Regional Agriculture Development Manager

Thurston Economic Development Council

Overview

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is seeking an organized, dedicated and creative team-player to contribute to the success of our regional agriculture development efforts.

This position will help attract funding to support agriculture infrastructure development in immediate response to the COVID19 crisis, administer and report on grants, engage in direct business outreach and recruitment, liaison with partner organizations and agencies, and otherwise assist the EDC’s Director of Strategic Alliances with efforts to support our region’s food production industry to support the disaster response to the COVID19 disaster.  All duties associated with this position will be performed in direct response to the COVID19 disaster to address the associated food insecurity through bolstering the food system.

If you are passionate about local food and understand the importance of developing a resilient regional food supply chain in response to the COVID19 disaster, this job will allow you on-the-ground experience working directly with the people making it happen.

About the EDC

The Thurston Economic Development Council (EDC) is a private non-profit organization, governed by a 24 member Board of Directors.  As the lead economic development organization in Thurston County, our mission is to create a vital and sustainable economy throughout the county and region that supports the livelihood and values of our residents.

About Regional Agriculture Development

The Thurston EDC has been a leader in Regional Agriculture Development (RAD) since 2016.  Signature projects include:

Southwest Washington Agricultural Business & Innovation Park

The EDC is constructing a new business park within the City of Tenino which will focus on ag-related manufacturing, processing, packaging and storage, with retail/tourism; education/research and business technical support components.

Southwest Washington Food Hub

Launching July 2020, this new Food Hub will be a farmer owned cooperative, utilizing an online sales marketplace which will match regional consumer need with local food products.

Pacific Mountain Food Security Program

In coordination with the Food Hub launch, Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council is funding a one year program to distribute local farm fresh food provide culinary training and supplies to individuals experiencing food insecurity within their 5 county service region in result of the COVID-19 disaster. EDC staff is managing a large portion of this program.

Craft Brewing, Distilling & Cider Innovative Partnership Zone

Designated by the WA State Dept. of Commerce, Thurston County has a high concentration of innovative craft beverage businesses and is developing new craft-focused destinations.   EDC staff administers this initiative and assists through both individual business support and coordinated industry-wide efforts.

Regional Agriculture Development Collaborative

More than 30 organizations across multiple counties have signed on to a letter of understanding to approach agricultural development in a coordinated way.  The EDC administers these effort in partnership with the Thurston County WSU Extension and Northwest Agricultural Business Center.

Food Policy Forum

EDC staff sits on this statewide policy board, working to share best practices and coordinate agricultural support efforts and policy across the state of WA.

South Thurston Economic Development Initiative (STEDI)

EDC staff works with local jurisdictions and chambers of commerce to support economic development in Thurston County’s rural populations through a variety of efforts and activities.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Proactively pursue funding sources to contribute to the continued construction of the SW WA Agricultural Business & Innovation Park and in support of other ag-related projects and initiatives to respond to the COVID19 disaster.
  • Administer the EDC’s ag-related grants, reporting monthly to the appropriate organization or agency, tracking all expenses and allocations in partnership with the EDC’s Finance Manager.
  • Help maintain communication with Pac Mtn Food Security Program positions across 5 county area.
  • Research Ag Park tenant leads and reach out through phone, email and direct site visits to assist with tenant recruitment efforts in order to increase timeline for tenancy in direct response to the COVID19 disaster.
  • Conduct ag project research and case studies, exploring best practices, business plans and models from other locations throughout the country.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of Local Food Marketplace, the SW WA Food Hub’s online sales platform and be able to help onboard new food producer vendors.
  • Perform outreach to regional farms and value-added food processors to recruit them to join the Food Hub.
  • Perform outreach to restaurants, college and hospital cafeterias and other institutional buyers to drive Food Hub purchasing.
  • Liaison with EDC partner organizations which include local jurisdictions, businesses, media, colleges, Indian tribes, state agencies, elected officials and more. This position will work closely with the Thurston WSU Extension Office, Northwest Agricultural Business Center, City of Tenino and Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council.
  • Be point of contact with other ag-related projects across the state of WA, gathering & sharing information and best practices.
  • Maintain weekly contact with EDC’s rural program manager and coordinate efforts.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must have a passion for local food and serving small businesses, as well as a belief in the importance of a vibrant local economy and food system.
  • Highly organized, detail oriented, with the ability to create systems and make continual improvements.
  • Self-motivated; able to manage multiple step processes, problem solve, and achieve results with little supervision.
  • Excellent time-management and strong work ethic with the ability to plan and manage several projects at once with an attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient with basic software and technology (MS Office Suite, Dropbox, Google Drive, internet search engines); able to pick up on new systems and software.
  • Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases a plus.
  • Strong understanding of basic business principles and practices, and willingness to learn.
  • Business education and/or experience a definite plus.
  • Education and/or experience in agriculture also a plus.
  • Plays well with others.

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt position with a salary of $41,600.00. Some evening or weekend hours and local/regional travel will be required for meetings. Full benefits package provided.  Position reports to Director of Strategic Alliance. Open until filled.

Funding for this position requires us to hire an individual who meets one of the following circumstances:

  • Has been terminated, laid off, or received a notice of termination or layoff;
  • Was self-employed but is now unemployed as a result of the economic impact of COVID19;
  • Is a military service member recently discharged or released under other than dishonorable conditions;
  • Is a military spouse who experienced a PCS or ETS in the last 6 months;
  • Up until recently relied on another immediate family member for financial support and no longer has that support;
  • Has been unemployed for longer than 27 weeks.”

HOW TO APPLY- Please submit a Letter of Interest, Resume and 3 or more professional references via email to: Jeannie@pacmtn.org