Job Details

POSITION SUMMARY

The Refugee Enterprise & Agriculture Program (REAP) seeks to promote the well-being of Alaska's refugee community by providing economic opportunities, job training, family support, and access to fresh food. New arrivals to Alaska are welcome to participate in the Fresh International Gardens co-op to earn supplemental income, practice English-language skills, and access fresh vegetables, and Grow North Farm provides a space for agricultural entrepreneurs with a refugee background to launch or support their agriculture and food-based business. To learn more about FIG and GNF, please visit www.cssalaska.org/fig.

Our program is made up of 5 full-time, year-round Program Coordinators. While we strive for positions to support each other, each Program Coordinator has a primary responsibility. The breakdown of the positions are:

Market Lead - This position is responsible for overseeing the Thursday market at Grow North Farm and the Saturday market at Chanstnu Muldoon Park. They will also plan our winter markets during the holiday season, November-December. In the non-market season, this position will teach life skill classes, focusing on economic empowerment and community integration for refugee arrivals and help support entrepreneurial ambitions for refugee clients. This position will expand upon our programming to promote food access and economic opportunity for individuals beyond our refugee community through the Muldoon and Grow North Farm market.

Product Lead - This position is responsible for overseeing the planning and production of our non-agricultural product line (spices, teas, vinegars, cookbooks, hot food, etc.). They will also support the enterprise functions of the program including ecommerce sales, wholesale relationships, and other business functions.

Agriculture Lead - This position is responsible for overseeing agricultural production operations. They will manage the daily operations at FIG while working with clients to ensure FIG continues to be a supportive and safe environment to work, learn, and grow. They are also responsible for assisting GNF farmers with the technical skills needed to succeed in their agriculture businesses. In the winter, this position will support value-added FIG product operations and manage indoor seed starting.

Education & Employment Lead - This position is responsible for building relationships with clients to ensure the FIG program meets their personal goals. They will serve as a bridge between the REAP and Employment team at RAIS to help clients achieve long-term stability through full-time employment. They will manage client files, payments, and build relationships with other RAIS programs to best serve clients. In the non-growing months, this position will coordinate job readiness classes. They will also manage childcare volunteers for the program.

Food Access Lead - This position is responsible for supporting agricultural operations and ensuring that produce grown at FIG and GNF is distributed equitably through our community food access initiatives. From January-April, this position will assist farmers from GNF with registering for various food access programs. They will also meet with farmers regularly to help develop their growing plan for the upcoming season and provide support for starting seeds and garden planning for the FIG program. During the growing season months of May-October, the Food Access & Production Lead will coordinate food pantry vegetable sales, GNF farmer assistance, and support the FIG program at our various growing sites. They will also assist refugee clients in accessing growing space at community gardens for personal consumption. From November-December, this position will support our value-added products operation and holiday sales.

ABOUT US

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: We compassionately serve those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for the common good

Vision: All Individuals and Families are Flourishing.

Impact Statement: Catholic Social Services empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all.

Guiding Principles: - Catholic Social Teachings - Reverence for humanity - Striving for excellence - Empowering personal fulfillment - Strengthening through collaboration -

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT

Fresh International Gardens and Grow North Farm are agricultural programs that encourage wellbeing, expand food-access, and support small-business development in refugee communities. New arrivals to Alaska are welcome to participate in the Fresh International Gardens co-op to earn supplemental income, practice English-language skills, and access fresh vegetables, and Grow North Farm provides a space for agricultural entrepreneurs with a refugee background to launch or support their agriculture and food-based business.

The FIG co-op has been building healthy refugee communities since 2007 by helping new Alaskans develop English-language and small business skills, access fresh vegetables, and earn supplemental income. 100% of FIG earnings are paid out directly to FIG gardeners. FIG also produces and sells multiple value-added products including spice blends, teas, the Berbere & Beets Cookbook, and chive blossom vinegar.

Grow North Farm is Anchorage's leading urban farm, made possible by a partnership between Catholic Social Services and Anchorage Community Land Trust (ACLT). Grow North Farm provides gardeners a place to expand, launch their own businesses, and collaborate with other farmers. Our agricultural programming provides support and training to the 5 independent businesses and over 20 FIG participants farm on-site, all of whom are of refugee or immigrant backgrounds.

Grow North Farm provides a space for the community to gather with regular family-friendly programming and events. Every Thursday, global cuisine from rotating vendors is sold from an on-site food truck, as well as cottage foods, baked goods and produce from around the world. Produce is made affordable through WIC coupons accepted everyday and SNAP accepted on Thursday.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Confidentiality: An understanding of HIPAA and the importance of client confidentiality when communicating with members of the public or in dealing with client level data.

Teamwork: Interacts with people effectively. Encourages and respects the input of all team members. Communicates openly and honestly. Cooperates withing the team and across the agency.

Stress Tolerance: Displays emotional resilience. Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism and caring. Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance. Seeks support from others when necessary and uses appropriate coping techniques.

Organization: Highly organized with an attention to detail. Self-motivated and directed to accomplish tasks.

Interpersonal Skills: Able to understand and empathize with others. Can build lasting relationships with clients and partners.

Flexibility: Comfortable with a changing workflow and able to prioritize tasks. Shows initiative and self-confidence in various situations and challenges.

