Invitation for Applications
Common Ground Country Fair Coordinator

Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association
Unity, ME

MOFGA Seeks Common Ground Country Fair Coordinator

The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is searching for a dynamic, organized and motivated individual to serve as Coordinator of the annual Common Ground Country Fair.

This is an outstanding opportunity to work year-round on a unique agricultural event, celebrating sustainable living practices in Maine, highlighting organic farming and gardening and vital, local economies. The Common Ground Country Fair takes place each year on the third weekend after Labor Day at MOFGA's home in Unity, ME. More than 50,000 people take part in the three-day event.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of strength in: organizing events and handling many projects simultaneously; managing and working closely with staff, volunteers and committees; verbal and written communication; attention to detail; large budget management; database management; and handling large volumes of written correspondence. Attendance at frequent evening and weekend committee meetings is required. A commitment to the goals and ideals of MOFGA and the Common Ground Country Fair is essential to this position.

Goal and Objectives of the Common Ground Country Fair

Goal: The Common Ground Country Fair (CGCF) serves to encourage the revival of agriculturally-based rural communities.

Objectives: The volunteers and staff of the CGCF work toward this goal by:

1. prominently promoting MOFGA, its goals and objectives, and its role as sponsor of the Fair.
2. designing and coordinating an educational, smoothly operating, attractive, and enjoyable fair that serves as a major fundraiser for MOFGA.
3. promoting local, environmentally sound, and sustainable food production.
4. promoting organically grown Maine produce and good nutrition.
5. promoting a forum for alternative lifestyles.
6. coordinating agricultural activities and demonstrations with like-minded groups.
7. serving as a common ground for a wide variety of organizations and ethnic groups to explore shared values and possible areas for cooperation.
8. contributing to maintaining and improving the quality of rural life, particularly by creating an awareness of the human and physical resources in Maine.
9. actively encouraging fairgoer participation in CGCF activities.
10. having fun during all CGCF activities, while encouraging learning about, enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of our environment.

Job Description for Common Ground Country Fair Coordinator

Title: Common Ground Country Fair Coordinator
Primary Responsibility: to coordinate the Common Ground Country Fair (CGCF), supervising the Educational Programs Assistant and working closely with the CGCF Steering Committee and Planning Team
Supervisors: Educational Programs Director & Operations Director
Work Week: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Additional Work Hours: Evening and weekend meetings and work as needed.

Required Abilities and Knowledge:

- working creatively and independently
- planning, promoting, organizing, coordinating and evaluating large events
- managing personnel and volunteers
- communicating verbally and in writing with staff, volunteers and the public
- managing a large budget
- understanding computer systems including word processing, database and spreadsheets
- understanding issues related to organic farming and sustainable living in Maine
- handling many projects simultaneously
- recognizing operational needs and delegating accordingly
- working well with staff, volunteers and the public

Responsibilities:

- working closely with the Fair Steering Committee and Planning Team to ensure that area concerns are being addressed and met
- coordinating meetings and activities of the Fair Steering Committee, Planning Team, Fair sub-committees
- evaluating and developing CGCF areas and programs
- supervising Educational Programs Assistant
- maintaining communication between Fair committees and MOFGA Staff and Board
- managing budget and fiscal planning of the CGCF
- producing promotional literature including Fair brochures, posters, directories, schedules and articles for Fairbooks
- working with MOFGA's webmaster and the media to promote the CGCF
- procuring and managing goods and services for the CGCF
- organizing CGCF outreach program to Maine schools
- organizing an internship and summer help program for the Fair office
- developing and maintaining a comprehensive listing of guidelines for the Fair and its areas
- coordinating Fair set-up, clean-up, and related meetings
- maintaining smooth operation of the CGCF
- managing appropriate use of non-personnel resources allocated to the CGCF
- representing the CGCF and MOFGA at meetings of the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs
- attending meetings outside of regular business hours as needed
- carrying out all of the responsibilities listed above in accordance with the mission statement, goals, and philosophy of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

MOFGA Mission Statement

MOFGA, formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country.

The purposes of the Association are to help farmers and gardeners grow organic food, to protect the environment, to promote stewardship of natural resources, to increase local food production, to support sustainable rural communities, and to illuminate for consumers the connections between healthful food, environmentally sound farming practices, and vital local economies.

MOFGA is a 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization that welcomes financial contributions and volunteer participation.

Volunteer leadership, the dedication and idealism of our members, and a grass-roots approach to carrying out education and change underlie the success of our programs:

* Organic certification
* Farm apprenticeship
* Technical assistance (phone, mail, on-site visits, publications)
* Common Ground Country Fair
* Farmer to Farmer Conference, farm and garden tours, other outreach events
* Local Chapters
* Public Policy (initiatives in food safety and environmentally sound agriculture)

Timeline

Applications Due: January 13, 2003
First Interviews: Week of January 20, 2003
Final Interview: Week of January 27, 2003
Starting Date: February 3, 2003

To Apply

Send cover letter, resume and references to:

Common Ground Country Fair
Fair Director Search Committee
PO Box 170
Unity, ME 04988

Please do not send applications via email.

For More Information About MOFGA and Common Ground Country Fair

Write: MOFGA, PO Box 170, Unity, ME 04988;
Call: 207-568-4142; or
Visit our website: www.mofga.org