Chicago’s Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) seeks a highly motivated part-time Outreach Coordinator to work with AUA’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, Working Groups, and members. The Outreach Coordinator focuses on event organizing, volunteer coordination, administrative duties, and other outreach/communications work while playing a supportive role in all aspects of AUA’s programs. This position has great potential for growth.

Advocates for Urban Agriculture (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 Outreach Coordinator reports to and is supervised by AUA’s Executive Director, and at times works directly with the AUA Board of Directors and Working Groups.

Primary responsibilities include:

  1. Organize, promote and coordinate AUA events throughout the year (including quarterly Gatherings, annual Summer fundraiser, 30-40 “micro workshops” at the Good Food Festival, and occasional Field Days and Movie & Mingle Nights), presentations and other outreach.
  2. Administer and improve AUA website, blog, social media, quarterly newsletter, and databases.
  3. Strategize and implement membership and donation drives.
  4. Develop and update AUA print & promotional materials.
  5. Represent AUA at events and presentations.
  6. Recruit and coordinate individual volunteers.
  7. Research funding and other resource support opportunities.
  8. Engage in research, outreach and administrative tasks for other AUA initiatives, including its urban agriculture mapping project and resource guide.
  9. Attend and manage logistics for Board and Working Group meetings and calls.

The ideal candidate for this position will bring:

  • A robust background in event organizing and coordination.
  • An energetic and creative approach to organizing and promoting fun, educational, and engaging events on a modest budget.
  • Strong familiarity with the Chicago area’s urban agriculture/local food movement and diverse communities.
  • Two years or more 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, strong organizational skills, and ability to prioritize and multi-task.
  • Ability to interact effectively with AUA’s Executive Director, Board of Directors, Working Groups, Members, and other community organizations and residents.
  • Computer skills including fluency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, related Google applications, and PhotoShop (or similar programs); familiarity with WordPress.com and website editing; and experience maintaining an engaging social media presence (especially with Facebook and Twitter).
  • Scheduling flexibility — availability to work between 9am and 5pm at least 2 days Monday-Friday, along with evening and weekend hours as needed.
  • Ability to sit, stand, and routinely lift up to 25 lbs (for transporting and setting up event materials).
  • High level of self motivation and dedication to AUA’s mission. Since AUA doesn’t have a permanent workspace, the Outreach Coordinator will be expected to primarily work independently (from home or other locations that are conducive to computer work, phone calls, Skype/Google Hangout sessions, etc.) when not attending work meetings, presentations, or events.
  • Use of computer, cell phone, vehicle (mileage is reimbursed for work travel), and a small amount of storage space for event supplies.
  • An outgoing, enthusiastic, and friendly disposition!

Position: Outreach Coordinator

Status: Average of 22-25 hours/week (annual total of 1,144-1,300 hrs), depending on availability and experience, starting as soon as possible. Commitment through 2018 strongly preferred.

Salary: $16.00-17.50 per hour, depending on experience.

To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter to di******@au********.org no later than Wednesday, August 31, 2016.