Donor Research Coordinator, Sr. jobs in Lynchburg, VA

About IALR
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through applied research, advanced learning, economic development, advanced manufacturing, and conference services. Driving Economic Transformation is at the heart of everything we do at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. WE discover breakthroughs, create opportunity, grow innovation, power progress, and host greatness. Each of our divisions plays a critical role in preserving and delivering this mission daily.

What will you do?
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), in Danville, VA, is currently searching for the ideal candidate to fill our Value Chain Coordinator position.  This is a two-year grant-funded position that will focus on building relationships between food growers, food buyers and consumers. 

The end goal is to develop regional systems for aggregating, storing, and distributing agricultural products to build capacity within the agricultural industry and allow small producers to access new markets. In doing so, agricultural jobs will be created, and economic developmental impacts will spill over into other industries, allowing more money to remain within the local economy. Additional responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Provides leadership to promote alignment with existing agriculture and local food efforts
• Identifies, connects and builds relationships between key stakeholders across the food value chain, maintaining communication channels and fostering a trusting environment
• Research sustainable systems for aggregation, storage, distribution and marketing of local agricultural products
• Works with partners to build capacity through education and training programs
• Educates farmers and other producers about the specific needs of institutional buyers
• Serves as a leader in thought provoking conversations regarding policy issues that are barriers to building the food system, such as procurement policies and bidding procedures
• Identifies and pursues resources and services to support agriculture and local food system efforts
• Promotes and supports entrepreneurial food ventures and social enterprises
• Serves as a catalyst or innovator to research and test new business models
• Communicates regularly with residents and stakeholders and shares results

Where will you work?
We are looking for staff to work onsite in Danville, VA.   

What do you offer?

• Minimum (2) two years of experience as an agricultural producer, preferred 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, preferred
• Ability to garner support and build relationships among stakeholders
• Must have excellent communication skills, verbal and written, to include the ability to effectively speak in public
• Database management experience, preferred

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Position requires regional travel
• Ability to walk rough and uneven terrain
• Must be able to operate a personal computer and manipulate a keyboard

What IALR Offers
IALR will offer a salary of $48,000-52,000.  IALR offers unique career opportunities in an innovative environment, all to support the economic transformation of Southern Virginia. Eligible employees are afforded excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with lower-than-expected costs and participate in the Virginia Retirement System to save for their future.

How to Apply
Apply online at www.ialr.org/employment.  Interviews will begin as qualified applicants are identified.