Our Initiatives
Leadership Pathways
Food systems work takes many hands pushing towards the same targets to make change happen. That’s why we work to create opportunities for (paid and unpaid) leadership development across a variety of programs.
Board and Community Connectors at the 2025 leadership retreat, after an exercise about accountability.
Staff
Community Leadership & Engagement Organizer
20-24 hrs/week
Ongoing
Compensated
Are you a people person passionate about facilitating connection, having rich conversations, and supporting teams and individuals to grow? If so, join our team!
This role oversees our community listening sessions, supports Community Connectors and Fellows, builds relationships, and supports event logistics.
Priority deadline for applications: Oct 25
Community Connectors
Community Connectors are recruited to represent the interests of community members who have been historically marginalized. They serve as a co-governing body along with the Board, and help direct the how, why and what of our mission.
Connectors help keep us accountable to harder-to-reach food system stakeholders, and support us in strengthening community relationships. They are compensated for their time, and receive professional development support to grow their skills as food system actors.
Community connectors Tim Bryant and Manila Southmavong presenting at the 2025 Food Justice Gathering
Applications and nominations for Community Connectors open year-round.
Board members at the 2025 Leadership Retreat
Board of Directors
The Board helps oversee SOFSA’s operations. Board members are representatives from key sectors within the food system, and board assignments aim to ensure geographic, economic, demographic, and professional diversity in the governance of the organization. The board operates through functional committees: Fiscal, Fund Development, People & Culture, and EIA. New board members are voted in yearly by the SOFSA network.
Applications and nominations for Board of Directors open year-round.
Fellows
SOFSA Fellows work with staff to support the activities of the working groups, events, and certain administrative responsibilities. They receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored skill development.
The 2027 Cohort will Include Fellows supporting our work in:
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Community Listening & Engagement
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Urban Agriculture
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Transportation & Food Access
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Food Justice Policy & Action
Urban Agriculture Fellow leads group discussion at Urban Agriculture Working Group Meeting
