[Hiring] Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator @Savanna Institute

Role Description

The Savanna Institute invites applications for an Illinois Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator to lead and organize the IL Agroforestry Farm Network, a state-based, regionally-connected network of agroforestry demonstration, research, and community of practice. This position will work to connect farms already practicing agroforestry or at the beginning stages of establishment to Savanna Institute resources and opportunities, other producers, and the larger agroforestry community. This position is designed to be dynamic, adaptable, and community-informed.

The Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator is a vital and valued member of the Demonstration Farm Team (including two other state-based Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinators), whose work centers on on-farm agroforestry demonstration, community building, and education. This position will also work closely with the Technical Assistance, Research, Communication, and Commercialization teams at the Savanna Institute, as well as a mix of other local and regional partners.

• Hours: Limited-time employment (LTE); <15 hrs/wk, up to 500 hrs/yr
• Location: IL, remote
• Start Date: May 4th, 2026
• Salary: $30/hr
• This position has guaranteed funding for two years (1,000 contract hours total), with plans for extension
• This position includes travel support, including reimbursed mileage for personal vehicle use, meal per diems, and lodging for overnight travel
• This position reports to the Demonstration Farm Network Director; written reviews of the Director supervising this position are available by request

Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead the expansion of the Agroforestry Farm Network into IL (90%)
• The Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator will lead:
  • The creation and coordination of a network of IL farmers and landholders practicing agroforestry via farmer outreach, farm visits, listening sessions, shared meals, community events, and online connections (meetings, listserv, etc.)
  • The creation of content for on-farm and in-person presentations, tours, and field days within the network (1-3 yearly)
  • Farmer connection to the Savanna Institute Technical Assistance, Research, Commercialization, Communications, and Demo Farm Team staff
  • Farmer connection to resources and opportunities, both within and outside of the Savanna Institute
• The Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinator will assist with:
  • Building a regional network with the WI and IA state-based Agroforestry Farm Network Coordinators
  • Being an agroforestry “generalist” and “cultural translator”, helping farmers, landowners, and the public understand and become excited about the role agroforestry can play to strengthen their landscapes, economies, and communities
  • Representing the Savanna Institute at on-farm and off-farm events
  • Creation and editing of public-facing educational and technical materials, interactive maps, and other resources
• Additional work includes (10%):
  • Supporting budgeting, financial, and metric tracking, reporting, and other items required through partnerships and grant obligations
  • Participation in organization-wide activities, when appropriate

Qualifications

• Current or former agroforestry producer or farmer working in perennial systems in IL
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills
• Experience with program management (meeting deadlines, timely communication, accurate reporting, task prioritization, etc.)
• General understanding of agricultural and conservation resources
• Willingness to work in a highly collaborative work environment
• Commitment to building equitable and just agricultural systems
• Proficiency with Google Suite
• Access to personal phone and computer
• Access to personal transportation for occasional work-related travel to sites only accessible by car

Requirements

• Have experience working face-to-face with farmers, landholders, or other similar audiences through network building, community organizing, education, advisement, technical assistance, or other similar channels
• Don’t mind traveling by car in rural areas, often
• Enjoy a balance of computer work, farm visits, event planning, and public speaking
• Can track, collate, and dynamically share data and information
• Are comfortable with people disagreeing with you, especially around farming practices
• Are comfortable fielding phone calls, as well as sending and receiving emails
• Find joy in hearing people’s stories, building networks, and finding common ground
• Okay with not always knowing the answer
• Excited about building a new program from the ground up
• Feel comfortable getting a crowd’s attention