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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Posted July 7th, 2008 by admin

Coordinator, Oakland Food Policy Council
Oakland, California
Full-time senior position

Background:

Food First, the City of Oakland and various community-based organizations (CBOs) are collaborating to build greater food security and a sustainable city food system by the establishment of an Oakland Food Policy Council (OFPC) to advance public policies that favor locally-owned neighborhood food systems.

 

The decision to establish a Food Policy Council is the result of a study on the food system of Oakland by the Mayor's Office of Sustainability that looks to improve the socio-economic conditions of the city of Oakland
by creating a sustainable food system.

 

The Food Policy Council will seek to: increase food security, build greater public health, support local agriculture, promote energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, protect environmental resources, promote a "closed-loop" food system, promote local economic development, and increase public "food literacy".

 

The Food Policy Council Coordinator should provide structure, vision, and direction for the Council. The Food Policy Council Coordinator will engage government, communities and the private sector in Oakland to develop a strategic plan for a sustainable food system; will actively advocate for and support implementation of new and existing food policies and programs, will raise funds for the OFPC.

 

Principal duties:

  • Will work closely with the City of Oakland, Alameda County, the HOPE Collaborative and local CBOs to establish the Oakland Food Policy Council as an inclusive social mechanism for advancing healthy, vibrant and sustainable food systems in Oakland.
  • Consult with Oakland neighborhood associations, local CBOs, the HOPE Collaborative, city, county and state offices to determine the best policies and actions for a fair, sustainable, economically vibrant food system for Oakland;
  • Develop annual Strategic Plan for Oakland's food system development, in consultation with neighborhoods, CBOs, the HOPE Collaborative, the private sector and government offices.
  • Draft papers and reports for the Oakland City Council regarding policies and actions to advance the Strategic Plan;
  • Serve as a liaison between different actors and institutions in the Oakland Food System
  • Formulate a 3-year budget and raise funds for the full operation of the OFPC

 

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be extensively familiar with urban food systems, poverty, food security, and health and food justice issues. They will possess excellent networking, community relations and writing skills. Leadership, self-motivation and the ability to coordinate work with collaboratives, neighborhood groups, and government officials a must. Prior
work experience will include 5 years minimum:

 

    • working in Bay Area food systems within the city, county, CBO, or private sector.
    • policy analysis, formulation and development
    • community development (food, health, youth, housing, etc.)
    • fundraising

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Food First is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Oakland residents are encouraged to apply.

 


How to Apply:

Please send email your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and a writing sample to marbor@foodfirst.org.

 

For further background information see the 2006 Oakland Food Assessment http://oaklandfoodsystem.pbwiki.com/ or
visit our website at http://www.foodfirst.org/