Associate Director, Training

The CCFE (theccfe.org) is a new national charity with a mission to motivate conscious decisions that are good both for people and the planet. Our aim is to elevate and amplify the voices that guide the shift towards locally-connected food networks. Think of us as matchmakers for the food world. By connecting supply-side partners with their ideal audience, we inspire people to take action through food.

The Role :

We are looking for a catalyzing and experienced weaver to forge linkages and increase connections, exchanges and collaboration within the ecosystem of actors dedicated to a food system that is better for people and the planet. This role will be in service to the following aspirations for impact :

• Increased organizational knowledge of the most impactful things happening in our food world.
• Increased organizational awareness of key trends, patterns and issues relevant to our mission.
• Increased capacity of actors in the food ecosystem to reach their goals.
• Deepened and trustful relationships with collaborators in the food ecosystem.
• Expanded programs, including workshops and campaigns, in collaboration with partners.
• Deepened understanding and capacity within the organization to engage through distributed alignment.

In this role, the Network Weaver will lead the planning and execution of events and initiatives designed to actively listen, foster connections, and catalyze coordinated action amongst motivated collaborators. The Network Weaver will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with all members of the CCFE team.

Accountabilities :

• Envision and steward the ecosystem. Foster engagement to align and weave the various parts of the ecosystem.
• Connect, catalyze, coordinate. Lead and support activities that catalyze connections in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Events and programs. Manage and help design events that lead to increased support for suppliers in the ecosystem.
• Understand and observe patterns. Function as primary point of coordination amongst supply-side partners.
• Coach distributed alignment. Model and build how the network works together in a distributed fashion.

Who You Are :

Education & Experience :

• Completed studies in a related field, such as anthropology, environmental studies, agricultural studies, or ecological economics.
• 5 years of experience in organizing for change.
• Experience in building and nurturing networks or communities of practice.
• Professional experience in community development and / or engagement.
• Professional or practical experience in some aspect of the food system.
• Educational background in project management is considered an asset.

Skills & Abilities :

• Exceptional relationship development and management skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proven facilitation skills for workshop delivery.
• Comfortable with online tools (Google Drive, Asana, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and suggest improvements.
• Solid organizational skills including attention to detail.
• Open to experimentation and learning.
• Experience in applied research projects is considered an asset.

Passions and Preoccupations :

• Part of the broad field of food system shift.
• Deep passion for building and supporting relationships.
• Service orientation and familiar with helping others foster connections.
• Interested in decentralized organizing.

What We Offer :

• A welcoming, inclusive and safe working environment.
• A collaborative and engaging work culture.
• Market competitive compensation.
• 15 days per year vacation.
• Attractive benefits package including medical and dental care.

Accommodation :

Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Application :

If you’re excited about joining the CCFE and meet the qualifications, please submit your application by the deadline as a PDF and include :

• One-page cover letter answering the following questions :

How has your career led you to this moment?

• Tell us a bit about who you are.
• Resume
• Contact details for three references.

Please write “Network Weaver” in the subject line and save the PDF as [Last Name]_[First Name]_NetworkWeaver.pdf. Submit your application to Sarah Heynen, Executive Director, by September 6th, 2024 at 11 : 59 PM EST.

Interviews will begin to be scheduled the week of September 3rd.

• Please note only selected candidates will be contacted.

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