Research Fellow | CCOF

Organizational Overview: CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California more than 40 years ago, today our roots span the breadth of North America and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible. For more information about CCOF, please visit www.ccof.org.

Position Summary

The Research Fellow will work with CCOF for approximately 18 months to assist in the development of a new project titled “Roadmap to an Organic California.” The Roadmap is a project of the CCOF Foundation, which is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of CCOF. The final project will be a report that outlines the benefits of a world where all agricultural land in California is farmed organically and sets forth state policies to achieve at least 10% certified organic farmland in California by 2030.

The Research Fellow will report to and work directly with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs to develop the Roadmap.  Primary responsibilities will include conducting literature reviews, analyzing data and policies, convening and documenting outcomes of meetings of diverse stakeholders, and writing final report material. Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to facilitating meetings, conducting interviews, managing project deadlines, and publicizing the Roadmap through communications such as blog posts and magazine articles.

The Research Fellow reports to the CCOF Director of Policy and Government Affairs.

Position Responsibilities:

• Compile and synthesize reports, studies, and literature on the environmental, economic, and social benefits of certified organic production.
• Work with the policy department to project benefits of increasing organic acreage in California.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing team to write and design materials documenting benefits of increasing organic acreage.
• Work with the policy department to research and analyze relevant existing or proposed state policies. 
• Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs in convening 10-12 stakeholder working groups throughout the state. 
• Document and analyze stakeholder working group discussions.
• Based on research and stakeholder working group outcomes, work with the policy department to make final policy recommendations for increasing organic acreage in California.
• Work with the Director of Policy and Government Affairs and the marketing department to write and design the final report. 
• Assist the Director of Policy and Government Affairs with other communications such as blog posts, magazine articles, and web page content.
• Maintain organized files with research, resources, and citations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. 
• Experience in food and agriculture policy. 
• Demonstrated interest in organic policy and commitment to CCOF’s mission and values.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills across diverse groups.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate across departments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze and work with data.
• Ability to bring creativity and innovation to all areas of work.   
• Experience writing reports, journal articles, or other extensively researched documents preferred.
• Experience organizing and facilitating meetings of 5 or more persons preferred.
• Ability to travel, including over-night.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. from ground to waist.

Compensation: The Research Fellow’s compensation will depend upon qualification and experience.

Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until filled.  Applicants must submit the documents listed below to employment@ccof.org, with “Research Fellow” in the subject line.

• Cover letter summarizing your qualifications and interest in the position at CCOF.
• Resume.
• Three page writing sample.
• Professional references.