January 23, 2026​

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Kansas Farmers Union, in cooperation with NCBA-CLUSA, Common Ground Producers and Growers, and Missouri Farmers Union, announces the intention to hire a Cooperative Development Specialist for the Homegrown Prosperity grant.

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Position Overview – The Cooperative Development Specialist drives the growth, sustainability, and operational success of the Homegrown Prosperity grant by assisting with education and technical support for efforts to develop and strengthen cooperative businesses in rural Kansas and Missouri. The role of the specialist is to support and strengthen the cooperative mission by helping rural communities build capacity, improve operations, and expand business opportunities, including business development, governance, training, and community engagement.  

  

Qualifications:

 

Required:

• Experience in cooperative business development, Agriculture, Business, Community Development, and/or Nonprofit Management, with extensive knowledge of rural communities in Kansas and Missouri

• Strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail and deadlines

• Commitment to equity, sustainability, and community-centered development

• Significant travel will be required

 

Preferred:

• Experience in cooperative governance or cooperative business models

• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and/or rural development

• Grant writing or program evaluation experience

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities

 

Position Details:

• Salary range - $40,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience 

• Start date March 2026 - negotiable with candidate

• Full-time available

• Hybrid position (with the opportunity to work from the Kansas Farmers Union office in McPherson, KS)

• This is a two-year grant position

 

If interested in applying, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references with contact information to nick@kansasfarmersunion.org

 

Application closing date February 28, 2026.

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