Intertribal Agriculture Council Regenerative Economies Program Specialist Remote · Full time

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PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION:

The Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) was founded in 1987 to pursue and promote the conservation, development, and use of our agricultural resources for the betterment of our people. Tribal leaders, in a true expression of self-determination, identified and delegated their representation within the IAC Charter, comprising the voting membership that remains in existence today. This organizational leadership structure uniquely positions the IAC to inform federal policy and program implementation at federal agencies like the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), simultaneously redefining and supporting the rebuilding of self-determined Tribal food systems.

The IAC promotes the Indian-use of Indian resources for the benefit of Indian People. Programmatic offerings have expanded over nearly four decades to include legal and policy development, technical assistance, natural resources management, domestic and international marketing support, and Native youth in food and agriculture leadership development. Informed by the trade routes and food systems that existed on this continent before colonization, IAC seeks to address systemic inequities to better serve Native producers and Indian Country as a whole.

The Regenerative Economies (RE) Program Specialist role plays a crucial part in providing direct technical assistance to Tribal producers, Tribal entities, and Tribal governments. The RE Program Specialist has a background in agriculture, Tribal food systems, natural resources management, community and economic development, financial literacy, outreach, Tribal relations, and/or other applicable areas. The position reports to the Regenerative Economies Program Director.

The Regenerative Economies Program Specialist will report to the Regenerative Economies Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

PROGRAMMATIC CONTRIBUTIONS

• Provide professional and culturally responsive outreach, intake, and direct technical assistance to Tribal agriculture and food system producers following strategic goals.
• Execute program and related project duties in alignment with the standards set by the Regenerative Economies Program and IAC.
• Coordinate with the Communications team in the development of tailored and community-reflective outreach and educational materials.
• Identify and disseminate technical assistance resources throughout the designated service area
• Thoroughly understand and share knowledge of IAC’s history, mission, resources, achievements, current scopes of work, and corresponding goals as identified by IAC’s membership.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with producers, program partners, community stakeholders, and relevant tribal governments and entities.
• Engage in continuous professional development, actively pursuing training opportunities to both stay up-to-date on industry trends and enhance capacity.
• Support the Regenerative Economies Program’s adherence to accountability and reporting measures by utilizing IAC’s database systems and reporting tools, for the completion of both internal and external reporting requirements.

ORGANIZATION-WIDE COLLABORATION

• Participate in the IAC Annual Conference planning process and relevant programmatic offerings, alongside IAC colleagues.
• Actively contribute to the planning, coordination, and execution of IAC events.
• Keep Regenerative Economies Program management apprised of significant problems, opportunities, trends, and developments that affect membership nationally and/or in a particular region.
• Collaborate with IAC staff members and programs to ensure seamless coordination and effective implementation of initiatives, preventing duplicative efforts.
• Contribute to team morale by fostering IAC’s collaborative and relationship-focused organizational culture.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven relationships and 2+ year’s experience working in, for, and/or with Native communities.
• Proven background in Tribal agriculture and food systems, specifically addressing access to capital, financial literacy, farm/ranch business management, and/or agriculture loan preparation.
• Demonstrated passion and understanding for the organization’s mission and values.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment across different working and communication styles.
• Track record of developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written and verbal), and relationship-building skills.
• Exceptional organizational, project management, and time management skills to balance competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, with a preference for experience utilizing Google Drive, Google Suite, and Smartsheets.
• Preference for a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area of expertise, including Agribusiness, Agriculture Economic, Sustainability, Finance, or other related fields.
• Valid driving license and a background that would meet the requirements for car rental for job-related purposes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• It is a requirement that the Program Specialist have strong and adequate Wi-Fi access, to be able to access systems, meet via Zoom or other systems, and operate and communicate effectively overall. Travel on behalf of IAC is required.
• The candidate will be expected to have a home office.
• Primary: Home office.
• Secondary: This position will attend department events in the field. This can include exposure to adverse weather, uneven terrain, limited to no facilities, and the need to come prepared.
• Physical Requirements:
• This position will have full days that will be sitting working at a computer.
• There will be some days where setting up for events may be required. These may be indoors or on uneven terrain and can include lifting and carrying packages up to 50 lbs, setting up tables, setting up canopies, setting up chairs, and doing the take down of these events as well.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job

classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Intertribal Agriculture Council has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the Intertribal Agriculture Council may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.

Consistent with its obligations under the law (including the American Disabilities Act), the

Intertribal Agriculture Council will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.

Intertribal Agriculture Council is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action

employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.