Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Coordinator (7111)

Job Description:

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team as a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Coordinator. The CSA Coordinator will play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the "Growing the Fountain Heights CSA" project. This position requires a passionate and experienced professional with a strong background in agriculture, community development, and direct-to-consumer marketing. This person is responsible for managing all administrative tasks related to our 100-member CSA. This individual works closely with farmer participants, and Fountain Heights Farms team members in the office, attends weekly staff meetings, and participates in both big-picture strategizing and daily operational decisions.

The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects of the CSA program, including member recruitment, marketing, distribution, and customer service. Coordinate all aspects of the CSA program, including member recruitment, retention, and customer service.

About Our Farm: 

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the historic Fountain Heights community, Fountain Heights Farms focuses on urban farming initiatives, advocating for BIPOC land ownership, and providing culturally inclusive education programs. 

Our approach includes:

• Meeting community needs for healthy, culturally appropriate, fresh foods through urban farming initiatives.
• Advocating for BIPOC land ownership, land retention, and land justice.
• Creating opportunities within the food system for flexible, self-guided employment.
• Culturally inclusive and responsive education that is led by people reflective of our community.

Fountain Heights Farms was co-founded by Maria Dominique Villanueva and her partner Christopher Gooden in 2017 after seeing the gaps in care, concern, and resources for our neighborhood. Classified in 2020 as the most dangerous neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, we know that there is a different story to tell about our area and our neighbors.

In 2017 we started the farm in our front and back yards, In 2018 we acquired our first lot and distributed over 600 lbs of produce to area residents. In 2020, in addition to farming, we also started the 467-member #WeAllEat Food Cooperative to support BIPOC farmers during the pandemic and ensure our neighbors had food to eat regardless of their ability to pay. 

In 2023 we have grown to five neighborhood-based farm spaces, built an aquaponics learning center, distributed thousands of pounds of food to the community through our CSA and free pantries, provided neighborhood employment, hosted countless in-person and virtual skill-shares, trained burgeoning urban farmers, and provided education to residents regarding land access and land retention.

Responsibilities:

CSA Program Expansion:

• Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase the size of the CSA program from 35-50 shares to 100 shares per season and promote the CSA program to the community.
• Coordinate with farmers and project collaborators to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection of produce and value-added products for CSA shares.
• Coordinate and manage all aspects of the CSA program, including member recruitment, retention, and customer service.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase membership and promote the CSA program to the community.
• Communicate with members through email, social media, and other communication channels.

Farmer Capacity Building:

• Communicate with farmer participants through email,phone, WhatsApp, and other communication channels.
• Work closely with small-scale farmers to double participation, providing training and technical assistance as needed.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers to enhance overall capacity.
• Work with Farmer Partners to plan and coordinate crop production to meet the needs of the CSA program.
• Assist with the recruitment and training of seasonal farm workers and volunteers.

Market Channel Expansion:

• Identify and establish new direct-to-consumer market channels to increase sales and revenue.
• Implement marketing initiatives to promote the CSA program and attract a broader customer base.
• Coordinate and manage all aspects of the CSA program, including member recruitment, retention, and customer service.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to increase membership and promote the CSA program to the community.
• Communicate with members through email, social media, and other communication channels.
• Manage CSA distribution, including packing and labeling of produce, coordination of pickup locations, and delivery of produce to consumers.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with local communities, especially underserved areas, to promote the benefits of the expanded CSA program.
• Collaborate with community organizations to ensure accessibility and affordability of CSA shares.
• Ensure that community members know about special offers and programs like SNAP and Double Bucks.
• Contribute to social media input and website updates.

Data Management and Reporting:

Maintain accurate records of CSA memberships, sales, and farmer participation, and inventory management.

• Generate regular reports to track the progress of the CSA program and provide updates to project stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records, including membership data, financial transactions, and inventory management.
• Monitor and report on program performance, including member satisfaction and financial performance.

Customer Service:

• Manage customer service inquiries and resolve any issues or complaints in a timely and professional manner.

Qualifications:

• Strong administrative skills.
• Proficiency with Excel, graphic design programs, and basic computer skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and demonstrated project management skills.
• Excellent people skills including clear communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Familiarity with a broad, diverse amount of produce.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willing to make a one year minimum commitment.
• Experience working on a farm is desired, but not required.
• Proven experience in managing CSA programs or similar direct-to-consumer marketing initiatives.
• Strong understanding of sustainable farming practices and local food systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with farmers, community partners, and project collaborators.
• Passion for community development and improving food access in underserved communities.

Hours: 30 hours/week, 40 weeks February 12, 2024 - November 18, 2024

Compensation: $28.00/hour 

Benefits Stipend: $2,500 ($250/ month for 10 months) 

Time Off: 30 hours paid vacation + 30 hours paid mental wellness + 30 hours paid sick leave after 90 days of satisfactory employment