Consulting Regional Manager - Midwest

The Consulting Regional Manager will oversee Organic Consultants in the Midwest and assist farmers in the process of transitioning to and/or maintaining certified organic and regenerative organic (ROC) operations and complying with necessary regulations. In addition, particular focus will be applied to expanding Organic and Regenerative Organic agriculture in the Midwest through market facilitation and networking. This position will report to the Organic Consulting Director and work indirectly with the Research, Education, Communications, and Development Departments at Rodale Institute to carry out our mission. This position will work remotely from a home office based in the Midwest (Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana or bordering state) and will be available to visit Rodale Institute Main Campus in Pennsylvania periodically.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage regional program
• Create an annual Regional Plan that contributes to meeting overall Consulting Department goals
• Help grow the credibility and impact of Rodale Institute’s Organic Consulting Program in the Midwest by fostering an effective approach to farmer technical assistance, relevant research and strategic partnership
• Prioritize regional outreach efforts to attract new clients to the Organic Consulting program based on Regional Plan
• Work with Rodale Development and Grants teams to apply for and manage funding based on Regional Plan, with a focus on specific projects that promote organic practices on farms
• Oversee and manage regional organic consultants
• Supervise a team of Organic Consultants providing direct technical assistance to regional clients
• Evaluate and approve events, speaking engagements, and other public outreach activities conducted by employees per the Regional Plan
• Monitor budget for all expenses in the Midwest
• Check in with employees regularly to provide feedback on performance and areas of improvement and growth
• Provide technical assistance, agronomic and certification support
• Manage a limited list of clients from onboarding through service delivery and completion
• Guide beginning, conventional, and existing organic farmers in transitioning to, establishing, and managing organic and regenerative organic systems. This includes assisting farmers in identifying a certifying agency, completing USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic program paperwork and associated documentation, and preparing for organic and Regenerative Organic inspections
• Provide scientifically sound agronomic recommendations to clients regarding crop rotation, soil health, fertility, pests, weed, and disease management practices, tillage, labor, seed sourcing, and more
• Work with Organic and ROC Market Coordinators to connect farmers with market opportunities in the Midwest
• On a limited basis, advise farmers on using research and experimentation on their farm to improve crop yields and increase profitability
• Work with Partnership Development team to develop project proposals and lead the execution of short- and long-range projects
• Support operations and organizations that develop specific priorities around addressing food insecurity and offer services to historically underserved populations, as outlined in Regional Plan
• Perform other duties as assigned by management
• Conduct outreach, network and build community
• Attend meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the Midwest and even nationally/internationally to represent Rodale Institute and the Organic Consulting Program, as prioritized by Regional Plan
• Represent the Rodale Institute in speaking engagements and public presentations that support Rodale’s mission and vision within the Midwest
• Partner with Rodale Communications and Education Departments to develop educational and published materials as needed
• Complete administrative tasks
• Maintain complete and accurate client and project files, utilizing the team's CRM (Client Relationship Management), document management, and storage systems
• Develop reports of consultant activities as required by external funders and grant deliverables
• Work with Consulting Operations team to manage individual budget and time tracking on a weekly and monthly basis
• Participate in continuous learning
• Stay up-to-date on information concerning certification to ensure internal standards and policies comply with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP)
• Seek out and attend educational workshops, meetings, and conferences as needed
• Complete IOIA Organic Crop and Livestock Trainings within two years of hire
• Achieve and retain Certified Crop Advisor status within one year of hire

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Must possess sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skills
• Must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple project
• Responsiveness and attention to grower needs is essential
• Ability to work well with others is required while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment
• Must be comfortable directly supervising employees
• Must be able to work independently environment while supporting the efforts of an overall team
• Must be able to work effectively in a remote environment
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies is a must
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of crops and production practices in the Midwest
• Working knowledge of the National Organic Program
• Experience working on/ interacting with an organic farm
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Soil Science or related field with 5+ years of farm experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptable
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license
  
  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.

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