Multinational Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (www.mesaprogram.org) seeks an Event Planning and Member Resources intern to assist staff with MESA event logistics (November exit seminar week and fundraiser dinner) and research/develop resources for our participating U.S. Host farms and international Stewards. The internship requires a minimum of two days per week (at least 1.5 in office) and six-month commitment.
Background Information:
MESA connects farmers and food activists around the world for hands-on training cross-cultural exchange programs. Training is based on ecological production practices and innovative marketing models to stregnthen sustainable local food systems worldwide. MESA facilitates seasonal programs for international farmers and food activists (aka Stewards) to live and train at farms, education centers, and businesses promoting sustainable and ecological agriculture. Hosts are production farms of various scales, agroecology education centers, urban agriculture programs, and related industries. Stewards currently hail from Ecuador, Ghana, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and recently, the U.S. for vocational training opportunities in transitional, organic, biodynamic and sustainable agriculture, as well as processing, distribution and marketing. A blended fund development model helps MESA provide small seeds grants for Steward alumni to implement Home Country Projects in their communities and for on-farm projects called SPRIGs (Sustainable Projects Recognizing Innovative Growers) that add value and sustainability to training site. MESA partners with international NGOs and universities across the globe to connect with steward applicants and provide support services for alumni upon return home.
MESA hosts an annual Exit Seminar week for stewards who have completed their training in the U.S. Although a general plan for the week is established, each year we explore new activities and excursion options for the group. This year MESA will hold its 8th Annual Cultural Cuisine Celebration during this Exit Seminar week. The dinner has grown in the past four years to be a larger-scale fundraiser open to MESA supporters, hosts and friends. MESA is working to develop this dinner event further to involve local restaurants and partner with event vendors with interests in sustainable agriculture and international projects.
Description:
The intern will collaborate and/or lead planning of some of our most important events of the year- Exit Seminar week and Cultural Cuisine Celebration. The intern will work with MESA Staff and Board Members in planning and executing the events including, but not limited to, coordination of in-kind donations, management of the event budget, group travel logistics, group activities in San Francisco, research of appropriate event venue and location, outreach for restaurant catering, and organization of event volunteers and entertainment. The intern will also work in collaboration with MESA’s Executive Director and Program Director to support MESA’s efforts in cultivating steward and host services including, steward and host communications, social media maintenance and outreach, newsletter and marketing research and development. This is a great opportunity for an intern to get hands-on experience with inter-workings of a small non-profit and gain skills in communications, outreach, marketing, and event planning.
Timeframe:
16 hours/week for 6 months. Start date flexible- June through November. Must be available for the weeks of November 4-10 and 11-17.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead, assist and direct planning of events for large groups (55-100 individuals)
- Research and coordination with event venue
- Outreach to food vendors, restaurants, and in-kind donors
- Help arrange schedule and travel logistics for MESA Staff and Stewards
- Management of event budget
- Timely coordination with all event vendors, MESA Staff and Board
- Management of event day volunteer crew
- Participate in the pre- preparation and post- analysis of the event, help asses opportunities and make recommendations for future improvements
- Steward resource development on MESA webpage and social media platforms
- Social media (facebook and twitter) maintenance and event-related outreach
- Web content and email marketing of events
Compensation:
Unpaid. Commute reimbursement to/from Berkeley office for local Bay Area residents. Reimbursement for any event-related travel costs (i.e. donation pick-ups, vendor visits, etc.).
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate possesses excellent communications skills in English (Spanish a plus), is highly organized, and is proficient in Excel, Word and Google Docs. S/he is detail oriented and can coordinate between multiple parties in a timely manner. Familiarity with the San Francisco Bay Area and previous experience in event planning is highly recommended.
Application instructions:
To apply please send a cover letter and resume (writing sample optional). Applications may be submitted immediately. We will close the search when we find the right candidate.
Mail to:
Leah Atwood
Program Director
leah@mesaprogram.org
