Who are we

The Soils For Life is a national, registered charity, whose mission is to support Australian farmers in regenerating soils and landscapes: to build natural and social capital and transform food systems.

Soils For Life is located in Canberra, however Soils For Life projects are conducted Australia-wide.

Soils For Life is governed by a Board and led by the Chief Executive Officer. The organisation acts as a knowledge broker and champion of regenerative agriculture.

We build communities of practice around regenerative cultures and thinking to create and enable strong networks and partnerships. We support a strong evidence base to validate and share understandings of regenerative principles, practices and outcomes. Our holistic and transdisciplinary approach encompasses all aspects of regenerative agriculture including ecological, economic, and social transformation. We create local, on ground farmer support mechanisms including mentoring programs and networks, and we do this in partnership with a range of local and regional organisations.

Our research and development activities include an extensive and long-running regenerative farming case study program which provides interwoven, evidence-based accounts of land manager and landscape change and regeneration. These case studies form the basis of our mentoring and outreach programs together with the network of change agents and rural leaders who share insights and diverse experience. For example, we hold field days, webinars and support local community activities. Soils For Life speaks with an engaged audience across multiple online and offline channels.

Position Description

The Project and Community Outreach Manager is responsible for the effective and efficient management of assigned projects and ensuring that these projects are well governed and achieve impact. Current projects will include the long-running farmer case study project as well as a range of other projects aimed at supporting farmers and farmer groups, and building the evidence base to support soil and landscape regeneration practices.

Working closely with the CEO the position will lead the organisations community outreach activities including field days, webinars and events.

The Project and Community Outreach Manager and project team members are required to travel to project sites throughout Australia in order to achieve project outcomes.

Specific Tasks

1. Manage Soils For Life projects as directed, including the Soils for Life farmer case study project. This includes developing project plans, timelines, budgets, deliverables, milestones, theory of change and impact pathways.
2. Provide support and/or supervision to team members who are managing specific projects or participating in projects.
3. Design and prepare project proposals for project grants.
4. Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation for projects.
5. Design and implement outreach and knowledge sharing processes.
6. Engage with farmer and local community groups.
7. Ensure that all projects not only align with the strategies and objectives of Soils For Life, but also meet donor and grant program requirements.
8. Facilitate and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and collaboration.
9. Work closely with collaboration partners and build strong relationships with these partners.
10. Contribute to a healthy and supportive workplace culture and ensure work safety strategies are implemented throughout project activities.
11. Other tasks as directed by the CEO.

Selection criteria

1. Tertiary qualifications and a minimum of five years’ experience in sustainable agriculture, human ecology, rural development, natural resource management or similar, and experience and strong interest in regenerative agriculture and soil regeneration.
2. Extensive experience in project management (including research and development projects) working with multiple stakeholders across organisations and sectors.
3. Extensive experience in managing staff and project teams.
4. Demonstrated experience in, and conceptual understanding of, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research design and methodology.
5. Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to prepare research reports and papers, and information products for a range of audiences as well as presenting at seminars, field days etc.
6. Experience and proficiency in working with a range of stakeholders including farmers, community groups, industry and government.
7. Proven ability to contribute to an inclusive, safe and healthy workplace.
   

Employment period

The position is full-time. The position can be filled by a suitably qualified and skilled contracted or casual employee.

Applications from experienced applicants seeking to work 3-4 days a week will also be considered.

A position description is attached.