Program Manager

About OrCAN 

Oregon Climate and Agriculture Network’s mission is to convene an inclusive, producer-centered network to promote soil health and climate resilience across Oregon through collaboration, education, and advocacy. We work with over 900 farm service providers, producers, non-profits, researchers, and policy makers across the state. Our organizational values include Stewardship, Connection and Community, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. 

This is an exciting time at OrCAN as we build out our State-wide Soil Health Network! This position will have the opportunity to lead this network development.  

Position Overview 

This position is responsible for management of OrCAN’s network development, collaborative projects, and communications. The position will require a combination of program leadership, partner collaboration, event planning, and the ability to create and provide resources and information, all for a growing network. 

Skills and Qualities: 

• Strong interest in improving the soil health and resilience of Oregon’s farms and ranches
• Familiarity and experience with soil health principles and practices
• At least 3 years of experience as a technical assistance/ farm service provider or as a farmer/producer, or equivalent experience in managing for soil health 
• Familiarity with Oregon’s food system and agricultural community
• Ability to work collaboratively with partners and also work across differences 
• Be proactive and organized, with keen attention to detail and follow through
• Experience with project or program management 
• Strong written and verbal skills including public speaking and meeting facilitation 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate openly and directly with co-workers and community members
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and social and racial justice
• Experience with organizing events or virtual workshops, helpful 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel), and Google Suite (including docs and sheets), helpful 

Responsibilities

Network Development and Collaborative Projects 

• Build OrCAN’s network through outreach and partnership development.
• Implement OrCAN’s State-wide Soil Health Network Plan, establishing formal partnerships with state-wide resource people, regional hubs, and auxiliary support organizations. 
• Manage OrCAN’s role in collaborative projects with partners including events, meetings, and projects as funding and capacity allows. Collaborative projects will include promoting and engaging producers in partners’ educational events and funding opportunities.  

Trainings and Events 

• Plan and implement OrCAN’s virtual and in-person events including coordinating content, coordinating with presenters, and organizing resource materials. 
• Promote events with support from partners and Communications Assistant.
• Host events, including OrCAN’s 2025 Soil Health Conference, with support from an Event Coordinator, OrCAN’s Executive Director and OrCAN’s Communications Assistant.
• Evaluate effectiveness of trainings and events.

Communications

• Share relevant events and resources with the Network via email, blog posts, and social media with editing and design support from Communications Assistant. 
• Maintain, improve and update resources on OrCAN’s website, with support from Communications Assistant. 
• Identify gaps in relevant information and tools available on a state-wide level (for example research, fact sheets, demonstration videos). 
• Develop, or coordinate with partners on development of, new resources to address and fill gaps.
• Conduct outreach and presentations at conferences and events. 
• Respond to requests for information from OrCAN’s network , referring requests to partners as appropriate. 

Other Organizational Support 

• Advise on strategy and priorities related to OrCAN’s policy work as needed or requested. 
• Assist with fundraising including writing grant proposals, attending donor meetings and drafting reports to funders.

Hours, location and start date

This is a 32-40 hour per week position (based on applicant’s preference), with a desired start date between October 1- November 1, 2024. OrCAN’s staff work remotely in locations throughout Oregon. This position will be remote, from any location within Oregon with reliable phone and high-speed internet and a functional office space. Some travel will be required to attend events, meetings and conferences (approximately 6-10 trips per year). Work related travel costs will be reimbursed. 

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary of $61,000-$63,000 commensurate with skills and experience, and prorated based on 40 hours a week. We have a generous paid-time-off (PTO) and holiday policy. This position is eligible for health and dental benefits. Reimbursement is available for office space and a portion of phone/ internet costs required for the position. 

Supervision and staff support: 

This position will be supervised by OrCAN’s Executive Director.  

The position will be supported by OrCAN’s Communications Assistant.