Colorado Nonprofit Association

Jefferson County Food Policy Council: Community Organizer

Guidance from the Jefferson County Food Policy Council Director

Check out our Community Organizer Q&A for questions and answers related to this position!

We have reopened this position, it will be open until filled. Priority given to those that apply prior to February 14, 2025.

Overview

Trailhead Institute is a public health institute whose mission is to advance innovation and collaboration in public and environmental health. As a fiscal sponsor of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council (JCFPC), Trailhead provides administrative oversight for the JCFPC staff, who will work most closely with members of their Community Advisory Board. As an employee of Trailhead, the Community Organizer will help to further the organization’s mission, to build a regenerative organization that actively works to reverse historical inequities within public health and within our organization, and to operate in accordance with our organizational drivers of collaboration, capacity, and justice. This person will ensure that a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and equity is incorporated throughout all components of their work.

About the Jefferson County Food Policy Council

The Jefferson County Food Policy Council (JCFPC) is a diverse collaborative in Jefferson County, Colorado composed of community leaders, parents, students, local governments, nonprofit organizations, food and farm businesses, policymakers and others involved in the local food system. Our mission is to increase equitable access to healthy, local, and affordable food and to support a sustainable community food system. The Council envisions Jefferson County as a food secure community with healthy food access for all residents, a vibrant and equitable farming infrastructure, a healthy ecosystem, and a thriving local food economy. JCFPC aims to build community power and leadership to promote policies that advance equity and sustainability within the food system to achieve our mission and vision.

Position Summary

The Community Organizer will focus on connecting across the Jefferson County food system through outreach, relationship-building, and mobilizing members around our policy platform. The Community Organizer will report to the Jefferson County Food Policy Council Director and will work in collaboration with internal and external teams and partners. This position will be classified as a Coordinator at Trailhead Institute.

This position will work a hybrid-remote/in-person schedule with a focus in Jefferson County communities.

Responsibilities:

Develop an outreach plan and materials to expand our membership base to represent diverse perspectives across the local food system

Coordinate and conduct outreach and resource navigation across the Jefferson County food system, including through tabling at events and outreach to local food businesses

Develop and coordinate a new member onboarding process

Identify and track member interests, skills, and priorities to support the JCFPC food policy platform

Monitor and coordinate Council members to take action and lead in JCFPC program teams (collaborative groups formed around sectors, including youth and food pantries, or topics, including equity & justice and community engagement)

Develop a strategy for mobilizing engaged Council members to support the JCFPC food policy platform in collaboration with the organizing team

Develop and maintain relationships with organizations, coalitions, and communities to support active engagement in JCFPC and foster connections and collaboration across the food system

Represent JCFPC at community events and meetings, which requires a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends

Center work in equity and community leadership

Support other staff with advocacy teams and Council development as needed

Skills

Bilingual in English and another language, with preference for Spanish

Experience in community organizing, community leadership and/or community engagement through either lived experience (informal organizing), professional experience, or a combination

Experience centering anti-racism and trauma-informed practices

Understanding of community organizing processes, concepts, and techniques

Ability to problem-solve, take initiative, and be forward thinking in Jefferson County Food Policy Council’s strategy

Proficiency in Google Workspace applications, Canva, Mailchimp, and Zoom, and comfortable learning new computer applications as needed

Ability to adapt communication style to meet the needs of a variety of internal and external stakeholders

Keen networking and facilitation skills

Demonstrated work history of coordinating and completing tasks independently and on time

Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, able to resolve issues directly as they arise through the practice of ethical communication

Key Characteristics

Ensures community leadership in all JCFPC strategies and actions

Builds power among communities to urge social, economic, and racial justice throughout Council structure and work

An active collaborator who meets people where they are and connects with people across a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and interests

Honors the live experiences of others in work and decision making

Deeply connected to Jefferson County preferred. This may include relationships with community members, organizations, and leaders

Ability to focus, adapt and thrive in a hybrid remote work environment

Open to new ideas and willing to step outside of one’s comfort zone, fail, learn from mistakes, and maintain a continuous improvement mentality

Commitment to the mission, vision, values, drivers and strategic direction of the Jefferson County Food Policy Council and of Trailhead Institute

Don’t check off every box in the requirements and skills listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities – such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color – are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

This is a full-time, exempt position. This is a hybrid position with preference given to candidates based in Jefferson County due to the need for local travel. All business is conducted in Mountain Standard Time.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range for this position is $58,700-62,000. Trailhead Institute offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation and sick time (prorated for part-time employees), health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, a free RTD EcoPass, and a 401k with a 100% employer match up to 10% of compensation.

The salary for this position is provided by limited-term funding. If the funding ends, the position may be discontinued, and there is no guarantee for future employment with Trailhead Institute.

License and Proof of Insurance Requirement

If you will be using a personal vehicle to drive yourself for Trailhead Institute business, you must provide a valid driver license and proof of insurance. While access to reliable transportation is a must, having a driver license and/or personal vehicle is not a requirement for employment with Trailhead Institute.

To Interview Us

Three optional office hours were held during the initial two-week application period. This offers an opportunity to schedule a 15 minute call and ask any questions regarding the job announcement and/or about Trailhead. Participation is optional in this non-interview portion of the process and won’t impact your consideration for the role. We have reopened the position and will not have additional office hours. Check out our Community Organizer Q&A for questions and answers related to this position!

To Apply

Please apply online. You will be asked to upload your resume and job references. You will be given the opportunity to complete 5 questions in lieu of a cover letter. Any information that identifies your age, birth date, or dates of schooling can be redacted.

We have reopened this position. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but full consideration will be given to applications completed and received before February 14, 2025. Only electronic submissions are accepted.

This position includes work with youth and/or vulnerable populations; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.

Trailhead Institute is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, sex, race, color, veteran status, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or national origin. Trailhead Institute welcomes applications from all communities, educational backgrounds and life experiences.

This position includes work with youth and/or vulnerable populations and fiscal management; therefore, we will be conducting a background check as a condition of employment. Please note that results from this background check will not immediately disqualify your application without a conversation.