Program Manager

Job Scope
This position is responsible for management of OrCAN’s network training program, collaborative projects, and communications. They will also help to build and support OrCAN’s evolving network, based on OrCAN’s network planning process. The position will require a combination of program leadership, partner collaboration, event planning, and the ability to create and provide resources and information, all for a growing network.

For application instructions and further information, see the full job announcement here.

Required/Desired Qualifications:

• Strong interest in improving the soil health and resilience of Oregon’s farms and ranches
• Familiarity and experience with soil health principles and practices
• At least 3 years of experience as a technical assistance/ farm service provider or as a farmer/producer, or equivalent experience in managing for soil health
• Familiarity with Oregon’s food system and agricultural community
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners and also work across differences
• Be proactive and organized, with keen attention to detail and follow through
• Experience with project or program management
• Strong written and verbal skills including public speaking and meeting facilitation
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate openly and directly with co-workers and community members
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social and racial justice
• Experience with organizing events or virtual workshops, helpful
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), and Google Suite (including docs and sheets), helpful

Responsibilities

Climate Resilience & Soil Health Training for Oregon Ag Professionals

• Design and plan 2023 virtual training for agricultural service providers, including identifying workshop topics, coordinating presenters, and organizing resource materials, with input from a voluntary Planning Team. Going forward there is an opportunity to create a new structure (for example: quarterly trainings, in-person workshops, etc.).
• Promote trainings with support from partners
• Host training sessions, with support from Planning Team and Communications Assistant
• Evaluate effectiveness of delivered trainings

Network Development and Collaborative Projects

• Participate in OrCAN’s 2023-2024 network planning process (lead by a Network consultant and OrCAN’s Executive Director) to develop a state-wide soil health network for Oregon. The plan will determine the Network’s purpose, priorities and structure.
• Provide support for implementation of the network plan and building out OrCAN’s network through outreach and partnership development
• Manage OrCAN’s role in collaborative projects with partners including events, meetings, and projects as funding and capacity allows. Collaborative projects may include supporting producer learning circles and on farm demonstrations, and engaging producers in partners’ projects.

Communications:

• Share relevant events and resources to the Network via email, blog posts, and social media with editing and design support from Communications Assistant
• Maintain, improve and update resources on OrCAN’s website, with support from Communications Assistant
• Identify gaps in relevant information and tools available on a state-wide level (for example: research, fact sheets, demonstration videos)
• Develop, or coordinate with partners on development of, new resources to address and fill gaps
• Conduct outreach and presentations at conferences and events
• Respond to requests for information from OrCAN’s network , referring requests to partners as appropriate

Other Organizational Support

• Advise on strategy and priorities related to OrCAN’s policy work as needed or requested
• Engage with and support OrCAN’s branding efforts. Oversee the work products of any consultant hired to support OrCAN communications/branding
• Assist with fundraising including writing grant proposals, attending donor meetings and drafting reports to funders

Hours, location and start date
This is a full-time exempt position, at 40 hours per week with a preferred start date of July 1, 2023. OrCAN’s staff work remotely in locations throughout Oregon. This position will be remote, from any location within Oregon with reliable phone and high-speed internet and a functional office space. Some travel will be required to attend events, meetings and conferences (approximately 6-10 trips per year). Work related travel costs will be reimbursed.

Compensation and Benefits
Starting salary of $56,000-$65,000 commensurate with skills and experience. We have a generous paid-time-off (PTO) and holiday policy. This position is eligible for health and dental benefits. Reimbursement is available for office space and a portion of phone/ internet costs required for the position.

Supervision and staff support:
This position will be supervised by OrCAN’s Executive Director.
The position will be supported by OrCAN’s Communications Assistant.
OrCAN may bring on additional staff and/or consultant capacity, as needed and as funding allows, to support the evolving network and its programs.
The Program Manager will be an employee of OrCAN’s fiscal sponsor, Cascade Pacific RC&D.

Diversity among our staff is a priority for OrCAN. Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, LGBTQ2SIA people, religious minorities, recent migrants/refugees, differently abled people, and applicants from all generational and economic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience is valued and will be equally valued to higher education. OrCAN is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions. OrCAN provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the employment process.