Agroforestry Adoption Pathways Coordinator

Job Opening: Adoption Pathways Coordinator

The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Adoption Pathways Coordinator to coordinate new and existing efforts in developing effective pathways to agroforestry adoption. 

We seek applicants who share our passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a nature-based climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of who has the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, we are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans  to  apply.

Who We Are

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, we work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, we envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. For more information, please visit savannainstitute.org.

Job Description

Hours:  full-time (40 hrs/wk)

Location: Within one hour drive of Madison, WI

Start Date: July 29, 2024

Salary: $23-25/hour

• This position is eligible for the Institute’s benefits package. Benefits for full-time employees include 160 hours (20 days) of paid time off each year plus 11 civic holidays, 480 hours (12 weeks) of parental/disability leave, a health reimbursement arrangement that can be applied to insurance premiums and approved healthcare costs, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, and a monthly home office stipend
• This position reports to the Assistant Director of Agroforestry Adoption

Duties/Responsibilities

This position will support the development and implementation of Savanna Institute’s Adoption programs to facilitate the widespread adoption of agroforestry in the Midwest US. This position will provide support to the Adoption staff in charge of administering our federal and governmental grants to increase access to technical assistance, demonstration, and education. This position is part of the Agroforestry Programs Team and will work in close collaboration with the Demonstration Farm team, the Technical Service Program, the Spring Green Campus team, the Grants Manager, and other Savanna Institute staff. 

Key activities of this position include: 

Management of the Agroforestry Adoption Pathways (40%)

• Lead the efforts to develop a clear map of adoption pathways available to farmers interested in agroforestry in collaboration with the Demonstration Farms team, the Technical Service Program team, the Impact and Engagement team, and other Savanna Institute staff
• Develop and adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness of the pathways towards adoption
• Manage the Adoption team CRM to keep client information and progress up-to-date
• Ensure that clients receive timely and accurate support to adopt agroforestry practices
• Handle inquiries about SI’s Adoption programs, connecting people to the right resources, and assisting in the development of program materials and correspondence

Adoption Grant Support (30%)

• Use existing tools to maintain, track, and report on key data related to the scope and priorities of the four main Adoption programs (Technical Service Program, Demonstration Farm Network, Spring Green Campus, and Emerging Adoption Programs)
• Support grant managers in reporting to funders by keeping track of deadlines, requirements, and progress on deliverables
• Assist team leads with financial responsibilities including purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and participating in budget preparation

Adoption Team Coordination (30%)

• Schedule and coordinate virtual and in-person meetings with the four Adoption teams, develop process templates including agendas and meeting minutes, and hold team members accountable for making use of the tools and processes
• Support staff capacity by keeping track of the Adoption team members’ involvement in events, conference, presentations, and other outreach and education commitments
• Create program materials and perform analysis and research related to program activities
• Ensure compliance with SI policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS/USDA) requirements
• Work in collaboration with the Spring Green Farm Administration and Business Development Coordinator to ensure regular flow of information and knowledge
• As needed, communicate on behalf of team members with internal and external sources including staff, donors, vendors, and businesses in order to coordinate arrangements, convey information, and ensure successful execution of the programs
• As needed, take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, including, but not limited to, developing documentation or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Experience with management of projects with several variables – set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability
• Familiarity with online project management tools and confidence exploring new software
• Proactive, self-directed, and reliable with excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information
• Experience with grant and project management, including timeline development, reporting, and budget management
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Commitment to participating in a collaborative environment
• Access to reliable transportation

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of agroforestry or perennial crops

If you’re excited about this job, we’re excited to learn about your experience! Please be sure to address each of the following qualifications in your cover letter — paint us a picture of how your unique skills, experiences, and/or education meet or exceed the qualifications. Cover letters should be no longer than 1 typed page. 

How To Apply Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to the position on our jobs page: https://www.savannainstitute.org/jobs/

Deadline All applications must be received by 11:59 pm CT on June 17th, 2024.

Questions? Email Kathleen Fitzgibbon, Operations Manager, kathleen@savannainstitute.org.

Diversity Commitment

The Savanna Institute affirms the value of diversity of staff and stakeholders, and aims to foster inclusive environments and equitable outcomes of our work. We seek individuals who are committed to these goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.