The Markets Coordinator will assist farmers across the Midwest region to connect with organic market opportunities and buyers, and work to establish local, regional, and national supply chains, with a particular focus on organic small grain, diverse row crop, and livestock markets. 

The Markets Coordinator will report to the Markets Development Manager and Consulting Director. They will work closely with the Midwest Organic Center Research Director and will work indirectly with the Consulting, Research, Communications & Marketing, Development, and Education departments at Rodale Institute.  

This position will work remotely from a home office. This position will require extensive regional travel with some national travel for events and other meetings/conferences as needed.   

This position is funded through 2027 with no guarantee for refunding. Rodale Institute invests in employee training and retention, aiming for longer-term employment opportunities.    
 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Event Coordination 

• Facilitate events for producers to meet buyers, network with other producers, and learn about processing and marketing channels. 
• Travel across region to consult with farmers about organic market opportunities.  

Provide Technical Assistance, Conduct Outreach, and Build Community 

• Build strong, productive relationships with industry personnel including but not limited to Buyers/Supply Chain Actors and Regional Food Business Centers. 
• Connect farmers and regional buyers (i.e. food hubs, grain chains, coops, etc.) as well as multi-regional buyers (i.e. CPG brands, wholesale buyers, etc.). 
• Develop markets plans for organic full crop rotations. 
• Identify regional organic markets needs and communicate these to collaborators. 
• Ensure farmers are aware of appropriate grants opportunities. 
• Support Farmer and Producer understanding of Processor/Handler NOP rules. 
• Attend agriculture meetings, conferences, field days, and other events across the region to represent the Rodale Organic Consulting Programs and Midwest Organic Center. 
• Support farms and organizations to develop specific priorities around addressing food insecurity and offer services to historically underserved populations.  
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Complete Administrative Tasks 

• Maintain complete and accurate client and project files, utilizing the team’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) system and other software systems as required.  
• Develop reports of coordinator activities as requested by USDA and external funders. 
• Manage individual travel, conference, and education budgets for final approval by supervisor. 

Participate in Continuous Learning 

• Stay updated on organic certification to ensure standards and policies of the producers and supply chain actors comply with the NOP. 
• Continue to develop knowledge of market trends and supply chain conditions. 
• Complete International Organic Inspector Association (IOIA) Processing & Handling Training, if not already previously completed. 
   

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness, Marketing, or related field with 2-4 years of experience. An equivalent combination of education or experience is acceptable.   
• Strong supply chain background. 
• Experience working in sales of organic and natural products. 
• Must possess sound judgment, excellent reasoning, and decision-making skills. 
• Must have excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects. 
• Responsiveness and attention to client needs is essential. 
• Ability to work well with others is required while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment. 
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team. 
• Must be able to work effectively in a remote environment.  
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders is a must. 
• Excellent writing and verbal communications skills. 
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and maintain a valid and unrestricted driver’s license. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on or interacting with organic farms.
• Working knowledge of the National Organic Program. 
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. HubSpot experience is preferred. 
• IOIA training in Crops, Livestock, or Processing & Handling scopes. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.