Address:  Agricultural & Food Systems Support 
1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Salary: 25.00-30.00 

Grade: 20

Closing Date: October 11, 2024

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is currently recruiting for a highly motivated, detailed oriented, self-driven individual to join our Agricultural & Food Systems Support Division (AFSSD) as the Food Systems Resiliency Coordinator. This position will report directly to the Assistant Director.

The position includes program level activities, including collaboration with external partners on food systems resiliency initiatives, outreach, planning, research, materials development, program policy and rule review, industry relations, metric tracking, grant assistance, and managing interns for the program

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

● Manage AZDA’s role in the Southwest Regional Food Business Center program.
● Coordinate the efforts of the Food & Agriculture Policy Advisory Committee (FAPAC). Post meeting agendas, take minutes and maintain meeting records. Work with FAPAC to increase grant funding, build collaborations, organize Arizona Food Summits, re-launch and manage the Arizona Grown program, and other efforts.
● Promote awareness of food system resiliency and sustainability through educational campaigns, community outreach and strategic marketing efforts. Develop and maintain metrics and tracking for resiliency programs and efforts.
● Develop collaborative partnerships with farmers, ranchers, food producers, distributors, community organizations, and government agencies to foster partnerships and align goals to support resilient agriculture.
● Coordinate with the Governor's Office of Resiliency, affiliated cabinet agencies, and relevant boards and commissions on statewide and regional food systems resiliency projects and efforts.
● Serve as AZDA's Tribal Liaison. Coordinate with the Governor's Office of Tribal Affairs on statewide tribal outreach and support programs.
● Conduct outreach to stakeholders and the public on AZDA programs, services, and grant opportunities.
● Research federal grants & other funding opportunities to support agricultural resilience in Arizona with the assistance of interns when applicable. Assist in grant activities as needed under direction of the AFSSD director. Act as team lead for interns.
● Work on creating and optimizing opportunities for trade expansion and foreign market engagement.
● Drive a State vehicle and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
● Awareness of food systems resiliency and sustainability practices, food infrastructure and long-term viability
● Program planning, design, development and implementation
● Local, state, and federal resources and operational parameters
● General budgeting and accounting
● Awareness of tribal history with particular emphasis on culturally relevant approaches with Tribal communities and tribal leaders
● Internship programs

SKILLS IN:
● Project management: planning, resource management, forecasting, project execution, and metric development and tracking
● Meeting and event planning, including public speaking, facilitation, and community outreach
● Business writing and content development, not limited to reports, proposals, memos, outreach materials and marketing materials
● Writing technical reports with precision and clarity, including detailed explanations of processes, methodologies, and results.
● Conducting thorough research and synthesizing information from multiple sources to inform report content. Integration of qualitative and quantitative data into cohesive reports.
● Google Suite and Microsoft Office

ABILITY TO:
● Build relationships and connect with community members, stakeholders, and partners to support Department goals and initiatives
● Understand and manage the complex interactions within the food system
● Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with diverse populations
● Organize and manage competing priorities under time constraints
● Communicate clearly through both verbal and written channels
● Apply analytical thinking and adaptability to address and resolve challenges
● Self-motivate and complete quality work with limited supervision
● Evaluate and implement process and program improvements

Valid Driver's License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Sick leave
Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
Health and dental insurance
Retirement plan
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.27%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at mmeek@azda.gov for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.