Full-time, permanent senior position

Background:
Food First, the City of Oakland and various community-based organizations (CBOs) are collaborating to build greater food security and a sustainable city food system by the establishment of an Oakland Food Policy Council (OFPC) to advance public policies that favor locally-owned neighborhood food systems.

The Food Policy Council will seek to: increase food security, build greater public health, support local agriculture, promote energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, protect environmental resources, promote a “closed-loop” food system, promote local economic development, and increase public “food literacy.”

The Food Policy Council Coordinator should provide structure, vision, and direction for the Council. The Food Policy Council Coordinator will engage government, communities and the private sector in Oakland to develop a strategic plan for a sustainable food system; will actively advocate for and support implementation of new and existing food policies and programs, will raise funds for the OFPC.

Principal duties:

• Will work closely with the City of Oakland, Alameda County, the HOPE Collaborative and local CBOs to establish the Oakland Food Policy Council as an inclusive social mechanism for advancing healthy, vibrant and sustainable food systems in Oakland.
• Consult with Oakland neighborhood associations, local CBOs, the HOPE Collaborative, city, county and state offices to determine the best policies and actions for a fair, sustainable, economically vibrant food system for Oakland; 
• Develop annual Strategic Plan for Oakland’s food system development, in consultation with neighborhoods, CBOs, the HOPE Collaborative, the private sector and government offices.
• Draft papers and reports for the Oakland City Council regarding policies and actions to advance the Strategic Plan;
• Serve as a liaison between different actors and institutions in the Oakland Food System
• Formulate a 3-year budget and raise funds for the full operation of the OFPC

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be extensively familiar with urban food systems, poverty, food security, and health and food justice issues. They will possess excellent networking, community relations and writing skills. Leadership, self-motivation and the ability to coordinate work with collaboratives, neighborhood groups, and government officials a must. Prior work experience will include 5 years minimum: 

• Working in Bay Area food systems within the city, county, CBO, or private sector.
• Policy analysis, formulation and development
• Community development (food, health, youth, housing, etc.)
• Fundraising

Salary commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:
Please send email your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and a writing sample to

For further background information see the 2006 Oakland Food Assessment http://oaklandfoodsystem.pbwiki.com/  or visit our website at http://www.foodfirst.org.