Data Stewardship and Reporting Coordinator in Ames, Iowa at Practical Farmers of Iowa

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Data Stewardship and Reporting Coordinator

About PFI

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities.

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates.

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission.

About the Position

We are seeking a data stewardship and reporting coordinator to join the team at PFI that ensures data structures and program operations run smoothly and efficiently.

The data stewardship and reporting team is part of PFI’s farm viability department, which provides innovative, personalized support to help farmers achieve their goals. The work of this department is diverse and far-reaching. It includes partnering with farmers to adopt new on-farm practices, developing markets, making key connections across the food and agriculture supply chain – and more.

As part of this work, we offer a wide range of cost-share, business, risk management and other farm viability programs that together serve thousands of farmers and landowners in Iowa and surrounding states. The data stewardship and reporting team plays a vital role by delivering seamless data systems that support farm viability staff and program participants, as well as other PFI operations.

Members of this team work independently but also collaboratively depending on the project or task at hand. The data stewardship and reporting coordinator has varied responsibilities, which contribute to a great learning environment and a different workflow each day.

Duties

• Implement cost-share data management protocols to ensure cost-share data is organized and programs run efficiently
• Organize and record information from incoming and current cost-share participants, PFI members and contacts into PFI’s CRM and project management software
• Prepare materials and information required for measuring, reporting and verifying program data for funders and partners, including maps reporting
• Design and implement data management and collection tools for cost-share and farm viability programs
• Analyze cost-share and farm viability program data and report results to funders and partners
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects.

Required Qualifications and Characteristics

• Experience working within databases or project management software
• Experience with successfully navigating complex administrative processes
• A customer service-focused attitude and strong communication skills
• Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Time management and work planning skills – such as the ability to prioritize, triage and plan ahead
• An ability to develop and manage a detailed schedule and work plan with little oversight
• Experience reviewing documentation to determine compliance with administrative processes
• An ability to learn and adapt quickly to different processes and software programs
• Self-motivated and able to initiate communication with farmers, partners and other collaborators
• Efficient and effective in fast-paced environments
• Able to give and take feedback constructively
• Dependable and able to work independently and with a team
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics

• Familiarity with basic agronomics, field crops and farm systems
• Two years of professional experience
• Experience with agronomic reporting, FSA maps or federal grant reporting
• Phone banking (or otherwise making large volumes of outbound phone calls)

This is a full-time position with potential for hybrid work. There is a minimum requirement of one day per month at the Ames, Iowa, office and seasonal travel around Iowa and surrounding states. The beginning salary range for this position is $46,000-$53,000 with annual opportunity for salary increases and position advancement.

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 5% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment.

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse or dependent health insurance, stipends for remote workers and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.

Please apply by completing an application (including contact information, cover letter, resume and references). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.