HIRING: Appalachia Regional Food Business Center Manager

The Appalachia Regional Food Business Center (ARFBC) Manager will assist the ARFBC Director in working closely with Rural Action, 15 key partners, and the USDA to implement a 5-year, $42.5M cooperative agreement designed to “support a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system.” This Center is not a physical location, but rather a network of producers, food businesses, and non-profit organizations in the following Central Appalachian states: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The ARFBC is a project of the Central Appalachian Network (CAN), which has been building the foundation of this network over the past 30 years. Approximately $16M of the total agreement will be distributed directly to farmers and food businesses in the amount of up to $100,000 to build capacity, increase production, connect to new markets, etc.

The Manager position will handle inquiries and work with applicants for subawards and services provided under the ARFBC program from applicants and participants located in Rural Action’s coverage area. This may involve referring such requests and inquiries to other appropriate agencies as needed, in order to provide a more complete set of services.