Position Title: Farm and Forest Viability Grants Specialist

Reports to: Viability Program Director

Classification: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

Location: VHCB Office in Montpelier. Some remote work possible.

Position Summary: As the Grants Specialist for the VT Farm & Forest Viability Program, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening Vermont’s working lands by supporting the farm, food, and forest businesses that define our state’s character. This dynamic, full-time position offers the unique opportunity to be the "engine" behind vital funding initiatives, managing the full lifecycle of grants and contracts that empower local entrepreneurs. You’ll work within a collaborative, mission-driven team at VHCB, bridging the gap between high-level financial strategy and the real-world success of Vermont’s rural economy.

This multifaceted role is perfect for someone who thrives on organization and meaningful impact. You will support essential efforts in financial management and program evaluation, ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently and that the program's success is captured through insightful data analysis. Beyond the spreadsheets, you’ll have the chance to help shape the program’s future by collecting and analyzing feedback from program participants, drafting grant proposals, participating in statewide agricultural networks like Farm to Plate, and heading out into the field on occasion for site visits to see the direct results of your hard work.

If you are looking for a career that combines professional precision with a deep commitment to sustainability and community growth, this is an invitation to make a lasting difference. As the Grants Specialist, you will be a key advocate for Vermont’s working landscape, helping to foster a resilient and thriving future for our farmers and foresters.

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board is an innovative and award-winning organization working to ensure affordable housing, farmland, jobs, and recreational assets for every generation of Vermonters.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and passion for VHCB’s dual-goal mission, and enthusiastic and excited about advancing thriving farms and forests.

• Demonstrated grant management, including experience with grant applications, management, and reporting. State and Federal Grant experience preferred.

• Previous experience or willingness and interest to learn Grant financial tracking including payment processes and budgeting.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct business with a client-centric approach, including making systems and programming user-friendly, approachable, and supportive for end-users.

• Previous experience with data collection and analysis, with an emphasis on program impact data. Knowledge or previous experience with data management tools and tracking systems, such as CRMs is helpful.

• Excellent writing skills which can be applied to grant applications, reports to funders, and program outreach.

• A commitment and know-how to integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion into program policy, grant-making, and program partnerships.

• Able to work well in a collaborative and team-based work environment.

• Excellent organizational skills which can be applied in a fast-paced work environment, including very strong attention to detail, ability to follow-through on deadlines, and aptitude to manage multiple deadlines and/or projects at once.

• Previous direct work experience with farms, forest businesses, or other working lands enterprises is strongly preferred, though candidates with transferable experience and a demonstrated interest in Vermont’s working lands are encouraged to apply.

• Proactive problem-solving approach and interest in improving systems and processes.

• Proficiency with common office and data management tools, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook) and experience with databases or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, forest business owners, non-profit organizations, and state agencies.

Work Conditions: In addition to regular office-based work, this position requires occasional site visits to agricultural businesses around the state and attendance at in-state conferences. Very occasionally this role may require weekend or evening work.