Statement ofDuties:

The Food Strategy Project Manager will work with the Director of Food Strategy to manage and lead projects that are directly related to the strategic planning activities including stakeholder engagement and coordinating initiatives which support goals outlined the Food Strategy. The Project Manager will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and cross-organizational team comprised of RI Commerce, the Department of Environmental Management, the Department of Health as well as external food system stakeholders and food industry partners.

Position Functions

The essential functions and duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of

work that may be performed. The specific omission of specific statements of duties does not preclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Essential Functions:

Strategic planning and coordination (70%)

• Lead project coordination for the strategic planning process of Relish Rhody 2.0 such as managing contracts, meeting facilitation and planning, coordinating stakeholder meetings and meeting project deadlines.
• Provide writing and editing support for key project deliverables in partnership with lead planners and consultants.
• Help coordinate focus groups and stakeholder gatherings including statewide stakeholder gatherings.
• Manage relationships and agreements with external partners and vendors.

Program Management (30%)

• Support Director of Food Strategy with coordination/facilitation of public meetings and annual reports, as needed, such as the Interagency Food Nutrition & Policy Advisory Council and the Hunger Elimination Taskforce
• Draft policy briefs and progress reports, as needed, to Food Strategy leadership committee and key RI food system partners.
• Identify and help secure funding for state’s local food system through federal grants and private philanthropy
• Plan, organize, and advance various initiatives outlined in the Food Strategy in coordination with affiliated state agencies
• Manage communications platforms such as the website, newsletters and social media for food strategy-related announcements
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Project management, organizational skill and attention to detail:The ability to ensure a multi-stakeholder team’s work is accomplished in service of overall goals. Strong attention to detail, follow-up and organizational skills. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Communication: Writes clearly, precisely, and concisely. Demonstrates strong oral and collaboration skills, with the ability both to speak convincingly and listen openly.
• Ambition: Desires to grow in responsibility and authority, in a team-based, collaborative environment.
• Strategic thinking: The ability to look at the whole picture, understand the impact of each critical piece, and articulate implications and potential solutions.
• Initiative: Willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges as they arise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with preference for a degree in sustainable food systems, agriculture, environmental studies or public policy.
• 3-5 years relevant professional experience.
• Relevant professional experience and demonstrated level of success related to project management.
• Stakeholder interaction and experience, particularly showing the ability to develop and maintain relationships with professionals at all levels.
• Understanding of state/local government, community development and/or local and regional food systems.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
• Self-motivated, creative, organized and committed to organizational success.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to travel in-State occasionally, ~10%.