Local Food Market Coordinator

Job Description Local Food Market Coordinator

Job Title: Local Food Market Coordinator

Location: Rooted in Wyoming, 5 Lane Ln, Sheridan, WY 82801
Funding Source: USDA Regional Food Business Center Subcontract
Salary: $25,000/year for 3 years

Position Overview:
The Local Food Market Coordinator will play a pivotal role in enhancing the local food landscape in Northeast Wyoming, specifically in Sheridan, Johnson, and Campbell counties. This position is funded by the USDA Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center through University of Wyoming Department of Agriculture & Applied Economics and will focus on increasing engagement in farmers markets and other local food retail markets, supporting local growers, and fostering connections within the local food community to support economic development.

Primary Objectives:

1. Increase Engagement in Farmers Markets & Local Food Retail Markets:

   • Develop strategies to boost participation and visibility of farmers markets and local food retail markets in Sheridan, Johnson, and Campbell Cos.

   • Collaborate with market managers to enhance community outreach, market offerings and experiences.

2. Serve as a Community Food System Liaison:

   • Facilitate communication between local food stakeholders, including the Wyoming Regional Food Business Center Team, Wyoming Food Coalition, and markets such as Eat Wyoming, Cross E Dairy & Freedom Foods, and the Urban Basket.

   • Share best practices, resources, and information to promote collaboration within the local food system.

3. Identify Needs of Local Food Retail Markets:

   • Conduct assessments to understand the challenges and opportunities within local food retail environments.

   • Gather feedback from stakeholders to inform program development and resource allocation.

4. Support Local Food Growers:

   • Identify and address the needs of local growers in accessing expanded markets.

   • Assist growers in navigating the process of establishing contracts with local schools and other institutions.

Secondary Objectives:

1. Initiate Fundraising and Development:

   • Research and pursue grant opportunities to promote local food market development.

   • Collaborate with community partners to secure financial support and resources.

2. Coordinate Special Events:

   • Organize and promote special events to enhance local food marketing efforts at community spaces such as Bridges.

   • Develop partnerships with local businesses and organizations to increase event visibility and participation.

3. Support Beginning Local Growers:

   • Promote the Rooted in Wyoming Incubator Farm and the Wyoming Food Coalition Land Link program to recruit and support new local growers.

   • Connect aspiring farmers to educational resources and mentorship opportunities. 

4. Explore the Development of a Shared-Use Kitchen:

   • Assess community interest and identify potential needs for a shared-use kitchens in Northeast Wyoming.

   • Outline the benefits and activities shared-use kitchens could facilitate.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Food Systems, Community Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Strong understanding of local food systems and agricultural practices in Wyoming.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Experience in community engagement and project management.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Proficiency in grant writing and fundraising strategies is a plus.

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to executivedirector@rootedinwyoming.org. 

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.