Government Contracts Specialist

Jireh Family Farm, LLC.; Durham (NC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jireh Family Farm, a family-owned sustainable farm in Durham, NC, seeks a Government Contracts Specialist to secure and manage government contracts and grants for nationwide distribution of wholesale products.

The role focuses on expanding reach to restaurants, universities, and government entities, emphasizing sustainable practices and community impact. Remote-friendly with occasional travel; collaboration with leadership to implement expansion strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, agriculture, public administration, or related field.
• Proven experience securing government contracts or grants, preferably in agriculture or food systems.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local procurement processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for proposals and relationship building.
• Ability to research and analyze grant and contract opportunities with attention to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts and grants for wholesale products.
• Research and apply for federal, state, and local grants to support the farm’s wholesale division.
• Craft compelling proposals and bids tailored to government and institutional requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, procurement officers, and institutional buyers.
• Ensure compliance with contract and grant requirements, including documentation and reporting.
• Collaborate on nationwide distribution plans targeting large-scale clients such as restaurant chains and universities.
• Represent the company at industry events to forge partnerships and increase opportunities.

Skills

Government contracts

Grant research

Proposal development

Relationship building

Compliance & reporting

Market expansion

Networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grant management software

Job description

Jireh Family Farm, a family-owned sustainable farm in Durham, NC, seeks a skilled Government Contracts Specialist to secure and manage government contracts and grants for the nationwide distribution of our wholesale products, including pasture-raised meats and eggs. This role focuses on expanding our reach to institutions such as restaurant chains, universities, and government entities, aligning with our mission to provide high-quality, sustainably produced food while fostering community and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Contract Acquisition: Identify, pursue, and secure government contracts and grants to supply Jireh Family Farm’s wholesale products, including free-range eggs, whole meat chicken, permaculture pork, grass-fed Black Angus beef, and select rabbit and goat meat, to clients such as restaurant chains, universities, and public institutions.
• Grant Research and Applications: Research and apply for federal, state, and local grants, such as USDA programs (e.g., Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program or Local Meat Capacity Grant Program), to support the farm’s wholesale division, Jireh Provisions Company.
• Proposal Development: Craft compelling proposals and bids tailored to government and institutional requirements, highlighting the farm’s sustainable practices and high-quality products.
• Relationship Building: Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, procurement officers, and institutional buyers to expand market opportunities.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure compliance with contract and grant requirements, including documentation, reporting, and adherence to regulations for food safety and sustainability.
• Market Expansion: Collaborate with the farm’s leadership to strategize and execute plans for nationwide distribution, targeting large-scale clients like restaurant chains and universities.
• Networking: Represent Jireh Family Farm at industry events, such as the Sustainable Agriculture Conference, to forge partnerships and increase contract opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in securing government contracts or grants, preferably in agriculture or food systems.
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local procurement processes, including familiarity with USDA programs or similar initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for crafting proposals and building relationships.
• Ability to research and analyze grant and contract opportunities, with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture and wholesale food distribution is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Work Schedule

• Full-time or part-time, with flexibility for remote work and occasional travel for meetings or industry events.
• Approximately 20-40 hours per week, depending on contract cycles and project needs.

Compensation

• Base salary, plus attractive commission structure for secured contracts, commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based incentives tied to successful contract and grant awards.