Do you believe in sustainable food systems?
Would you love to be able to support local farmers and the community in your work?
Do you have experience with writing grants or delivering programs?
We want to talk to you!
Title: Executive Director
Status: 0.5 FTE, 12 month contract
(average of 25 hours a week, funding dependent)
Annual renewal
Start date: Flexible
Description of work
The Executive Director works to coordinate the programming and ongoing initiatives
of the Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society (LAFS). The work carried out is guided by the
purposes of the society, which are as follows:
● To enhance the agricultural viability of the Lillooet region;
● To promote awareness, education and research related to agriculture, enterprise,
sustainability and food security;
● To support and connect local food and agricultural enterprises; and
● To build community support for our local food system and unique food culture.
Key tasks for the Executive Director role include program development and
coordination; communications, fundraising, and administration. This position will work
with the LAFS Board of Directors, providing professional best practice- based expertise and
leadership/guidance in agriculture, food systems, and community-based economic
development. The work involves considerable coordination, facilitation, management,
fundraising, reporting, communications, and collaboration.
Major Duties
Coordinate with a broad network of local agriculture and food advocates including
farmers, ranchers, St’at’imc, provincial and local governments, health agencies, business
and economic development, and community groups to promote LAFS’s vision for the
region.
Organize/facilitate a minimum of 3 LAFS Board meetings and 1 AGM a year on behalf of
the Chair. Assist with administrative aspects of Board-related activity.
Carry out the annual Operational Plan as written, and develop an Operational Plan for
the upcoming fiscal year based work carried out and funding opportunities.
Fundraise for core activities and specific programs.
Coordinate and oversee the development of an annual report, financial statements, and
Society-related paperwork.
Society administration: manage and hire staff and/or consultants according to available
funding; oversee programming duties; act as a LAFS representative at local government
and/or NGO meetings and events; liaise with food hub(s) and other local initiatives.
Host workshops/seminars that will bring in expertise to share success stories with the
local agriculture and food community.
Food system infrastructure acquisition: including scoping, fundraising, and acting as a
communications liaison for individuals and groups working towards the acquisition of
distribution, processing, and storage equipment.
Communications strategy: Maintain and oversee the communications strategy. Develop,
research and write communications pieces such as articles, pamphlets, fact sheets, etc. for
specific target audiences (e.g. professional sectors, government, community groups). Work
with the media in getting stories, sound bites and messages out.
Maintain responsibility for communications regarding society administration and
operation, liaising with other groups and funding partners. Includes phone, emails, letters,
compiling meeting notes, etc. Manage a listserv, maintain website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Media releases (newspaper and e-newsletters) may also be required from time to time.
Minimum Qualifications
• Well-developed knowledge of the non-profit sector.
• Fundraising and grant writing skills.
• Exceptional oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to
engage, collaborate and cultivate relationships with a wide variety of partners and
stakeholders including First Nations, potential funders, community groups, government
officials and the general public.
• Program development and coordination skills.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Good organizational, time management and project management abilities.
• A high degree of self-motivation, an interest in taking initiative and the ability to work
independently and proactively.
• Willingness to learn about the specific challenges and opportunities in the Lillooet area in
regards to agriculture and food systems.
Education/Experience
• Post-secondary education (degree or diploma) in community economic development,
communications, facilitation, food systems, agriculture or a related discipline as well as two
or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and
experience.
• Project and fiscal management experience.
• Communications experience.
• Experience facilitating and engaging with community groups/volunteers and local
governments.
• Knowledge of local agriculture and food distribution systems is an asset.
• Strong leadership, coordination and administrative skills.
Required Licenses, Certificates and Registration
Valid BC Driver’s License
Contact:
lillooetagricultureandfood@gmail.com 778-887-2027
