Come Work With Us:

Business Education Manager - Apply by November 14th

Interviews will be conducted with qualified applicants on a rolling basis after November 14th


ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1998, Iowa Valley RC&D’s influence is grounded in community, partnerships, and collaboration as we train and support farmers, build local food infrastructure, generate new innovative markets, improve access of locally grown foods, and model and communicate the positive impact of a future food system that nourishes people and place.

Iowa Valley is committed to centering community needs and lifting-up community strengths as part of all our programs and partnerships. We work alongside farmers, value chain coordinators, and value complex reciprocity in our work with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as we explore our relationships with diverse communities, food, land, and agriculture. We are committed to centering racial justice and social equity through collaborative and intentional projects.

DESCRIPTION
The Business Education Manager will contribute to our Farmer Development Initiative in Eastern Iowa and across the state. The Manager will play a crucial part in deepening relationships with farmers and supporting their success in reaching their goals within the regional food system. They will provide personalized support and business development assistance to farmers and small food businesses. Responsibilities will include identifying barriers and opportunities for profitable sales to wholesale and direct-to-consumer markets. This includes collaborating with farmers to implement on-farm practices, develop robust business plans, establish connections across the food and agriculture supply chain, and shaping programs that promote resilient farms and businesses. 

Iowa Valley is seeking someone with a strong understanding of diversified farming and local food systems, excellent business development and relationship-building skills, and the ability to coach and empower individuals with empathy for their farms and businesses. Strong project management skills and experience in program design and outcomes analysis are essential.

Technical Assistance Provider 

As a technical service provider, the Manager will play a crucial role in deepening relationships with farmers and food businesses to foster their success by providing personalized support and business development assistance. This includes managing the Fresh Connect 6-month one-on-one business coaching program for direct market farmers, guiding New Century Farm Fellowship program participants through business planning, and assisting them with market, capital and land access for their new businesses, while connecting participants to local resources and networks. 

Relationship Builder 

As a Relationship Builder, the Manager will cultivate and nurture relationships with local producers, encompassing various programs. In addition, you will provide crucial support in facilitating outreach and engagement across several programs, ensuring effective information sharing and collaboration. Furthermore, you will actively recruit beginning and underserved producers and food businesses who are seeking to enhance their financial metrics and develop robust business plans. Relationship building is essential to fostering strong relationships, promoting program engagement, and driving the success and growth of local producers within the regional food system landscape.

Market Matchmaker 

Your expertise and dedication will enhance the visibility and accessibility of local products to more Iowans. Collaborating with partner organizations and committees, you will actively contribute to supporting farmers and small business entrepreneurs in their growth and development. This includes assisting with the planning and hosting of events to build relationships between buyers and producers and providing one-on-one matchmaking for participants in IVRCD programs. One example includes the Fresh Connect CSA Voucher program where you will recruit and facilitate relationships with CSA farms as they provide shares to local employers through the employee benefit program. By fulfilling these responsibilities, you will help foster strong partnerships between producers and buyers and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of local food market development.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS.

  • Experience building partnerships and collaborations.

  • Proficiency with Excel, Google Suite.

  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong project management skills.

  • Ability to problem solve and be curious 

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate within a team.

  • Strong business planning and financial analysis skills.

  • Experience coaching, teaching or assisting individuals/networks.

  • Passion for supporting and collaborating with rural and urban communities in Iowa.

  • Ability to travel and meet with farms and food businesses in Iowa.

  • Ability to provide empathy alongside consultation to new farms and businesses.

  • Passion for Iowa Valley RC&D’s mission and vision.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

  • Experience starting and/or managing a food or farm business.

  • Knowledge of regional food systems and regenerative agriculture concepts.

  • Experience living and working in a rural environment, and/or working with small farmers.

  • Demonstrated experience of providing business planning technical assistance to food or farm businesses.

  • Experience with grant writing.

  • Program and project design experience.

  • Bilingual or multilingual. 

  • Lived experience in systematically marginalized communities

COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE

Diversity brings strength, creativity, and resilience. Iowa Valley believes that one of our key roles is creating meaningful opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color to engage in their communities. We seek to empower marginalized people to become future leaders in a just, equitable community. Iowa Valley RC&D is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. There is no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind in our organization. 

Iowa Valley RC&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, especially those who have been marginalized by society due to race, color, religion, gender, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Iowa Valley RC&D will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with Iowa Valley RC&D. 

COMPENSATION
$27.50/hour 

This is a full-time position and eligible for benefits that include health, dental, vision, PTO, cell phone stipend, etc. This position is located in the Iowa Valley RC&D office in Amana part time and at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm as well as remote. Travel is required. Must possess and maintain a valid Iowa Driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

TO APPLY

To apply for the position, send a resume, cover letter, and references that outline the following to Emmaly Renshaw at emmaly@ivrcd.org

  • Your motivation to apply for this position

  • Your past experiences that will help you succeed in this role

Interviews will be conducted with qualified applicants on a rolling basis after November 14th and will continue until the position is filled.

Click here to see the formal job description for this position.

CONTACT

For any questions or concerns regarding the position please contact Senior Program Director Emmaly Renshaw at emmaly@ivrcd.org