Spikenard Farm and Apiary
Strategic Relations Fellowship
www.spikenardfarm.org

About Spikenard
Founded in 2006, Spikenard Farm and Apiary is an educational center which offers training in beekeeping, and Biodynamic farming and gardening. Located in west central Illinois, Spikenard seeks to transform 610 acres of farmland badly damaged by conventional farming practice into a vibrant Biodynamic farm organism where holistic research and training may thrive, and where the connection between sustainable farming systems and healthy human development is fostered.

The Spikenard team is working to actively build its capacity to fulfill these goals. Because of its unique position as an emerging center for honeybee research and its location in the North American heartland, Spikenard is poised to make a significant contribution to the future of agriculture. Spikenard’s founder, Gunther Hauk, is an internationally recognized leader in Biodynamic farming and gardening and author of the book Toward Saving the Honeybee. He provides training to groups around North America, and works hands-on at Spikenard with the farming, beekeeping, and educational programs.

Opportunity
The Spikenard Strategic Relations Fellow will have a unique opportunity to become part of the dynamic and committed team formed by Mr. Hauk, his coworkers, and the Spikenard Board of Directors. This team is working to raise awareness of Spikenard’s mission and to develop relationships that will advance that mission. The Fellow will be a part of a vibrant learning and working community, building bridges to the wider community and making a substantive contribution to the organization’s resource infrastructure. It is an opportunity to come in on the ground floor of a significant initiative with a bright future, and to play a significant role in a pioneering agricultural venture.

Tasks
The Fellow will be expected to:

• Work with the Director and Public Relations Committee to identify and research prospective foundation, individual, and corporate donors;
• Research potential partners and contributors and develop relationships;
• Collaborate with key members of the Committee and others to create a resource development plan;
• Develop a network of strategic relationships that will provide long-term support of Spikenard and its programs;
• Handle the logistical arrangements for meetings between the Director and interested individuals and groups;
• Support the creation of presentation materials and website content; and
• Support fundraising appeals, and the subsequent follow-up

Duration
12 months to 18 months (negotiable)

Qualifications

• Energy, creativity, and a desire to advance Spikenard goals and mission
• Identification with and ability to represent this mission in diverse settings
• Demonstrated communications skills: writing, editing, and interpersonal
• Self-motivated, organized, and with a highly developed ability to regulate own work
• Affinity for the unpredictability of pioneering work, and flexibility in adjusting to the changeability inherent in Spikenard’s stage of development
• Ability to be a team player, and to support and sustain a commitment to the various partners in this endeavor
• Comfort with speaking about Spikenard with individuals and in front of groups

Desirable

• Experience with the philanthropic foundation community and granting process
• Bachelors or Masters degree in a related discipline (e.g. environmental science, agriculture, geography, soil science, ecology, etc.)
• Familiarity with or interest in Biodynamic principles
• An interest in being part of a working farm

Benefits
The Fellow will receive a monthly stipend (amount dependent on qualifications). Other benefits, including room and board for the duration of the Fellowship, are negotiable. In addition, the Fellow will have a unique opportunity to learn Biodynamic principles and resource and program development first-hand, laying the groundwork for a career in sustainable agriculture.

To Apply
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please send resume or CV with three references and a thoughtful cover letter highlighting qualifications and interest in working for Spikenard Farm.

E-mail materials by attaching them in a Word or .pdf format to info@spikenardfarm.org or mail to: Spikenard Farm and Apiary, R.R. 3 Box 167, Carrollton, Illinois 62016.

Please, no phone inquiries.