Careers

Description:

The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE) seeks two full time Program Associates to join the organization’s program team: a Business Incubator Associate and a Marketing Program Associate. These are junior professional positions responsible for supporting CADE’s program managers and overall organizational goals.

CADE is a non-profit organization founded in 1991, whose mission is to increase the number and diversity of successful farm enterprises. Our goal is for farm and food businesses to compete and thrive, contributing to a sustainable regional food system and strong local economy. CADE strives to uphold and promote the following values as an organization and in our work with clients: Sustainability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Transparency and Innovation.

The position is based at CADE’s office in Oneonta, NY (www.cadefarms.org). Under normal circumstances the employee will be expected to work from our office location in Oneonta, but due to the pandemic, some remote work will be expected until further notice. Specific arrangements for remote work can be discussed during the hiring process.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities apply broadly to both positions, but as noted below each position has a distinct emphasis and will prioritize specific skill sets.

General client interaction

• Assist with CADE client outreach and networking activities including tabling events, managing sign-ups, and directing clients to CADE programs and services  

• Represent CADE and our clients in the community, at events and other promotional opportunities

• Serve as first point of contact with CADE for clients and facilitate clients’ access to CADE’s programs and services

• Logging and tracking CADE interactions with clients in CADE’s Client Relations Management system

Program development and delivery support

• Assist with market research, buyer outreach, surveys and other development activities for organizational priorities 

• Assist with development of educational materials and presentations 

• Assist with one-on-one client support for specific farmer/business clients, including:

  • market research

  • sales outreach

  • conducting surveys

  • designing and publishing content for web and social media presence

• Develop, maintain, update resource lists, development tools, and toolkits for organization website and printed materials

• Advancing program delivery including facilitating presentations to farmer groups

Project coordination

• Coordinate program scheduling and logistics

• Assist with monitoring and evaluation of program impacts

• Support grant administration and reporting with program and financial staff

Logistical and administrative support

• Provide administrative and logistical support for the organization as needed, e.g., taking meeting notes, responding to requests, scheduling travel, updating files, drafting and sending correspondence, and making copies.

The two Program Associate  positions with distinct responsibilities and skill set requirements. Please indicate in your application which position you are applying for. 

Salary

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $30,000-34,000. It includes health and dental insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation and 10 paid holidays. 

Position A - Business Incubator Associate

Position Emphasis:

• Support close ongoing interaction with farmer clients

• With program manager oversight, develop and deliver program content in person and/or online 

• Apply farm/farm-related business experience to client support

Specific skills:

• Highly organized with project coordination experience 

• Able to use technology, writing and design skills to develop course materials including slide decks, factsheets, etc.

• Familiarity with business planning, product development, commercial production, and food safety concepts a plus

Position B - Marketing Program Associate

Position Emphasis:

• Assist with designing and publishing content for farmer clients’ web and social media presence

• Conduct market research on specific industries and on behalf of farmer clients

• Conduct sales outreach to prospective buyers and track relationships

Specific Skills:

• Experience producing content for web and social media platforms (Squarespace, Facebook, Instagram)

• Knowledge of the marketing and sales components of a successful business

• Comfortable with cold calling and talking to strangers

• Graphic design skills and experience with Adobe software a plus

QUALIFICATIONS (Both positions)

• Minimum 1-2 years experience working in the private sector in a business, or delivering education through a non-profit or public sector institution or other service provider; experience in agriculture or related field, a plus.

• Experience working at a farm, farmers market, or other local food business a plus 

• Associate Degree or BA in business, economics, marketing, agriculture or related field a plus but not required

• Outstanding writing, editing, and communications skills

• Comfortable presenting materials to small groups and facilitating group discussions, presentations, etc.

• Readiness to grow their skills and capacity within the organization

• Experienced and comfortable with a variety of office technology (e.g., Squarespace, Salesforce, Mailchimp, GSuite, etc. or similar software)

• Outstanding program/project coordination  and administrative skills

• Self-starting, highly motivated, attentive to detail 

• Able to work well independently as well as part of a team

• Adaptable to frequently changing needs and prepared to respond flexibly to organizational needs 

• Excellent people and interpersonal skills

• Passionate about food and where it comes from!

Please submit a letter of interest and resume to wendy@cadefarms.org by February 15. Applicants are encouraged to provide a professional, short writing sample with your application. When applying, please include Program Associate Application in the subject line and indicate application which of the two positions you are applying for. No phone calls please.  Farmers, people of color, persons with disabilities, veterans, women and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply. 

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 applications for all positions without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, military or veteran status, height and weight, religion, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, political/union affiliation, or any other legally protected status.