Program Description
Monger / Maker is a transaction platform that creates both the means of connection and evaluation service between small food producers who require comprehensive product feedback with seasoned professionals who specialize in evaluating their specific product.
Monger / Maker provides these producers with evaluation tools designed by their peers with some customization to the maker's needs. We focus on supporting producers who are actively taking part in building a more ethical, equitable, and environmentally sustainable food system.
These businesses typically have limited access to business, marketing, and branding resources because of factors like cost and service location. These businesses work to balance their values and ethics with continued growth and staying competitive with other larger companies in their sector.
Current Program Stage
We are currently running a pilot project for Monger / Maker, testing a “manual” version of the system (i.e. implemented with direct emails, spreadsheets, and digital surveys for data collection and evaluation). Monger / Maker’s initial pilot built an evaluation matrix specifically for cheesemakers. It is now expanding to other foods with the following roll-out plan:
2021: charcuterie and cured meats, pickled goods
2022: chocolate, preserved fish and seafood, and small-batch pantry items
We are currently finalizing our non-profit business plan with the support of seasoned pro-bono consultants and are soon to begin soliciting grant funding for the full program development, which is estimated to take about 8-9 months.
We are at the stage in development where a support role is needed to assist the project manager with the pilot program preparing for full build-out.
Role Description
Ruminate is looking for someone interested in food systems issues and supporting small food producers. An individual with experience in food retail/grocery or other areas of the food industry is a huge plus; especially if they were in a role that was both producer and customer-facing.
The right person would also have experience in research, communications, and social media. They should have impeccable written and oral communication skills and should be able to convey information to diverse audiences effectively while also balancing the organization and project’s needs.
This individual would be working closely with the Project Manager and would need to make themselves available by phone, email, and our communication platforms. We currently use Slack and Google Suite for communication and information sharing and Asana for project management.
Key Tasks
Support In Research: Researching food sectors and their R&D needs
Scheduling and Conducting Interviews: Interviewing small business owners about their evaluation experience and interviewing evaluators on program functionality.
Writing and Drafting Creative Content for Social Media
Customer Support: Communication with registered users (maker and evaluators)
Assisting in Project Management for Pilot
Compensation & Schedule
Ruminate is a fully remote organization. Those with remote work experience are preferred, and those concerned with their ability to maintain creative motivation in this setting should not apply. We are a nonprofit start-up whose entire staff currently works in a volunteer capacity as we grow into a self-sustaining organization. Course credit is a possibility if desired.
Applicants must:
Be available for weekly 1 hour meetings with a strong preference for Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays in the time slot of 8 am - 11 am MST.
Have additional availability on occasion for scheduling meetings for interviews with participants and other team members.
Attend monthly meetings and brainstorming sessions on the creation of evaluation forms for industries as we expand.
Must be able to work independently on projects (8 -10 hours/week) meeting deadlines showcased in Asana.
***During pilot rounds, there will be tighter turnaround times and a greater need to be available throughout the week for email communications.***
Application
To apply, please send a resume, thoughtful and concise letter of interest, and any relevant work samples (optional) to Sam Stroebel (sam@letsruminate.org) with “Monger / Maker Program Associate Application” in the email subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.