Project Manager - Resources for Resilient Farms

Job Description: The Project Manager will support a USDA NRCS-funded project within RAFI’s Resources for Resilient Farms program.   The project supports historically underserved farmers with natural resource conservation planning technical assistance. This position will manage project data collection, case tracking, and partner reporting processes internally. The position works in collaboration with RAFI’s Agricultural Conservation Manager as well as external project partners located across the Southeast and US Caribbean. The Manager will play a vital role in ensuring the appropriate collection, analysis, and communication of the impact of NRCS technical assistance. This position is currently funded for two years with anticipated renewal based on fund availability.

Job Responsibilities

• Work with Agricultural Conservation Manager and Managing Director of Operations to develop, maintain, oversee the use of a case management tracking system in Salesforce used by internal RAFI team and project partners to track farmer TA cases on a monthly basis. Ensure data is entered consistently and accurately.

• Review project partner quarterly reports; ensure project partners are on track with meeting designated project deliverables; ensure data reported by partners is recorded in central deliverable tracking system and incorporated into quarterly RAFI Board of Directors reports.  

• Provide technical support to project partners when necessary to ensure adequate collection and reporting of farmer case management data.

• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Operations and other RAFI programs using Salesforce for case management tracking to develop standard best practices.

• Lead the writing of USDA semi annual performance reports in collaboration with Agricultural Conservation Manager and Federal Grants Manager.

• Oversee project budget in collaboration with Agricultural Conservation Manager and Federal Grants Manager; determine when budget adjustments are necessary.

• Participate as an exhibitor at conferences or farmer events as needed.

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• Experience working in Salesforce or other CRM

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Detail-oriented

• Excellent relationship-building capacity

• Organized/timely follow-up 

• Active learner & self-starter; ability to seek information independently, self-educate, and take initiative on projects and work plans

• Ability to work with remote staff and project partners

• Works well within a team environment

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities: 

• Experience in agriculture, ecological conservation, and working with farmers

• Experience working in non profits

Compensation: 

• Part-time, non-exempt position

• Hourly wage of $38.26 based on an estimated 20 hours/week schedule. The ideal candidate will be able to work approximately 4 hours 5 days a week during RAFI’s business hours (9-5 Eastern).  This salary was developed using RAFI’s salary matrix and responsibility tier and is not negotiable.

• Part-time employees are able to participate in RAFI’s 401(k) program and paid holidays.

Location: Preference for Triangle region of North Carolina. Employees are expected to spend 1-2 days in our Pittsboro office weekly. Remote employees based in NC (outside of the Triangle) will be considered. 

About RAFI: Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA) challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. We envision a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system where farmers and farmworkers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. We will accept applications until the position is filled. In your cover letter, please state why you are interested in working for RAFI and share any skills or experiences you have that make you an ideal candidate for this position, especially comparable project management or case management. Please no calls; we cannot guarantee a response to emails.

RAFI’s Salary Rates: RAFI’s salary policy is implemented based on the goals of fair, clear and transparent criteria for salary rates with clear standards that minimize the effect of negotiation skills or preference. RAFI’s salary policy sets salary rates for positions based on the responsibility level that the position holds. Given this, RAFI does not negotiate salary rates. 

COVID & EEOC Statement: RAFI-USA’s workplace policies require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless medical or religious exemptions are present.

RAFI-USA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.

RAFI-USA values an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are deeply committed to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. RAFI-USA is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who want to contribute as a part of a dedicated, hard-working, collaborative team, driven by equity. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.