The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is hiring an individual to lead a new project – the Kentucky Local Food System Expansion Initiative – working with agricultural producers and food businesses to expand market access for Kentucky farmers and enhance buyer access to local food sources. The individual will be supported in this project by KCARD’s team providing business development, marketing plan development and strategies to increase capital investment in these businesses.

KCARD is a non-profit organization that works with farmers, farmers markets, value-added operations, cooperatives, meat processing facilities, grain handling operations, horticultural businesses, and many other agricultural-related businesses operating in Kentucky.

This is a full-time salaried position. KCARD employees have flexible scheduling options available.

Duties:

• Manage the Kentucky Local Food System Expansion Initiative project;

• Meet with farmers, food-based businesses, institutions, distributors, and other buyers to gather information on their status and needs;

• Assist those entities by assessing needs and determining appropriate course of action;

• Work collaboratively with KCARD team to deliver assistance and be responsive;

• Work collaboratively with partners, including the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, and other organizations; and

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and excellent interpersonal skills

• Attention to detail

• Strong work ethic with a self-motivated nature

• Knowledge of Kentucky agriculture and food sectors

• Strong analytical skills

• BS degree in relevant field (advanced degree or significant experience preferred)

• Experience with managing projects

• Experience with computers and common software, including Microsoft Excel

• Valid driver’s license and access to private vehicle

Location: Flexible within the state of Kentucky, with significant in-state travel expected. Location within the Louisville-Lexington-Northern Kentucky region is preferred.

To be considered, please send a resume and cover letter to Aleta Botts via email at abotts@kcard.info no later than January 31, 2020, with a subject line of “Local Food Project Coordinator position”. Questions regarding the position can be submitted to this email address as well.

The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer.