Summary: Join Sustainable Connections, an entrepreneurial non-profit organization that works with dozens of partner organizations and over 2000 businesses a year to transform and model an economy built on sustainable business practices. Provide your exceptional outreach and communications skills to support a community of business innovators in green building, local food, sustainable practices, supporting independent businesses, and mentoring a new breed of entrepreneurs that have designed their business with a sustainable vision. Sustainable Connections is arapidly growing, results-oriented, small team workplace located in downtown Bellingham.

The Food & Farming Program informs, empowers & provides resources to producers & buyers; makes connections between farmers, institutions, retailers & restaurants; and raises awareness and support of local farms. We are seeking a personable outreach professional that is passionate about serving the interests of our vibrant local business members, and about increasing the capacity of the local food system. The Food & Farming Outreach Assistant will implement a range of public events, outreach and communications related to building relationships with and for food producers and buyers within the Food & Farming Program.

The successful candidate will have professional experience and/or training in outreach/messaging campaigns, events/logistics planning, engaging Whatcom County small businesses in events or initiatives, and demonstrated strong writing and interpersonal communication skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Implement (with the Food & Farming Manager), the Food To Bank On project, including budget & sponsorship management, farmer outreach & recruitment, organization of farmer training workshops and networking events, marketing materials, and communication with the mentors and the program participants.

• Event and on-going outreach to members and program participants using e-mail, phone and in person recruiting.

• Prepare, write and distribute e-newsletter, press releases, events listings, reports and outreach materials.

• Develop and maintain good working relationships with Food & Farming Program members

• Represent organization’s mission, program goals to our members and partners on the radio and in print media.

• Assist with tracking and program evaluation.

• Build community and member relations via one-on-one communication and group presentations.

• Coordinate with program partners and community stakeholders to design and implement projects and events.

• Update database, website and other tracking systems regularly.

• Manage volunteers, participate in general SC staff and member events.

• Other related duties as assigned. We expect that this position will grow and evolve over time.

Skills & Qualifications

The ideal candidate:

• Has great passion for the mission of Sustainable Connections
• Has excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to represent Sustainable Connections in a professional manner with diverse constituencies
• Proven competence to assess priorities, manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment, and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to work proactively and independently; excels in an open office environment.
• Has excellent inter-personal skills and an energy that attracts others; seeks to find and recognize the best in others, and works well in teams (we have a great team!)
• Two years experience writing articles, newsletters, updating websites, etc…
• Experience with food-based businesses, community outreach, member recruitment and/or sustainable food systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Salesforce and Constant Contact preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or one-two years related experience.