Manager of Farmer Programs

The Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network is seeking a Manager of Farmer Programs in Birmingham, AL. This full-time role involves leading farmer programming, managing member relations, and organizing events to promote sustainable agriculture. The position requires extensive travel throughout Alabama and collaboration with various stakeholders. Salary ranges from $45,000 to $55,000, with benefits including generous time off and health insurance. The work setting is hybrid.
POSITION DESCRIPTION

Manager of Farmer Programs, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network

Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 depending on experience.

Benefits: Generous time off, health insurance, and retirement contribution.

Location: Birmingham, AL hybrid work setting

Hours: Full-time (averaging 40 hrs/week). Flexible schedule, must be available to work some nights and weekends.

Reporting to: Executive Director

ABOUT ASAN

We are a farmer-centered organization welcoming all who wish to implement, expand, and support sustainable agricultural practices in the state of Alabama. We prioritize the perspectives of BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented farmers who root their livelihoods in sustainable agriculture. ASAN coordinates knowledge sharing, builds resources, and strengthens networks of sustainable farmers and local food advocates to deepen the relationship between the people of Alabama, the food we eat, and the land.

JOB SUMMARY

ASAN’s Manager of Farmer Programs leads the organization’s farmer-specific programming and builds, cultivates, and manages ASAN’s farmer member base. This individual works closely with farmers on a daily basis, whether through the Alabama CRAFT Network, partnering with other farmer-centered organizations in Alabama, and network weaving (e.g., phone calls, farm visits, connecting farmers with resources and one another). This individual plays a critical role in building ASAN’s farmer membership and travels extensively throughout the state and region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Oversee an average of one networking, training, or mentorship event per month and solicit feedback from participants to improve delivery. Events are statewide and focused on expanding sustainable agricultural practices, promoting farmer access to markets, and/or (beginning in 2027) land access.
• In collaboration with the farmer-led CRAFT Steering Committee, lead, manage, and organize all aspects of the Alabama CRAFT Network.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records for program impact and grant reporting purposes.
• Manage staff, interns, and volunteers involved in delivering farmer programming.
• Solicit feedback from Steering Committees, advisory boards, and programming to adapt and improve over time.
• Serve as the principal “network weaver” among ASAN’s farmer members (e.g., make check-in calls, visit farms, attend partner events, connect partners with one another, coordinate small group visits among farmers), fostering a community of support in sustainable agriculture.
• Support the Executive Director in developing a membership model that delivers tangible benefits to ASAN’s farmer members.
• Table at events primarily attended by farmers and organized by partner organizations that serve farmers.
• Create content for the website, social media, and other web based platforms.
• Award the "Undo-the-Knot" fund mini-grants to provide timely assistance in helping farmers address barriers to sustainable agriculture.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of various events hosted by ASAN.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. These duties and responsibilities are not intended to be exhaustive.
REQUIRED SKILLS
• Strong commitment to and enthusiasm for ASAN’s mission, vision, and values.
• Familiarity with day-to-day lived experience of sustainable farmers in Alabama, including the challenges they face, the resources/programs that exist to support them, and the overall context in which they operate.
• Project management experience, especially in managing complex, multi-phase projects, and monitoring and evaluating project outcomes.
• Proven experience in managing staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as organizing and overseeing networking, training, or mentoring programs.
• Experience planning, creating, and managing social media and public relations.
• Strong strategic coordination and partnership development skills.
• Cultural humility and emotional intelligence; ability and desire to authentically engage a broad diversity of people.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to think big picture, while also maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Public engagement experience, including tabling at events.
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Proficient in both English and Spanish
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Experience in overseeing advisory boards or steering committees.
• Experience in facilitating farmer access to markets and land access initiatives.
• Community organizing and advocacy experience.
• Food policy experience.
• Enthusiasm for communicating with people, including networking and outreach in person, via phone, and email.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

Primarily involves sitting at a desk for extended periods, using a computer and other office equipment. Requires occasional lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds.

THE WORKPLACE

Position is primarily via telework and will need internet connectivity. Requires personal vehicle for occasional travel throughout Alabama to attend events and meet with members. Mileage reimbursement or rental vehicle is provided depending on distance traveled.

HOW TO APPLY

ASAN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ people are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to nurturing diverse leadership within a diverse network and seek to support our staff with ongoing opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this position to Jobs@ASANonline.org. This position is open until filled.