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Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator
Organic Farming Research Foundation

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The mission of the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is to foster the improvement
and widespread adoption of organic farming systems. OFRF envisions a future where organic
farming is the leading form of agriculture. Since our founding in 1990, OFRF has sponsored
organic farming research, education, and outreach to support organic and transitioning farmers
across North America. This work is complemented by efforts to share our findings with policy
makers, agricultural institutions, and federal agencies to support broader change and advance the
organic sector.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The OFRF Program Coordinator is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt position based out of our
Santa Cruz, CA office. The Program Coordinator reports to the Education & Research Program
Manager.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Administer OFRF’s research grant making program, including outreach, grant
    application processing, and facilitating and compiling the Board’s review and
    scoring of proposals.
  • Assess and track the impact of OFRF research projects by maintaining and strengthening
    relationships with OFRF-funded researchers, past and present. Maintain a searchable
    tracking system of past and present OFRF-funded projects in our online database.
  • Support implementation of a variety of research and educational projects, such as
    building collaborations and engagement with external partners, assisting with
    curriculum development, doing online research, organizing datasets, scheduling
    meetings and conference calls, etc.
  • Perform outreach to disseminate the results of OFRF-funded research and increase
    awareness of best organic practices, including writing blogs and creating
    promotional materials.
  • Create communication and outreach materials to promote the use of our research and
    education materials, and increase attendance at OFRF events.
  • Organize and coordinate research and education events, such as our annual research
    forum, including managing calls for abstracts, coordinating scholarship awards, and
    organizing materials and event logistics.
  • Represent OFRF at conferences and events, and support stakeholder outreach.
  • Other tasks, as assigned by your supervisor.

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field
  • A minimum of two years of experience working in agriculture, community education and
    outreach, or a related field
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines
  • Proficiency with Mac and PC and common software applications and
    communication programs/platforms
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills (including visual
    presentations)
  • Excellent attention to detail and critical thinking skills
  • Ability to handle and track multiple fast-paced projects at a time
  • Ability to work and communicate professionally with a diverse group of
    individuals under strict timelines to accomplish goals
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of organic agriculture principles and practices is a plus

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

OFRF offers a full range of benefits, and a great work environment. We look for co-workers
who can have fun while working as hard as we do for a cause we love. Compensation fort the
Program Coordinator position starts at $21-24 per hour, depending on experience.

TO APPLY

Submit your complete packet with “Program Coordinator” in subject line via email to: jobs@ofrf.org

All qualified applicants should submit:

  • A cover letter stating your interest and qualifications.
  • A resume outlining your skills and experience.

Please visit www.ofrf.org to learn more about the Organic Farming Research Foundation.
Organic Farming Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

By |2020-01-31T19:12:50-05:00January 31st, 2020|Uncategorized|

Lauren Snyder

Science Advisor

Lauren is a scientist dedicated to promoting organic agriculture and developing sustainable food systems. She discovered her passion for agroecology as an undergraduate at Boston University where she collaborated on a research project evaluating the ecosystem services provided by bats in organic pecan orchards. It was here that she became curious about where our food comes from and how agricultural production practices affect the environment and human health.

Since then, she has conducted research around the globe, working with small-holder farmers in Sri Lanka, Kenya, and the U.S. Throughout her PhD., she worked closely with local organic farmers in NY State to design applied research evaluating the environmental, nutritional, and economic outcomes of diversified agricultural practices. A primary objective was to evaluate the potential for crop varietal mixtures to mitigate the need for pesticides by increasing natural pest control services and maximize growers’ profits by reducing production costs associated with mixed species plantings.

Lauren holds a B.A. in Ecology & Conservation Biology from Boston University and completed her PhD. in agroecology and sustainable food systems at Cornell University. In her free time, she loves enjoying the outdoors with her husband and their dog, cooking delicious food for friends and family, and teaching Zumba.

By |2021-10-06T23:14:48-04:00December 15th, 2019|Uncategorized|

2016 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA)

This 2016 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) report provides comprehensive recommendations for future investment in organic agricultural research. These recommendations are based on the Organic Farming Research Foundation’s 2015 survey of organic farmers, nationwide listening sessions with organic farmers, and a review of key documents and recommendations from other organizations, including the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The 2015 Organic Farmer Survey was conducted online and completed by over 1,000 organic farmers. Their responses directly inform our top recommendations for organic research.

Photo of cover of the National Organic Research Agenda 2016 report
By |2026-03-02T11:43:17-05:00September 24th, 2019|Advocacy, On-Farm Research, Uncategorized|

Darryl Wong

Executive Director, Center for Agroecology

Former OFRF Board Secretary / Vice Chair

Darryl Wong recently began his tenure in the newly created executive director role at the Center for Agroecology (CfA) in the summer of 2022. Previously, he was the CfA Research Lands Manager, a position he had held since 2013. Darryl has worked across the center’s production, education, and research programs, co-managing 10 acres of production fields, instructing beginning farmer and undergraduate agroecology courses, and collaborating on faculty field research.  He is concurrently completing his Ph.D. in the Environmental Studies Department, focusing on soil health, regenerative agriculture and organic no-till systems in California.  Darryl has farmed for over 15 years and spent 6 years owning and operating a diversified organic farm North of Santa Cruz.

By |2026-07-30T08:49:34-04:00October 5th, 2018|Uncategorized|
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