Southeast (SE) Cohort Project Manager – Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN)

Job description: The Southeast Cohort Project Manager is a full-time RAFI staff position that leads a cohort of Direct Service Providers (DSPs) who are helping farmers to navigate financial distress across the Southeast. Reporting to the DBAN Project Manager, this role includes supervision of DSPs, training coordination in concert with subject matter experts and DBAN partners, operations, and event planning (for gatherings and trainings) for a regional cohort within a national network that ensures farmers receive informed, dignified, and timely assistance navigating USDA programs and financial crises.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support a cohort of approximately seven DSPs

• Coordinate onboarding, training, and mentorship for cohort members

• Plan and manage twice-yearly in-person trainings and virtual meetings

• Ensure adherence to DBAN protocols and case standards

• Manage contracts, invoicing, and logistics for cohort operations

• Contribute to evaluation and reporting

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in supervision and project coordination

• Demonstrated experience in planning and facilitating virtual and in-person meetings and group learning spaces 

• Demonstrated experience working in or supporting those who work in emotionally complex or high-stakes environments

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines, stakeholders, and moving parts

Desired skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Experience working in Salesforce or other CRM

• Self-starter: can take initiative both on projects and work plans, and seek information independently

• Experience working in the U.S. Southeast

• Demonstrated experience supporting farmers, rural communities, or advocacy organizations. 

• Experience with USDA programs, farm finance, or agricultural policy

• Bilingual Spanish / English

• Experience with case management systems, data tracking, or compliance reporting

Compensation: Full-time salaried, exempt position. Annual salary of $60,889.00 based on 40 hours/week. Generous benefits package includes paid time off, 401k, medical, dental, life insurance, and long/short-term disability insurance plans.

• This position is funded by a federal grant until June 2027. Grant-funded positions are contingent upon continued funding and on grant renewal. 

Location: Remote (applicants based in NC, SC, VA, MS preferred) Applicants must be within one time zone of Eastern Standard Time.

How to Apply: Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and professional references. We will accept applications until the position is filled. In your cover letter, please explain why you are interested in RAFI and how your experience prepares you to support farmers and advocates in the Southeast. Please no calls or emails.

About RAFI:  Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. We envision a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system where farmers and farmworkers have dignity and agency; where they are supported by just agricultural policies; and where corporations and institutions are accountable to their community.

RAFI’s Salary Rates: RAFI’s salary policy is implemented based on the goals of fair, clear, and transparent criteria for salary rates with clear standards that minimize the effect of negotiation skills or preference. RAFI’s salary policy sets salary rates for positions based on the responsibility level that the position holds. Given this, RAFI does not negotiate salary rates. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: RAFI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation.

Work Authorization: RAFI does not sponsor work visas; this position requires authorization to work in the United States.

Inclusive Workplace: RAFI values an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are deeply committed to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. Research shows that often women and people from underrepresented groups only apply to jobs for which they meet 100% of the qualifications. RAFI is interested in attracting a diverse pool of candidates who want to contribute as a part of a dedicated, hard-working, collaborative team, driven by equity. You need not check every box. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.