Food Systems Coordinator position with the City of Seattle

Department:
Office of Sustainability and Environment

Position Description:
The Office of Sustainability and Environment  is seeking qualified candidates for a Food Systems Coordinator.

The City of Seattle's Food Initiative is a coordinated effort to increase access to healthy and affordable food for all, promote urban agriculture and foster the growth of local food economies.

The Food Systems Coordinator will be responsible for advising the department Director, the Mayor and City Council on the development of strategic plans, policies, communications, and evaluation tools that will encourage a food system that promotes health, equity, and the environment. 

Job Responsibilities:
Policy Development and Coordination

• Provide strategic analysis of current and emerging policies to identify new initiatives.
• Coordinate development and implementation of food policy across City departments.

Program Development and Implementation

• Lead food systems strategic planning processes to set goals, develop implementation plan, and identify programmatic activities
• Coordinate and monitor implementation of the City's food systems strategic plan
• Coordinate and prioritize food projects among City departments
• Conduct research, develop strategies, and lead grant writing efforts to enhance program funding from public and private resources
• Develop agendas and lead monthly interdepartmental team meetings
• Report on program progress to City leadership, partners and community members
• Communications and Outreach
• Act as a liaison between the City and other public and private local, state, and federal entities dealing with the development of food systems policies and programs
• Participate in community and department outreach processes related to food
• Lead development of City's food systems communications plan, including the development and maintenance of website, newsletters, presentations and other materials
• Design and facilitate community outreach efforts

This position will report to the Department Director, and is expected to play a leadership role consistent with the Mayoral priorities and City Council priorities and legislative directives.  This position represents City government and its priorities to the public.

Currently this is a part-time position funded by the City's General Fund.  The intention is to seek additional funding from other sources to eventually support a full-time position that stewards food systems work for the City of Seattle.  Note:  Position title, salary, and exempt status subject to final legislative approval.

Qualifications:
Experience:

• A minimum of four years of progressive leadership experience, project management, and research and analytical experience.
• A minimum of two years of experience in food systems or related work demonstrating knowledge of local, regional, and national food systems policy and issues, and including developing recommendations on policy options and programs for senior management.
• A minimum of two years of demonstrated experience cultivating relationships with external constituencies, including historically under-served and/or under-represented populations.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, facilitation skills, presentation skills, and writing skills, including grant writing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office software, and experience in research and evaluation tools, methods and approaches.

Education:   A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.  A Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Public Health, Social Work, Political Science, Organizational Development, Social Sciences or related field; or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the position will be considered in lieu of the Master's degree.

Additional Information:
Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire/motivate colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment within the context of the City's policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated success with grant writing for public funds as well as private foundations.
• Demonstrated commitment to race and social justice work
• Ability to institute, facilitate, and lead collaborative policy development processes
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to interdepartmental teams
• Track record of complete and timely follow-through
• Strong community leadership, communication skills, facilitation skills and negotiation skills.
• Self-starter and ability to move forward with assignment given broad parameters
• Ability to prioritize work and be flexible when priorities change
• Good understanding of the political process and Mayor-Council form of government.

Work schedule may include occasional evening and weekend hours.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the application process.

The Office of Sustainability and Environment is responsible for advancing innovative environmental policies and providing coordination on cross-departmental priority issues, such as climate protection and urban forestry.  Learn more about the Office of Sustainability and Environment at  www.seattle.gov/environment/