Program Lead: Berkshire-Taconic Farm Business Accelerator

Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) is a non-profit that provides strategic support to farms and food businesses in order to build a thriving and equitable local food economy in the Berkshire-Taconic region of Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.

BAV seeks an experienced, organized, & relationship-focused person to serve as the Program Lead for our new Berkshire-Taconic Farm Business Accelerator. Working under the Technical Assistance Manager, this person will lead all aspects of the program. A successful Program Lead will authentically connect with farmers, coordinate program partners, facilitate engaging workshops, & ensure high-quality program delivery.

The Berkshire-Taconic Farm Business Accelerator is a two-year professional development program that aims to support established farm businesses across the region. Serving a diverse cohort of 12–20 farms, the program combines in-person and virtual workshops with individualized consulting to strengthen business planning, financial management, and marketing capacity.

Position Responsibilities:

Program Development & Recruitment Phase

• Co-design four annual workshops with BAV program team
• Lead farmer recruitment campaign
• Conduct individual farm outreach and relationship building
• Organize and facilitate virtual information sessions and farmer Q&A events
• Assist with identifying and hiring workshop presenters and consultants
• Develop program materials including application, outreach and workshop materials

Workshops

• Facilitate virtual and in-person workshops including discussions, goal-setting exercises, etc.
• Manage relationships with workshop presenters and consultants

Farm Visits (Summer 2027 and 2028)

• Annually organize 1-2 educational farm tours
• Coordinate farm tour logistics
• General Program Management
• Serve as primary point of contact for program participants
• Coordinate client contracting with external TA providers
• Manage program budget and track expenditures in coordination with BAV staff
• Develop and administer participant surveys/evaluations to track program metrics

About You:

• Direct experience in farming, agricultural business, or extensive work with farmers required
• Understanding of farm business planning, financial management, and marketing principles
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and moving parts
• Experience leading workshops, trainings, or group meetings with ability to engage diverse audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with farmers and agricultural professionals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient with virtual meeting platforms, databases, and basic office software.
• Detail-oriented with strong time management and ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for farmer events and workshops
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) is beneficial but not required

We recognize that knowledge, experience, and potential are expressed differently for different people. We encourage anyone with an interest to apply, even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications.

Location/Travel: This is primarily a remote position but requires travel to the Great Barrington office, events and farm visits within our four-county service area (mileage and expenses for approved work-related travel are reimbursed.) Some evening and weekend availability is required.

Salary, Benefits & Hours: This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $35-40/hour, commensurate with experience, for an average of approximately 10-20 hours per week. Time commitment will vary heavily depending on the stage of the project. 28-month contract starting April 1, 2026. Increased time commitment needed during recruitment (April-Oct 2026) and workshop periods (Nov-Jan annually), but will not exceed 30 hours per week. Benefits: 401k plan with up to a 4% match, paid sick time, and cell phone stipend.

Location/Travel:

This is primarily a remote position but requires travel to BAV's Great Barrington office, events and farm visits within our four-county service area (mileage and expenses for approved work-related travel are reimbursed.) Some evening and weekend availability is required.

Salary, Benefits & Hours:

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $35-40/hour, commensurate with experience, for an average of approximately 10-20 hours per week. Time commitment will vary heavily depending on the stage of the project. Increased time commitment needed during recruitment (April-Oct 2026) and workshop periods (Nov-Jan annually), but will not exceed 30 hours per week. Benefits: 401k plan with up to a 4% match, paid sick time, and cell phone stipend.

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $35-40/hour, commensurate with experience, for an average of approximately 10-20 hours per week. Time commitment will vary heavily depending on the stage of the project. 28-month contract starting April 1, 2026. Increased time commitment needed during recruitment (April-Oct 2026) and workshop periods (Nov-Jan annually), but will not exceed 30 hours per week. Benefits: 401k plan with up to a 4% match, paid sick time, and cell phone stipend.