Knowledge Mobilization Program Coordinator
About the Organization
The Ontario Soil Network (www.ontariosoil.net) is a dynamic and collaborative organization dedicated to promoting sustainable soil management practices across the province. Our mission is to enhance soil health through peer networks, using the strength of social networks to support lasting adoption of sustainable practices.
As a network of passionate farmers, we strive to foster knowledge sharing, innovation, and advocacy in soil stewardship. Through leadership, adoption, knowledge mobilization and communications programs, we aim to empower Ontario's agricultural community with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions and implement sustainable soil management practices.
About the Position
The Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator is responsible for coordinating farmer network programs, organizing events, supporting partnerships, managing participant communications and support, and reporting and evaluation. The role requires strong project management skills, comfort working remotely, and the ability to travel regularly to farms and events across Ontario.
This position plays a central role in delivering our cornerstone program – the Network Challenge, launching oncoming programming, coordinating outreach activities, and supporting collaborative projects with external partners.
Responsibilities
Program & Network Coordination
- Coordinate leadership workshops, training sessions, and participant meetings
- Support farmer participants in planning outreach and community activities
- Maintain and update program resources and participant materials
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and orientation for new program cohorts
- Work with Network Challenge participants to develop workplans and coordinate events
Community Mobilization
- Coordinate recruitment and events for farmer network programs
- Support development of resource databases and participant tools
- Help connect farmers with technical, financial, and peer resources
Event Coordination (Lead Role)
- Coordinate farmer-led events, workshops, and tours
- Manage logistics including venues, travel, food, registration, and follow-up
- Work with partners to deliver joint events
- Assist participants in planning their own outreach events
Reporting, Surveys & Data Collection
- Prepare reports for funders and program partners
- Design and administer participant surveys and applications
- Coordinate focus groups and feedback sessions
- Track participation, outcomes, and program metrics
- Maintain CRM and participant databases
Communications Support
- Support internal communications with staff and participants
- Assist with newsletters, social media, and program updates
- Help connect communications staff with farmers and partners
- Monitor participant chat groups and respond to inquiries
- Support CRM and database management
Business Development & Collaboration
- Support grant writing with internal staff and external partners
- Attend industry events and meetings to build new partnerships
- Maintain relationships with partner organizations and collaborators
- Coordinate meetings and follow-ups related to collaborative projects
- Support new program design
Thought Leadership
- Contribute ideas to improve programs and events
- Identify new opportunities for farmer engagement
- Help shape future initiatives as the role grows
- Identify your personal areas of interest and growth and work towards your own professional development
Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or master's degree in agriculture, agronomy, agricultural science, plant science, economics or ag business management or a related field is preferred.
Experience: 2–4 years or more of experience in knowledge mobilization, farmer liaising, agricultural research, or related roles preferred.
Specific Skills and Knowledge:
- Agricultural Knowledge: Understanding of agricultural principles, practices, crop management, nutrient management, soil health, integrated pest management, and sustainable agriculture
- Event Planning: Experience coordinating events or community initiatives, demonstrated capacity to coordinate high-quality intensive meetings of 5–15 attendees, and large-scale meetings of 100–200 participants
- Project Management: Project management skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation of projects
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey research findings, support the development of educational materials, and interact with diverse stakeholders
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to collaborate and engage with farmers and agronomists, willingness to make and take phone calls and other informal means of communication
- Must possess a valid G2 driver's license and have access to a reliable car for regular travel to various locations within Ontario
- Comfortable working remotely and independently
- Willingness to travel regularly within Ontario
- Experience in agriculture is an asset
- Experience with surveys, CRM systems, or reporting tools is an asset
Additional Skills & Proficiencies
Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team, collaborate with various stakeholders, and build relationships within the agricultural community.
Ability to identify challenges, develop solutions, and make data-driven decisions to improve agricultural practices and outcomes.
Familiarity with agricultural technologies, equipment, and software commonly used in the field.
Establish and maintain a professional network within the agricultural and research community to foster collaborations and partnerships.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development to stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and advancements in the agricultural field.