Network Programs and Partnerships Lead - Food Systems Leadership Network
Multiplier
Full-time
Remote friendly (San Francisco California US)
Worldwide
$85,000 USD yearly
Network Programs and Partnerships Lead - Food Systems Leadership Network
Department: Food Systems Leadership Network
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Remote
Reporting To: Executive Director
Compensation: $85,000 / year
Description
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Food Systems Leadership Network (FSLN) is a national peer learning community that cultivates the capacity, relationships, and collective power of food systems leaders working to build more equitable, just, and resilient food systems across the United States. Since its launch in 2018, the FSLN has grown into a vibrant network and go-to resource hub for thousands of practitioners, advocates, and organizations across the country who are driving community-centered food systems change.
Through a diverse suite of programs, FSLN invests in grassroots leaders and amplifies innovative, community-led solutions vital for systemic change. The FSLN plays a unique role in the broader change ecosystem by convening community leaders working across all sectors and scales of the food system to build relationships, share knowledge and strategies, sharpen skills, and forge deeper collaboration. By providing access to resources, building bridges across issue areas, and nurturing a diverse pipeline of talent for the movement for food systems transformation, FSLN accelerates both individual and collective efforts to build a food system that ensures good food, health, and opportunity for all.
In 2025, the FSLN embarked on an exciting new chapter, transitioning from a program of the Wallace Center to an independent entity under the fiscal sponsorship of Multiplier. We are now building a dynamic, experienced network backbone team to shepherd the FSLN during a time of significant change, challenge, and opportunity for the network and the people and communities it serves. The Network Programs & Partnerships Lead will play a pivotal role in this continued growth and evolution of the FSLN, leading design and delivery of core network services and programs, ensuring that FSLN offerings meaningfully support food systems leaders’ growth, connection, and leadership, and stewarding strategic partnerships and collaborations to strengthen movement infrastructure and increase collective impact.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Network Programs & Partnerships Lead will steward the design, development, and delivery of the Food Systems Leadership Network’s core programs and services. These include mentorship programs, leadership retreats, virtual trainings, communities of practice, and emergent initiatives. The role is deeply relational and highly collaborative, as the FSLN delivers most all network programs through partnerships with peer organizations, network members, trainers, facilitators, and consultants to co-create high-quality programs rooted in equity, community wisdom, and shared leadership. This role has primary responsibility for program design and implementation, with overall network strategy, partnership cultivation, and budgeting decisions made in close partnership with the Executive Director. They will work closely with the Network Outreach & Engagement Lead to integrate outreach, communications, and accessibility considerations into all programmatic strategies.
The Network Programs & Partnerships Lead and the Network Outreach & Engagement Lead will work as close collaborators under the leadership of the FSLN Executive Director. As the core network backbone team, together these three staff ensure that FSLN’s programs, communications, and partnerships are aligned, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of the network and the broader movement it is a part of. This small but mighty team collaborates with a diverse group of network members and partner organizations to realize the FSLN’s mission, including but not limited to the FSLN Leadership Council, allied networks and coalitions, mentors, facilitators, trainers, and technical assistance providers.
As a project of Multiplier, this role and the network backbone team are supported by Multiplier’s team of experienced professionals and trusted advisors who collaborate on operations, strategy, and shared learning. This collective approach helps the FSLN stay focused on impact while working within a values-aligned organizational home.
Key Responsibilities
Program Design, Development & Delivery:
- Lead the implementation of FSLN’s core programs, including mentorship, communities of practice, virtual and in-person trainings, and emergent offerings.
- Collaborate with staff, the FSLN Leadership Council, network members, and partners to ensure programs align with and reflect network values and strategic priorities.
- Evolve existing programming and develop emergent programs and partnerships that arise from network and movement needs, opportunities, and innovations.
- Oversee the full lifecycle of the annual Community Food Systems Mentorship Program—including design, recruitment, matching, communications, and participant support. Create and facilitate opportunities for cohort connection and shared learning.
- Partner with Executive Director to relaunch the network’s Food Systems Leadership Retreats, including strengthening the core curriculum, engaging and collaborating with host partner organizations and peer trainers, and exploring a fee-for-service model.
- Be a lead contributor to process design and facilitation of network services, including coordinating and facilitating Community of Practice calls, webinars, and trainings.
- Partner with Executive Director and Network Outreach & Engagement Lead to organize and facilitate member meetups, peer learning exchanges, and other community-building opportunities.
Partnerships, Contractors & Vendor Management:
- Cultivate and steward collaborative relationships with partner organizations, network members, mentors, trainers, and facilitators. Expand and deepen the bench of partners we can work with to deliver high-quality support to food systems leaders.
- Identify opportunities to partner with allied networks and coalitions, and steward collaborative initiatives that bring value to our shared memberships.
