Minnesota Women in Conservation State Coordinator

Renewing the Countryside’s mission is to cultivate and support vibrant, sustainable and equitable communities. Since 2002, we have served as connectors and facilitators, bringing together community members to advance ideas that contribute to economic, social, and environmental wealth. At RTC, we have a clear vision: to be an organization where talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work. We deeply value a diverse group of staff in creating an inclusive and collaborative environment, and engaging in work that promotes equity.

Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) is a state-wide collaborative effort to bring together Minnesota women landowners to learn about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities. This initiative is modeled after the successful Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WIWiC) and funded by a 2-year NRCS Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreement. 

Through learning circles, field days, conservation planning assistance, webinars, and newsletters, MNWiC will connect, empower, educate and inspire women– for the sake of the land and our local communities.

MNWiC will be coordinated by Renewing the Countryside, in partnership with the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, the managing Wisconsin partner.

We are seeking to hire a State Coordinator for this exciting initiative.

Position Summary

Working with a team of agricultural and natural resource advocates, the State Coordinator will manage and coordinate the MNWiC Program in Minnesota. We are looking for someone who has experience developing new initiatives, enjoys working with people, has an excellent understanding of conservation on working lands, has experience managing people, and is able to work with a diverse audience and a broad range of partners. 

Required Skills and Experience

• Six years of education and/or experience, including at least two years managing projects or programs.
• Experience effectively managing and facilitating diverse teams, partnerships, and advisory groups.
• Ability to build connections and communicate effectively with a broad audience.
• Experience, knowledge, or training in conservation, natural resource management, agriculture, or related fields.
• Ability to plan and implement successful in-person and online workshops and events.
• Ability to confidently juggle multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Experience and passion working with diverse groups & building culturally sensitive & respectful relationships.
• Comfort and skill in using technology – including Google, Zoom, Microsoft Office, etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Drivers license and ability to travel to meetings and events.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Excellent understanding of federal conservation programs and agencies
• Excellent understanding of agriculture and natural resource systems
• Experience in adult education
• Skills and experience in communications
• Two years experience supervising staff or contractors

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners and make connections with federal, state, county, and nonprofit entities who have conservation programs.
• Manage and support a team of three regional coordinators located around Minnesota to implement learning circles, field days, regional summits, and other events, including bi-weekly team meetings
• Coordinate and facilitate bi-weekly meetings of the core team and regular meetings with advisory team
• Help lead communications effort to collectively amplify project outreach and awareness
• Coordinate and implement webinars
• Ensure activities align with grant deliverables and develop quarterly reports
• Lead the planning and execution of an annual in-person meeting with conservation professionals
• Manage program budget

Employer Information, Salary and Benefits

The State Coordinator will be a salaried employee of Renewing the Countryside. This work is based in Minnesota and the coordinator needs to be able to easily travel within this geographic area. This project is currently funded for two years, but we hope to find continuing funding. The State Coordinator position is a minimum of 60% time – but there is a possibility of making this a 75% or 100% time position. The base, full-time salary is between $58,000 and $62,000 – based on experience. At 60% time, that is between $34,800 and $37,200/yr.  This position has a flexible schedule but will include daytime meetings as well as the ability to attend some evening and weekend events, especially during the summer season. 

Renewing the Countryside is a family-friendly employer. We provide equal opportunity for employment and condemn discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other factor. We are committed to equity and strongly encourage people who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and/or from other underrepresented or marginalized communities to apply. 

The position includes medical and dental benefits, short-term disability, generous paid time off, and employer contribution to a retirement plan. 

This is a remote position that will require some travel for meetings and events. RTC will provide a computer, offer a monthly phone stipend, and reimburse for mileage and other approved travel expenses.

A Note to Potential Candidates:

These qualifications serve as a guide for knowledge and capabilities that will be helpful in this position rather than a list of requirements that each candidate must meet. If you are interested, please apply whether you feel you meet every qualification or not. We recognize that every person has a unique and dynamic set of experiences and skills that can positively contribute to our efforts. We appreciate each individual’s strengths and encourage learning and growing into roles at a comfortable pace.