Cassie Johnson, Communications Associate, November 22, 2022
The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) has an immediate opening for a capable
and motivated individual to join our team, providing outreach, technical assistance, and educational
programming to historically under-represented (HU) producers. The Equitable Access Program
Coordinator is responsible for a portfolio of initiatives that aim to provide outreach and assistance
to historically underserved farmers (including BIPOC, beginning, and limited resource farmers) in
owning and operating successful farms, encourage awareness and participation in USDA services
and programs, connect them with OEFFA programming of benefit, and assess and address barriers
to their fuller participation in USDA programs. The successful candidate will join a team of bright
and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering sustainable agriculture, family-scale
farming, and the local food economy.
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of OEFFA’s Program Director and in collaboration with other staff, the
Equitable Access Program Coordinator will work to develop trainings and provide direct technical
assistance to help HU producers increase knowledge, skills, and awareness of sustainable and climate
smart production practices, land access opportunities and strategies, and utilization of supportive
USDA programs. The Program Coordinator will oversee outreach and relationship building with
Black and other historically underserved farmers, provide technical assistance, engage with USDA
agency staff, and coordinate with other staff in various aspects of this work. This is a full-time
position based in OEFFA’s Columbus office but telework arrangements (hybrid or fully) will be
considered for exceptional candidates. The starting salary is $47,500 per year. Benefits include
health insurance and paid time off.
Essential Functions:
• Facilitate the development of trainings and workshops for farmers that spotlight Black and
other historically underrepresented farmers as educators on topics such as business planning;
climate smart and sustainable agriculture practices; land access; and USDA programs
• Help identify and cultivate farmer leaders among historically underserved producers who
utilize climate smart, soil health, and other sustainable agriculture practices
• Provide technical assistance to producers on accessing and applying for USDA resources
and programs
• Build relationships with USDA agents and managers in Ohio, including those at Farm
Services Agency (FSA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and Office of
Programs and Public Engagement (OPPE)
• Identify barriers faced by historically underserved farmers in accessing USDA support. Share
this information with USDA and help identify strategies to overcome these challenges
• Oversee outreach and relationship building with Black and other historically underserved
producers and BIPOC-led organizations
• Develop, execute, and monitor a workplan to ensure that grant commitments are met
• Conduct evaluation of program components and technical assistance provided
• Take responsibility for reporting requirements and dissemination of project results
• Represent OEFFA at meetings and events, and serve as a liaison with key stakeholder
organizations
• Assist with special events, tasks, and projects as needed
• Provide excellent customer service and assistance to our members and constituents by
ensuring information and assistance needs are met, and all communications work is handled
in a professional manner
Qualifications:
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to providing equitable and inclusive outreach,
technical assistance, and/or educational programming
• Hands-on experience with organic and sustainable farming practices and knowledge of
USDA programs
• Experience in developing and implementing educational events and materials for farmers
• Strong organizational, analytic, and project management skills
• Ability to plan, manage, and execute work including using spreadsheets and databases for
tracking and analyzing information
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at the same time
• Passion for sustainable and organic agriculture
• Commitment to performing work with a high degree of accountability and consistent
excellence with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently
