Chicago’s Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) seeks a motivated half-time Program Assistant to support AUA’s Director, Steering Committee and members. The Program Assistant plays a supportive role in all aspects of AUA’s work, with a focus on administrative and outreach responsibilities.

AUA is a coalition of individuals, organizations and businesses working to support and expand sustainable agriculture in the Chicago area, from home- and community-based growing to market gardens and small farms.

To pursue this mission, AUA:

  1. Advocates for good urban ag policy
  2. Shares information, resources, and best practices
  3. Connects practitioners, consumers, and projects through a strong network

Supervision: The Program Assistant reports to and is supervised by AUA’s Director, and at times works directly with the AUA Steering Committee and Working Groups.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Administer and improve AUA website, social media, and databases.
  • Help organize, promote and coordinate AUA events (including quarterly Gatherings and bimonthly Movie & Mingle Nights), presentations and other outreach.
  • Represent AUA at events and presentations.
  • Develop and update AUA print materials and social media.
  • Research information for AUA’s Urban Agriculture Resource Guide.
  • Contact urban agriculture sites for mapping and inventory project.
  • Recruit and coordinate individual volunteers.
  • Attend and manage logistics for Steering Committee and Working Group meetings and calls.
  • Help research funding and other resource support opportunities.
  • Assist in development of membership and donation drives.

The ideal candidate for this position will bring:

  • Two years of work experience in related fields: urban agriculture and food systems; community, organizational, or small business development; or other relevant experience.
  • Exceptional verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills. Knowledge and familiarity with proofreading, composing and editing communications.
  • Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills and ability to prioritize, multi-task and work independently.
  • Ability to interact effectively with AUA’s Director, Steering Committee, Working Groups, Members, and other community organizations and residents.
  • Computer skills including fluency with Word and Excel; familiarity with database applications, and website editing.
  • Availability to work evenings and weekend days as needed.

Position: Program Assistant
Status: Average of 20 hours/week, starting as soon as possible.  Commitment through 2015 (and potentially 2016) strongly preferred.
Salary: $14-16 per hour, depending on experience

To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter to in**@au********.org no later than Tuesday, May 13.