our work providing affordable, long-term land access to anyone with a demonstrated passion to grow food in a nature-friendly way. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from all walks of life encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should send a resume plus cover letter describing why you are the most qualified candidate to Executive Director Suzan Erem suzan@silt.org. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. We will prioritize applicants who apply by Feb. 20, 2021.
–Sustainable Iowa Land Trust