- Support the design and execution of partner cross-promotion, joint programming, and collective learning opportunities.
- Develop and manage scopes of work with consultants, contractors, and vendors to deliver program services. Note: Multiplier staff provides significant operational support with developing service agreements, contracting, invoicing, payments, etc.
Network Presence, Events & Engagement:
- Attend coalition and network gatherings and represent FSLN at national and regional events.
- Represent FSLN through occasional public speaking, presentations, and external communications.
- Collaborate with the backbone team and network members to draft and submit conference proposals that elevate FSLN and member leadership.
- Stay informed about innovative practices and emerging trends in local and regional food systems, and keep a pulse on the priorities and needs of network members, partners, and the movement more broadly, channeling insights to the full backbone team to help inform program strategy and design.
Strategic Growth, Learning & Continuous Improvement:
- Lead equity-centered program evaluation approaches that support reflection, storytelling, and program improvement, building on and strengthening FSLN’s existing evaluation framework.
- Develop and refine program management processes, workflows, and supporting tools to ensure smooth and equitable implementation. Maintain organized program documentation, ensuring materials and lessons learned are accessible across the team and network.
- Support grant and proposal development by contributing program data, insights, and narratives; collaborate with the ED to prepare materials for funder reports and engagement.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative and entrepreneurial program architect who loves creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and lead together. They are a facilitative leader, skilled at carefully balancing vision and practical action in complex, multi-partner, systems change initiatives. They thrive in emergent environments where programs are co-created with others and they recognize that strong networks are rooted in relationships, trust, and community wisdom. They are movement-oriented, values-driven, fiercely committed to racial equity and justice, and motivated by the possibility of helping food systems leaders thrive.
This candidate is an experienced facilitator and/or organizer who moves with curiosity, cultural humility, and deep respect for diversity and lived experience. They are comfortable navigating and adapting to change, power dynamics, and the unknown, and at the same time bring strong project management skills and enjoy creating thoughtful processes that make learning accessible and engaging for diverse leaders across the movement for food systems transformation. Colleagues describe them as highly relational, self-aware, and organized. Their integrity, learning mindset, sense of humor, and willingness to experiment will enable them to thrive in an emergent environment where no two days will look exactly the same!
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE REQUESTED:
We recognize that each applicant for this role will bring unique skills, knowledge, experiences, and backgrounds to the position, bringing their own flair to the role. We encourage candidates from diverse experiences and perspectives to apply, and we will be looking for candidates who possess many, but not necessarily all, of the following qualifications and experience:
- A passion for the FSLN’s mission and vision, and a deep appreciation for the unique role of networks in systems change.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, justice, and community-centered approaches to systems change.
- 8+ years of progressive work experience in project and/or program management, training & technical assistance, leadership development, mentorship, or capacity-building initiatives. Having this experience in food systems, community food work, agriculture, or adjacent movement-building contexts is strongly preferred.
- Excellent project management skills: organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Proven ability to design, implement, and evaluate programs involving multiple partners and stakeholders.
- Strong process design and facilitation skills and experience guiding peer learning spaces, communities of practice, or leadership development experiences.
- Skilled at building relationships, cultivating partnerships, and working collaboratively with diverse partners and communities. Demonstrated ability to manage contractors, consultants, trainers, and vendors.
- Comfort with virtual collaboration tools and decentralized work environments.
Workplace, Compensation, and Application
Workplace & Travel: Remote within the United States with regular travel (at least 1-2 times per quarter) for in-person meetings with the team, network members and partners, conferences and other events.
Compensation: Multiplier provides a comprehensive compensation package, including competitive salary ($85,000 annual salary), excellent medical and dental benefits, retirement savings, and generous vacation and sick leave policy.
How to Apply: To apply, please visit our Applicant Portal. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received on or before Sunday, January 11, 2025. Please include:
- your resume
- a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications and why you’re interested in this particular opportunity at this point in your career
Please include a cover letter in your application materials describing your relevant experience and qualifications. We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails.
The Food Systems Leadership Network is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world (www.multiplier.org)
FSLN and Multiplier are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org. Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy.
FSLN and Multiplier are committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or from historically underrepresented communities are warmly encouraged to apply.
The Food Systems Leadership Network is an independent operating project of the nonprofit umbrella organization, Multiplier, a nationally recognized nonprofit with a growing portfolio of innovative initiatives that conserve and protect a sustainable and resilient world (www.multiplier.org)
FSLN and Multiplier are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and accessible application process for all candidates. We recognize that the traditional hiring process can create barriers. If we can support your participation in the job application or interview process by providing specific assistance or accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@multiplier.org. Requests for accommodations are confidential and will not impact your candidacy.
FSLN and Multiplier are committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals who are BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, disabled, or from historically underrepresented communities are warmly encouraged to apply.