Website California FarmLink
About the position The Senior Associate is a critical member of FarmLink's Equity and Conservation on Working Lands (ECWL) Division, part of the Land and Business Department (LAB), which includes land tenure experts, farm business educators, and technical assistance providers. This role will report to and work closely with ECWL's Senior Program Manager and Program Manager to support FarmLink's Land Access Program, Land Portal, and community outreach tailored to the needs of agricultural producers in Southern California. The Senior Associate will be the first FarmLink staff member dedicated to the Southern California region, enabling access to our services and programs and those of our partners. Responsibilities • Establish a FarmLink presence in Southern California, cultivating relationships with farmers, farmer-serving organizations, and institutions. • Support landholder education and recruitment efforts to expand FarmLink's pool of quality land opportunities shared through the Land Portal. • Pilot a cohort-model land access program that couples group education, field tours, and individual linking support in the San Diego region. • Manage the Land Portal intake and client navigation processes, including technical troubleshooting and assessing technical assistance needs. • Connect clients with internal programs/services and external service providers and partners. • Support the development of new and improved program assets and strategies for increased access and efficacy for clients. • Provide additional support to assist Spanish speaking landseekers, landholders, and farm businesses. • Work with the LAB Team, Lending Department, and other relevant departments to support cross-program initiatives. • Support with maintenance and development of program assets related to ECWL services in English and Spanish. • Represent FarmLink at local, state, and national workshops, events, and conferences. Requirements • Fluently communicate the written and spoken word with tact, simplicity, and accuracy in English and Spanish. • Develop and maintain rapport with members of FarmLink's community while demonstrating respect and confidentiality. • Strong proficiency in Google Suite & Microsoft Office (Word, Excel & PowerPoint), and CRM software (i.e., Salesforce). • Highly organized, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities. • Strong multitasking, prioritization, and deadline management skills. • Excellent customer service skills, with the ability to be both empathetic and firm in communications. • Enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a team environment, with the ability to work independently. • Ability to travel to and attend occasional in-person classes, conferences, and meetings in Southern California. Nice-to-haves • AA or a Bachelor's degree in business, agriculture, community development, education, environmental studies, agronomy, or other related field. • Experience with agriculture, knowledge of Community Development Financial Institutions or Farm Credit, agricultural business, and the economic and political drivers of the agricultural economy. Benefits • Health insurance after 30-60 days (depending on start date). • Employer contribution to a 403b retirement plan. • Paid vacation. • Family-friendly and flexible work environment. Apply tot his job