Arkansas Project Manager-Delta Region

Requisition Number	11-0003
Post Date	3/17/2011
Posting Title	Arkansas Project Manager-Delta Region
Job Level	Manager
City	Little Rock
State	AR
Description	This position will remain open until filled. Function: As part of Heifer USA’s priority program strategy, this position is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction in the development and coordination of a large, integrated, and impactful statewide program to end hunger and poverty throughout the state of Arkansas and as part of the larger Delta Region. The project manager will provide leadership and vision in program conceptualization, design, planning, management, coordination, communication, evaluation, policy and learning. This position will work in teams and in partnership with community coalitions, serving as convener, collaborator and catalyst for the social and economic benefit of Heifer’s constituents. Responsibilities: Develop and direct a large-scale state-wide program through organizing, participatory planning, and ongoing support for the multi-year, multi-partner projects that will improve food access, quality and affordability and generate innovative, impactful economic development opportunities in depressed regions of the state. Analyze, build capacity of and work alongside intermediary organizations at community, state, regional and national levels, building support for coalitions of diverse, common-purpose organizations. Develop partnerships with and among organizations including civic groups, public and private sector stakeholders, schools and universities and public health departments to promote sustainable agriculture practices, the interests of small- and medium-scale producers and consumption of local, healthy food. Facilitate the expansion of markets for locally grown food by working with communities to identify and access new institutional markets, working with schools, hospitals, senior food programs and food banks. Support and develop community advocacy, cross-community and cross-organization collaboration and economic development efforts. Identify and promote best practices in community assessment, strategic planning and implementation, organizational and economic development, community-based financing and social investment strategies. Link community partners with potential funders at the local, regional and national levels to ensure sustainability of their work above and beyond Heifer’s support. Facilitate technical assistance training through needs assessment and alignment of appropriate resources from within the community, Heifer International divisional partners, Heifer’s Partnership Network and/or external technical consultants. Maintain a working knowledge of the latest data metrics, tools and methodologies for measuring, monitoring and reporting on progress toward goals and impacts. Work in collaboration with Heifer USA’s management team, community partners and Heifer International’s Marketing & Resource Development team to promote consistent messaging strategies, public information and awareness efforts. Maintain a working knowledge of Heifer International’s mission and philosophy and participate with Heifer staff and partners to continually shape the strategic direction of the region, national program and organizational focus. Work in collaboration with the country program managers, operations manager and country director to ensure operational transparency and accountability. Help to ensure proper support, monitoring and evaluation of Heifer regional programming and collecting and sharing lessons learned, both within the country program and across the Americas area program. Contribute to the content and strategic thinking of grant application materials in support of regional programming. Prepare and manage a large regional budget including submission of reports, as required by the Heifer USA office. Assist and ensure that project partners submit accurate, timely and complete project progress and financial reports as required. Submit monthly progress and planning reports to the Heifer USA Program Country Director. May perform other job related responsibilities as assigned. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus seven (7) years of experience. Ability to speak, read and write fluent English. Preferred Requirements: Master’s degree preferred. Ability to speak, read and write fluent Spanish preferred. Experience with organizational development and capacity building, including leadership development, training of trainers, networking, staff development and conflict resolution. Experience in grant writing, fundraising and proposal development. Experience in complex project management, developing and advancing work plans, aligning resources, interdependencies, timelines, budgets and deliverables to completion. Most Critical Proficiencies: Knowledge of farm and food issues, sustainable agriculture, poverty and/ or hunger in rural and urban environments. Knowledge of and experience in group dynamics, meeting facilitation and collaborative governance. Ability to consider complex multi-stakeholder perspectives. Experience in organizing and maintaining relationships and networks between multiple organizations. Knowledge of and experience in participatory community development. Self-starter and proven ability to work with remote teams. Proven ability to be a clear, effective, and timely communicator using various electronic communication technologies. Knowledge of and experience developing and managing a large complex budget and project portfolio, in keeping with annual operations. Knowledge and experience with issues of diversity and race with sensitivity to multiple cultures and belief systems. Computer skills in standard office productivity software (Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, multi-media presentations, etc.) and electronic communication technology. Excellent presentation, organizational and budgeting skills. Working knowledge of sustainable agriculture movement, practices, challenges and opportunities. Solid knowledge base of federal, state and local initiatives and policies that impact the farm and food sector, and support or hinder sustainable agriculture. Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to relate to diverse individuals diplomatically and tactfully. Ability to write clearly and effectively both for proposal/grant development and for reporting. Ability to prepare and present documents in a well-designed and attractive format with impeccable attention to detail. Ability to cooperate effectively with all staff, other field personnel, project partners and collaborating organizations. Ability and willingness to work flexible schedule with extensive travel. Willingness to live in the region worked. Physical ability to travel to and walk through project and program sites. Ability to engage in teamwork with spirit of cooperation; ability to adapt to change easily. Ability to work with sensitive information and to maintain confidentiality.
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