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Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise)

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Job Title: Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise)

FLSA Status: Full Time, Exempt

Reports to: DREAM Program Manager

Work Location: 2121 First Street SW, Washington, DC and On Site with TA Recipients
Compensation: $58,350 - $63,650

Dreaming Out Loud, Inc.

Dreaming Out Loud’s mission is to create economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized communities through building a healthy, equitable food system. We are rebuilding urban, community-based food systems through cooperative social enterprise: increasing access to healthy food, improving community health, supporting entrepreneurs and cooperatives from low income communities, and creating opportunities for at-risk residents to earn sustainable, family supporting wages and build wealth. We believe that all communities deserve equal access to fresh, healthy food choices, but that achieving this requires moving beyond the “access” paradigm to a focus on community self-determination and food sovereignty. Utilizing the food system as a catalyst, we are working to create an integrated pipeline to jobs, economic opportunity, and community wealth-building for our most marginalized communities.

The DREAM Program is a food and agriculture business incubator designed to support entrepreneurs in developing and scaling their ventures. The program provides education, mentorship, resources, and business opportunities to help participants navigate the food industry successfully.

Dreaming Out Loud Technical Assistance services are provided to new/small food and agriculture businesses looking to grow, entrepreneurs with grant or funding needs, businesses pursuing economic sustainability, and entities looking to expand their impact on the local food ecosystem.

Position Summary

The Specialist of Technical Assistance (Food Enterprise) at Dreaming Out Loud Inc. (DOL) ensures the successful implementation and evaluation of our technical assistance services to DREAM program participants and our farming partners in the DC metropolitan region. This role plays a critical part in the collaborative efforts across programs and teams to deliver tailored support to value-added food, beverage, and agriculture business. The Specialist manages data for program evaluation, participates in strategic planning and community engagement, and has a deep knowledge of the local agricultural and food entrepreneur landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Assistance and Program Support

Oversee Dreaming Out Loud’s Technical Assistance (TA) services, involving the DREAM Program, and including Farmer TA initiative.
Act as a coach and mentor to DREAM program participants through relationship building, identifying business growth opportunities, and connecting them with the resources.
Identify and address technical assistance implementation issues, leveraging internal and external stakeholders for support.
Develop a realistic and clear implementation framework and establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to effectively deploy and measure the success of various TA approaches.
Maintain updated, organized, and accurate information about the status of technical assistance supports.

Data Management

Develop data systems and reports to ensure TA goals are being met.
Participate in strategic and operational planning, advising on programmatic priorities and strategies to achieve annual goals with a focus on data and research on TA successes, challenges, and needs.
Work with the DREAM Program manager to develop and implement comprehensive data systems to support long-term program evaluation, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess program impact and drive continuous improvement.
Monitor program compliance with federal and local government requirements related to Dreaming Out Loud's program funding.
Prepare proposals and progress reports and facilitate program evaluation activities.

Program Operations

Develop and pursue TA goals, ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Collaborate with other team members to develop and consolidate resources.
Stay informed on existing and emerging topics and the relevant political landscape.
Work in collaboration with various team members and external stakeholders to carry out special projects as needed.

Required Skills and Experience

3+ years of relevant experience (program management, data evaluation, delivering technical assistance and/or other related experience).
Strong understanding of agriculture and local food businesses. Understanding of the DC metro region’s agriculture and food landscape preferred.
Knowledge and/or ability to learn about the regional food safety requirements, business licensing procedures, and DC government entities such as the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) and the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with all stakeholders and meaningfully engage with the community.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
Experience using software and tools to manage data and complete program reports.
Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
Skilled in inquiring, assessing, and interpreting programs and systems.
Proven track record of working independently to achieve key results.
Passion for social justice, equity, and working with marginalized communities.
Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a related field preferred but not required.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off
Health and Dental Insurance
Monthly Cell Phone Stipend
Transit/Parking and Healthcare FSAs
Automatic salary increases with tenure milestones
401K match up to 5%
100% Employer Sponsored Life Insurance
100% Employer Sponsored Short and Long-Term Disability
Occasional and circumstantial work from home

Flexible work from home options available.

Average salary estimate

$61000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$58350K

$63650K

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What You Should Know About Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise), DREAMING OUT LOUD INC

Are you passionate about making a difference in the food industry? Dreaming Out Loud, Inc. is on the lookout for a dedicated Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise) to join our team in Washington, DC. In this full-time role, you'll be at the forefront of supporting marginalized communities by providing technical assistance to local food entrepreneurs and agricultural partners. Your work will enable these businesses to thrive, helping to create a more equitable food system for all. The Technical Assistance Specialist will oversee the implementation of our DREAM Program, acting as a coach and mentor, ensuring that each participant has the resources and guidance they need to succeed. You'll have the opportunity to manage data for program evaluation, participate in community engagement and strategic planning, and develop innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by our participants. Your expertise in agriculture and local food businesses will be invaluable as you identify growth opportunities and address any implementation issues alongside internal and external stakeholders. Join us in creating economic opportunities and building community wealth as you contribute to the development of a resilient food ecosystem. At Dreaming Out Loud, we believe in equal access to healthy food V and the empowerment of our most marginalized communities. If a rewarding career that blends your passion for social justice with hands-on support of local food enterprises sounds like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise) Role at DREAMING OUT LOUD INC

What are the main responsibilities of a Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise) at Dreaming Out Loud?

As a Technical Assistance Specialist (Food Enterprise) at Dreaming Out Loud, your main responsibilities include overseeing technical assistance services for entrepreneurs, coaching program participants, managing data for program evaluation, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the local food ecosystem. You'll work closely with small food businesses to help identify growth opportunities and ensure compliance with local regulations.