Liberty Prairie Fdn, Program Associate, Food, Farms, Environment

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

PROGRAM ASSOCIATE: FOOD, FARMS AND ENVIRONMENT

POSTED JULY 20, 2012

General Summary

The Liberty Prairie Foundation seeks a dynamic and versatile professional to fill the new position
of Program Associate for Food, Farms, and the Environment. The Foundation is a leader in
developing and supporting innovative programs that build and strengthen our regional food
system and enhance our natural environment. The Foundation has several established programs
of its own and provides leadership and financial support for food system, land conservation and
preservation, transportation, and civic engagement initiatives in our region.

The Program Associate for Food, Farms, and the Environment will provide management,
strategic direction, and support in the areas of food and farm enterprise development and training,
local and regional food systems planning, and several special projects primarily focused on
implementation.

Priority focus areas for this position include:

The Farm Business Development Center, a business incubator program, is one of several
programs located at the Foundation’s 80-acre certified organic farm in the Prairie
Crossing conservation community in Grayslake, Illinois. The incubator program
provides land, infrastructure, and learning resources that help beginning farmers develop
the entrepreneurial skills, farming knowledge and market networks needed to become
successful farmers.

Located between Grayslake, Gurnee, and Libertyville, the Liberty Prairie Reserve is a
5,800-acre area where a beautiful rural landscape has been preserved by large group of
public and private stakeholders. More than 800 acres of land are currently in agricultural
production within the Reserve.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) elevated Local Food to one of
twelve regional priorities in its GO TO 2040 comprehensive plan and is working with the
Foundation and our partners, including Fresh Taste, Openlands, and Conserve Lake
County, to build the local food system in Lake County and across the region through
several innovative planning projects.

In a new partnership with the Lake County Community Foundation, the Liberty Prairie
Foundation is providing technical support to several community organizations in
Waukegan to create sustainable local food projects, education, and job opportunities for
local residents.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

We are searching for a dynamic and versatile individual who shares our passion for food system
change and the conservation and preservation of our natural environment. We value an
innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial working environment. The successful candidate
will work closely with the Executive Director, Senior Associate, and a variety of project partners.

Job duties require knowledge equivalent to the completion of a Master’s Degree and a minimum
of four years of experience in an entrepreneurial setting with a non-profit in a related field or for-
profit mission driven business enterprise. Specialized knowledge of food systems, sustainable
agriculture, enterprise development, social impact finance, or planning is desirable. Another
combination of education and experience providing comparable knowledge and skills may be
acceptable.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate the following:

Strong interest in and concern for food system and environmental issues.

Superior planning, organizational, administrative, problem solving, and time management
skills.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and complete multiple priorities and projects.

Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Experience working in a cross-disciplinary team setting.

Excellent skill and experience in strategic and analytical thinking.

Ability to represent the Foundation and interact effectively with a wide range of
organizations and individuals in carrying out the varied functions of the job. Ability to
work cooperatively with all staff and Board members.

Ability to work independently and to engage in independent and group problem solving
and decision-making.

Ability to participate in the overall management of the Foundation, including work plan
and budget development and implementation.

Basic supervisory skills; previous supervisory experience desired.

Fluency in Spanish a plus.

Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software.

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Salary is competitive and negotiable within a
range to comparable positions with non-profit organizations.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning July 20, 2012. To apply, please address
your cover letter, resume, salary expectations and availability to the Search Committee by email
to jobsearch@prairiecrossing.com or by US Mail to:

Liberty Prairie Foundation
Attention: Search Committee
32400 N. Harris Road
Grayslake, IL 60030

We are unable to accept phone calls or other inquires related to this position announcement. The
Liberty Prairie Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against
individuals based on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
disability, age, or national or ethnic origin.