About the Role
Jireh Family Farm, a family-owned sustainable farm in Durham, NC, seeks a skilled Government Contracts Specialist to secure and manage government contracts and grants for the nationwide distribution of our wholesale products, including pasture-raised meats and eggs. This role focuses on expanding our reach to institutions such as restaurant chains, universities, and government entities, aligning with our mission to provide high-quality, sustainably produced food while fostering community and environmental stewardship.
Requirements
Responsibilities
Contract Acquisition: Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts and grants to supply Jireh Family Farm’s wholesale products, including free-range eggs, whole meat chicken, permaculture pork, grass-fed Black Angus beef, and select rabbit and goat meat, to clients such as restaurant chains, universities, and public institutions.
Grant Research and Applications: Research and apply for federal, state, and local grants, such as USDA programs (e.g., Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program or Local Meat Capacity Grant Program), to support the farm’s wholesale division, Jireh Provisions Company.
Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals and bids tailored to government and institutional requirements, highlighting the farm’s sustainable practices and high-quality products.
Relationship Building: Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, procurement officers, and institutional buyers to expand market opportunities.
Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with contract and grant requirements, including documentation, reporting, and adherence to regulations for food safety and sustainability.
Market Expansion: Collaborate with the farm’s leadership to strategize and execute plans for nationwide distribution, targeting large-scale clients like restaurant chains and universities.
Networking: Represent Jireh Family Farm at industry events, such as the Sustainable Agriculture Conference, to forge partnerships and increase contract opportunities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Proven experience in securing government contracts or grants, preferably in agriculture or food systems.
Strong understanding of federal, state, and local procurement processes, including familiarity with USDA programs or similar initiatives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for crafting proposals and building relationships.
Ability to research and analyze grant and contract opportunities, with attention to detail and deadlines.
Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and wholesale food distribution is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management software.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Work Schedule
Full-time or part-time, with flexibility for remote work and occasional travel for meetings or industry events.
Approximately 20-40 hours per week, depending on contract cycles and project needs.
Compensation
Base salary, plus attractive commission structure for secured contracts, commensurate with experience.
Performance-based incentives tied to successful contract and grant awards.
About the Company
Jireh Family Farm, a family-owned sustainable farm in Durham, NC, seeks a skilled Government Contracts Specialist to secure and manage government contracts and grants for the nationwide distribution of our wholesale products, including pasture-raised meats and eggs. This role focuses on expanding our reach to institutions such as restaurant chains, universities, and government entities, aligning with our mission to provide high-quality, sustainably produced food while fostering community and environmental stewardship.