Problem Solving: Competent in dealing with clients in other crises as well as a highly structured, fast-paced daily routine. Ability to work independently, and follow instructions.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of agriculture practices and growing in Alaska
• Knowledge of plant and soil health principles
• Knowledge relating to agriculture, forestry, or other ecosystems management
• Knowledge of food security issues
• Knowledge of cross-cultural services
• Knowledge of teaching adult learners.
• Knowledge of teaching English Language Learners (ELL).
• Knowledge of small-scale food production, food safety regulations
• Knowledge of small business technologies (e-commerce, social media)
• Knowledge about trauma informed care practices.

Skill:

• Facilitation, teaching, management, or supervision skills.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, internet and experience with e-mail required.
• Experience with any of the following software and/or technology would be a plus: Square online, Microsoft Teams, WordPress, Google Workspace, Squarespace, Mailchimp.
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks at once and identifying priorities.
• Willingness to learn
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Lead -

• Oversee operations of the Muldoon Farmers Market on Saturdays from 7:30a-2:30p and "Thursdays at Grow North Farm" from 3:30p-7:30p end of June through end of September. Including but not limited to:
  1. Coordinate vendors ahead of the season and support permitting needs
  2. Manage set-up and take down during market days
  3. Manage social media posts to drive traffic to the market
  4. Manage GNF interns
• Coordinate CSA customer experience
  1. Communicate with CSA members and coordinate box distribution
  2. Manage CSA sales
• Oversee winter holiday markets

Product Lead -

• Oversee all aspects of value-added products line (spices blends, tea blends herb vinegars, etc.):
  1. Production days
  2. Product development
  3. Inventory and organize product
  4. Maintain a clean and organized facility
  5. Ensure safety protocol is adhered
  6. Manage relationships with wholesale partners
  7. Work with the Communications team to promote sales
• Oversee ecommerce platform:
  1. Manage inventory and sales of vegetables and products
  2. Track profits/expenses
• Coordinate pop-up events (pop-up restaurants, bake sales, lunch and learn events)
• Working with community partners to pursue other revenue streams to support the long-term financial sustainability of the program
• Initiate growth opportunities in cooperative or social enterprise development

Agriculture Lead -

• Coordinate agricultural operations: garden planning, seed purchasing, seed starting, outdoor planting, garden maintenance, harvesting, packaging, and preparing FIG produce for selling.
• Support produce distribution: CSA sales, farmers market sales, food pantry sales, and wholesale customers.
• Oversee daily FIG operations
• Recruit, teach and support newly arrived refugees interested in learning how to grow produce in Alaska; provide outreach and educational information to refugees interested in Fresh International Gardens program; coordinate and support refugees participating in Fresh International Gardens program.
• Recruit, teach and support refugees in developing small scale farm businesses at Grow North Farm.

Education & Employment Lead -

• Coordinate FIG operations and client scheduling
• Coordinate job readiness classes curriculum and teach adult English language learners
• Educate clients on job search methods, filling out job applications and, as appropriate, assist with completing and submitting applications.
• Prepare clients for job interviews through orientation and rehearsal. As appropriate, accompany clients to job interviews and/or coordinate for an interpreter to attend.
• Complete documentation of all meetings with clients and work related to clients thoroughly, accurately and in a timely fashion. Prepare reports for RAIS records as required.
• Outreach to new employer contacts and maintain relationships with employers currently connected to the program.

Food Access Lead -

• Support refugee farmers at Grow North Farm
  1. Beginning of season garden planning, business license registration, WIC vendor registration
  2. In-season farmer support
• Coordinate produce distribution: CSA sales, farmers market sales, food pantry sales, and wholesale customers.
• Manage food access programs - SNAP matching and Fresh Bucks
• Support agricultural operations: garden planning, seed purchasing, seed starting, outdoor planting, garden maintenance, harvesting, packaging, and preparing FIG produce for selling.

Shared Responsibilities:

• Gather and report data for grants and agency needs as requested
• Recruit, teach and support refugees in the Fresh International Gardens program
• Connect refugee farmers and farm entrepreneurs to internal and external resources.
• Gather and report data for grants and agency needs as requested.
• Support tours and volunteer groups at farm locations.
• Support infrastructure improvements and coordination of special projects
• Teach classes
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree in related field. Four (4) years of experience may be substituted for the required education.

Minimum Experience Requirement: Two (2) years of related experience in any combination of the following:

• Experience with event planning, volunteer recruitment & management
• Experience facilitating, teaching, and building curriculum
• Experience related to crop production and sustainable agriculture
• Experience with commercial food production
• Experience with small business management
• Managing or staffing a farmers market or related work

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Demonstrated familiarity with food system work and/or nonprofits preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment: Work is performed in an office and outdoor setting. Must be able to tolerate heat, cold, and wet conditions while performing necessary duties. The work will take place within a highly collaborative team environment. There will also be periods of office time necessary to fulfill job requirements. The office is open-office, meaning that desks and conversations are often in close proximity to one another, so the candidate selected must be able to focus in an environment with some audio and visual distractions.

Physical demands: The physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving. Must be able to lift, push, pull and move a minimum of 50 pounds and safely operate garden equipment including garden tools, lawn mowers, and tillers.

Travel: Rarely travel out of Alaska. Occasional travel within Alaska is required.

Location: Various sites around Anchorage. Main location - 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.