Program Coordinator, Farm Foundation, NFP

Farm Foundation, NFP is a 501(c)(3), created in 2009 to carry out the programming mission of Farm Foundation, a trust created in 1933 and governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees. Farm Foundation, NFP works as a catalyst for sound public policy by providing objective information to foster a deeper understanding of issues shaping the future for agriculture, food systems and rural regions. The Foundation does not lobby or advocate.

Farm Foundation's 80-year reputation for objectivity allows it to bring together diverse stakeholders for discussions on economic issues and public policies which results in comprehensive, objective information. Through such activities as conferences, workshops and Farm Foundation^® Forums, Farm Foundation invites stakeholders to discuss evolving matters impacting agriculture, the food system and rural regions; issues shaping the food and agriculture sector - from farm to plate.

The Foundation's work focuses in six major areas:

• Agriculture in the Environment
• Energy and Agriculture
• Food, Agricultural and Trade Policy
• Agricultural and Food System Productivity, Research and Technology
• Food Quality, Safety and Consumer Perceptions
• Viability of Rural Regions

Farm Foundation, NFP enjoys a small office environment with a staff of four full-time and two part-time employees in its Oak Brook, Illinois office, fifteen miles west of downtown Chicago.

The Opportunity: Program Coordinator

Farm Foundation, NFP is seeking an energetic, creative, and organized individual to coordinate event management and production. The Program Coordinator will report directly to the Vice President for Operations and will work with the Development Director, the Vice President for Communications and other staff and volunteers to coordinate Foundation activities including: Farm Foundation^® Forums (6 per year; in Washington DC); Farm Foundation^® Round Table events (2 times per year in the US or Canada - various locations); and other conferences, symposia and workshops.

The Program Coordinator role will provide an experienced professional with the opportunity to manage high-quality, signature events from conception to implementation. The ideal candidate will have strong meeting planning or special event expertise as well as knowledge of the issues shaping the food and agriculture sector. The individual filling this role must be well-organized, detail oriented, exhibit sound judgment and critical thinking skills. Additionally, the selected candidate must be motivated, self-reliant, and able to move the process of event planning forward while adhering to set deadlines and timelines. The Program Coordinator will anticipate attendee and presenter needs; and have experience planning large scale events including conferences and meetings, and special events such as fundraising dinners and auctions. Experience developing and managing a work-back calendar from the date of the event, flow chart and other management tools of the profession is essential. The successful candidate will pay attention equally to the big picture/long term objectives of the event, and the details needed to accomplish a seamless delivery of the program.

Performance Objectives

• Work collaboratively with the Farm Foundation, NFP management team to identify program topics and agendas.
• Develop program budgets, monitor and prepare budget reconciliation(s), and complete periodic and final financial reporting in partnership with VP Operations and accounting/finance staff.
• Serve as primary Farm Foundation liaison with program planning and project management committees including Round Table Steering and Membership Committees, Dialogue Project Steering Committee, as well as ad-hoc conference planning committees.
• Collaborate with management, staff and vendors to negotiate contracts and manage site logistics for Farm Foundation events.
• Manage donor-related events in conjunction with the Director of Development.
• Manage attendee registration for all programs, and serve as the primary liaison at Farm Foundation for program speakers, attendees and vendors.
• Ensure that a Farm Foundation event calendar is created and managed, with key event deadlines being met in order to seamlessly present events according to a master long-term plan.
• Serve as on-site event manager for all Farm Foundation events.
• Work with VP Communications and Director of Development to conduct pre-event promotions, and post-event follow-up and outreach efforts.
• Propose and manage other event opportunities to increase stakeholder engagement in the work of Farm Foundation. These may include educational/group travel opportunities for members or supporters; special meetings, etc.
• Update and manage event-related data in Foundation database.

The Qualified Candidate

Farm Foundation, NFP is seeking a focused self-starter to serve as its first Program Coordinator. S/he will have a proven history of success planning signature events, within budget, for 150 or more attendees. Knowledge of agricultural sector topics and policy will add tremendous value to the qualifications of the successful candidate. The Program Coordinator will have the opportunity to work with thought leaders across the agricultural sector; a highly engaged topical industry.

Specific requirements include:

• Passion for Farm Foundation's mission
• A strong focus on customer service and the ability to deliver on promises
• Proficiency with data as it relates to registrations, timelines, budgets
• A Bachelor's degree required

• Strong verbal and written skills
• Ability to think creatively to effectively triage unforeseen issues
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of computer programs
• Ability to travel for work related activities. Travel is projected at 15-25 percent
• Strong moral ethics and integrity
• A strong intellectual curiosity regarding programming within the industry
• A proactive approach to reporting and followup for session attendees, board of directors and staff, accordingly
• Comfort working with CEOs, high-level government officials, leading academics, and industry leaders
• Ability to compare and negotiate vendor proposals and contracts