VAFAIRS Specialist

POSITION TITLE: VAFAIRS Specialist

STATUS: Exempt

LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia- West Creek Headquarters

REPORTS TO: Director, Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VAFAIRS)

THE OPPORTUNITY

Work closely with Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability, and other public and private stakeholder organizations/institutions to address issues that impact the economic viability of Virginia agriculture.

ABOUT US

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) is the largest nonprofit agricultural advocacy organization in Virginia. It was founded in 1926 to support the agricultural interests of Farm Bureau members through a variety of programs and services. It is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to protecting Virginia's farms.

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VAFAIRS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic opportunities in agriculture and rural communities across Virginia. We focus on empowering farmers, agribusinesses, and rural entrepreneurs by fostering sustainable, value-added agricultural development and enhancing market access. The Foundation provides technical assistance, including business planning, feasibility studies, and grant application support, to help producers start, expand, and strengthen their operations. By connecting clients with expertise, resources, and networks, VAFAIRS works to improve profitability, promote innovation, and enhance the overall quality of life in rural communities. VAFAIRS is a Farm Bureau affiliated organization.

THE ROLE

This role supports agricultural producers and rural communities by identifying market and structural changes that impact profitability and growth. It provides leadership, education, and technical assistance to clients pursuing direct and value-added marketing opportunities, including developing business plans, grant applications, and project strategies. It involves extensive client engagement, data analysis, and preparation of professional reports and presentations to advance rural development initiatives. This multifaceted role supports all programming and serves as the face of our organization.

PRIMARY DUTIES

• Assist with the identification of structural changes in the areas of agricultural production, marketing and finance and the rural economy that could affect producer profitability
• Provide leadership and expertise to producer groups engaged in direct and value-added marketing projects and entrepreneurial and rural development activities
• Provide educational opportunities to apprise producers of market opportunities that could improve their income and profitability and encourage producer participation
• Help to motivate diverse clientele pursuing new agricultural enterprises and facilitate development of their proposals whereby producers can aggressively pursue the direct and value-added marketing of agricultural commodities, renewable energy and related niche markets
• Develop presentations to stimulate the participation of private and public technical and financial resources in the development of direct and value-added marketing, renewable energy opportunities, and rural community development
• Conduct client interactions, either in-person, by phone, or through email
• Research, collect, verify, and analyze data from both industry and client information to develop grants and other written proposals
• Work directly with clients and in partnership with other personnel to develop and implement a wide variety of value-added project strategies
• Prepare or modify business plans, feasibility studies, marketing plans, grant applications, and other documents
• Illustrate technical data graphically and translate findings into written text
• Assist with the facilitation and execution of VAFAIRS strategic plan

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• All other duties and projects assigned by the Director of Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation & Rural Sustainability and/or President required to support the mission of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation

• Assist internal staff in supporting the State Fair of Virginia Exhibit Committee

• Assist internal staff in supporting Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Womens Leadership Programs

POSITION

• Entry level

The position will include some, but not necessarily all the above primary and additional duties. Responsibilities will be determined based upon candidates skill set and aptitude

EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE

• College degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience in agriculture commodities/marketing and/or rural development

MINIMUM SKILL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of agriculture production, commodity or food marketing, or financial analysis
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong research, analytical and organizational skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work both collaboratively with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams and independently with purpose and accuracy in a fast-paced environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Agriculture, Economics, Finance or related field

WORK ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL

• Schedule: In Office. After a 6-month probationary period a hybrid schedule may be permitted based on business needs and employee performance

• Travel: Up to 25% travel required to support events and clients, including occasional overnight stays

At VA Farm Bureau, we provide an exceptional benefits package, including ongoing job development and support in all roles, paid training and continuing education reimbursement, medical and dental insurance available on your first day, generous employee 401K contribution, excellent Paid Time off (PTO) plan and more!

Virginia Farm Bureau Companies provide equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, orientation or veteran status.