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Growing a Resilient Local Food Economy

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CReate & Farmshed @ Maria DR.

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As you may know Farmshed and CREATE Portage County have been given an opportunity by the Sisters of Saint Joseph to increase the capacity to carry out the organizational missions. This has been a long process but it no doubt is a big project. The time of gaining temporary occupancy is approaching fast. As the talented trade's crews are focused on finishing up the non-profit section of the entire development.  

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Leadership teams for both organizations are actively engaging and providing tours to local businesses regularly as we continue to campaign for funding to activate this truly remarkable space. Farmshed is excited to gain a big leap in infrastructure to be able to serve a crucial role in bringing  our local Farmers greater opportunity in accessing value-added markets. The mantra for staff is "we are here to work for farmers" The future is bright and the generosity of many has already pushed this project this far. 

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If you would like to be apart of cultivating collaborations and create a hub for innovation and creativity you can donate now.

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If you have any questions regarding this campaign please do not hesitate to contact Trevor Drake via email trevor@farmshed.org

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Farmshed Executive Director Job Description

 

Summary: Central Rivers Farmshed is looking for a new Executive Director to lead us through a very exciting transition into a new building. Grant funding has been secured to outfit this new location with amazing kitchen resources, and there is so much hope and excitement to use this space to support Farmshed’s mission of growing a resilient local food economy. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Leadership

  • Collaborates with Farmshed’s staff and Board of Directors to move forward a strategic vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and demonstrates a commitment to local producers and eaters

  • Collaborates with Farmshed’s staff and Board of Directors to develop and track organizational goals, ensuring that programs and operations reflect these goals

  • Recommends and develops policies, procedures, and programs that move forward the organization’s strategic direction

  • Regularly reports to the Board on the status of programs, and internal and external issues affecting the organization

  • Assists the Board of Directors in the recruitment, orientation, and cultivation of new board members

  • Implements practices and processes to ensure a strong sense of cooperation between the staff and the Board of Directors and committees

  • Provides oversight and implementation of bylaws and other policies approved by the Board

  • Ensures all organizational documents are up-to-date and that accurate reporting to regulatory agencies is fulfilled

 

Community Engagement and Outreach

  • Serves as spokesperson for Farmshed; overseeing marketing, communication, and public relations efforts

  • Conducts public speaking engagements and community outreach

  • Establishes and maintains relationships with a robust and diverse group of stakeholders interested in supporting Farmshed’s vision and mission

  • Cultivates relationships with individual donors and stakeholders

  • Collaborates with other food and farming organizations in Wisconsin

  • Leads the organization's advocacy efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, food justice, and access to local, healthy food



 

Personnel Management

  • Provides oversight and support to staff, interns, and volunteers for day to day operations

  • Facilitates organization of staff's daily tasks 

  • Monitors staff progress and evaluates work products

  • Reviews and approves employee timesheets and assures employees are paid on time

  • Maintains an environment that promotes high staff morale

  • Supports and motivates staff on an individual and collective basis

  • Actively works to create a diverse and inclusive work environment

  • Provides leadership for staff management including recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation and, if necessary, release of staff in accordance with Personnel Policies established by the board

 

Financial

  • Oversees all fund development activities and work in partnership with the staff and Board of Directors to ensure sustainable and diverse revenue streams, including: foundation and government grants; individual giving/membership; community fundraising; corporate giving; and major donor development

  • Develops budgets for Board of Directors review and approval

  • Monitors progress and initiates changes to the budget(s) as appropriate

  • Assures adequate control and accounting of all funds, including maintaining sound financial practices, and complying with all laws

  • Pursues implementation of a plan for long range asset development

 

Facilities

  • Develops and oversees facility maintenance and improvement plans

  • Submits budget recommendations with justifications for equipment or facility improvements and monitors budget expenditures

  • Monitors and controls supplies and equipment; orders supplies and tools as necessary

  • Trains staff in facility maintenance and safety methods, procedures, and techniques

  • Prepares and executes facility rental agreements for the kitchen and greenhouse

  • Prepares documents and solicits bids from contractors for facility improvements or for equipment procurement

  • Arranges for and manages appropriate third-party contractor support as needed

  • Follows arrangements detailed in lease agreement and communicates with landlord as necessary


 

Preferred credentials:

  • College Degree in related field (may include but not limited to: health and wellness, agriculture, organizational management)

  • Work or volunteer experience in non-profit organizations

  • Grant writing experience

  • Budget management experience

  • Interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to collaborate with other organizations to meet shared goals

 

 

Salary: $50,000-$52,000 annually with plans to review and adjust within the first two years of hire; health care benefits unavailable at this time

 

Please send resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to 

ashleychrisinger09@gmail.com

Dear Farmshed Community,

 

Many of us were a bit shocked at Trevor’s recent news of his resignation. The board and I have so much respect for the work Trevor has done during his time at Farmshed, and are VERY grateful for the position he’s put us in as we embark on an exciting journey into a new location.

I wanted to be very transparent about how we’re handling this transition, and also ask for your help getting the word out about the open Executive Director position.

First, since Trevor has been so willing to continue helping out Farmshed as he starts his new job as a school foodservice director, we’ve moved him onto our board! He’s our new board treasurer stepping into Robyn Bolton’s position after her resignation. 

Ann Vang, Sib Pab Director, will be taking over A LOT of Trevor’s tasks during this interim period. The board is so pleased that despite the challenges that come her way, Ann remains so passionate about the work she’s doing with Farmshed. We’ve also hired a new Food Operations Manager, Presley Rhode, who will be starting later this month. 

And Second, please share the following link to the Executive Director Job posting with anyone you feel may be interested. We’re hoping to find someone willing to go on an exciting ride with Farmshed as we move into a new location, grow our food processing abilities, bring back an indoor winter Local Food Fair, and map out a solid working relationship with our new neighbors, CREATE.

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Sending warm summer wishes,

 

Ashley Chrisinger

Farmshed Board Chair 

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