Agricultural and Energy Program Specialist

About Us: Cooperative Development Services is a nonprofit regional cooperative development center with a mission of supporting new and established cooperative enterprises in MN, WI, and IA, along with operating a nationwide fiscal sponsorship program. Based in Eagan, MN, our small but mighty team works enthusiastically to promote and strengthen the cooperative economy in the Upper Midwest and beyond. Position Overview: CDS seeks an Agricultural and Energy Program Specialist to lead our development work with farmers and rural communities throughout the region. In its first year, this unique, dual-role position will combine distributed wind energy outreach (50%) with agricultural cooperative development (50%). Cooperative development work will support established and emerging farmer-owned co-ops in MN, IA, and WI, as well as other agriculture and producer focused initiatives. Distributed wind project work will involve outreach and stakeholder engagement with farmers and rural businesses in Minnesota about distributed wind energy development, as part of a National Renewable Energy Lab funded project administered by the Minnesota Farmers Union. The role will evolve over time to focus primarily on rural cooperative development while maintaining energy programming components. Key Responsibilities: Distributed Wind Outreach (50%)

• Organize events in Minnesota connecting farmers with distributed wind resources
• Gather market feedback on distributed wind barriers and opportunities from a range of stakeholders
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings with varied interest groups and coordinate staff and funder engagement
• Navigate complex energy policy discussions and foster productive dialogue among different stakeholder viewpoints
• Collect and report program metrics and stakeholder insights
• Coordinate closely with Minnesota Farmers Union to meet project objectives

Agricultural Cooperative Development (50%)

• Provide a range of technical assistance to startup and established agricultural co-ops and producer groups
• Identify funding opportunities for cooperative development projects and work with colleagues to secure funding
• Conduct feasibility studies and business planning for agricultural co-ops in MN, IA, and WI
• Educate farmers and others about cooperative business models

Both Components

• Travel throughout region for stakeholder meetings and events
• Prepare required reporting for funders
• Work with senior development advisor for mentorship and program development

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, business, rural development, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in agricultural outreach, cooperative development, or rural engagement
• Understanding of agriculture and cooperative business models
• Strong facilitation and communication skills
• Experience with business planning
• Willingness to travel regularly in the region

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with renewable energy projects
• Demonstrated capacity to establish relationships in agricultural/cooperative communities
• Business technical assistance delivery background
• Grant writing and program development experience
• Entrepreneurial mindset and interest in working actively with CDS leadership to build programming and expand organizational capacity

Work Environment:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Primarily remote with some in-state travel
• Friendly, collegial, and supportive work culture

Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual salary: $72,000-$77,000 depending on qualifications
• Benefits include employer contribution to health insurance, disability, PTO, and 401K contributions after 1 year
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Professional development opportunities, including cooperative sector trainingMentorship with experienced cooperative development practitioners

Application Process: To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Leslie Watson, [email protected] with the subject line "Ag & Energy Program Specialist." In your cover letter, please address:

• Your experience with agricultural outreach, cooperative development, or rural community engagement
• Your interest in and understanding of cooperative business models
• Your interest in renewable energy or energy programs
• Your experience managing multi-faceted projects or juggling diverse responsibilities

Priority will be given to applications received by October 14, 2025. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled, with a target start date of November 5, 2025. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job