Cooperative Coordinator

About Kodiak Ocean Growers Cooperative

Kodiak Ocean Growers Cooperative (KOGC) is the first producer‐led kelp cooperative in Alaska. The Cooperative started as an idea in 2023 and is taking steps to formalize as of March 2025. The coop unites five Kodiak Archipelago farmers who together manage over 300 acres of ocean leases with the capacity to farm more than one million pounds of kelp. KOGC centralizes aggregation, processing, product stabilization, and market development to meet surging demand from premium buyers. By pooling resources, sharing labor and equipment, streamlining logistics, and leveraging collective bargaining power, we strengthen Alaska’s mariculture industry and deliver consistent, high-quality kelp while maximizing benefits for our Kodiak community.

Job Description

KOGC is in the early stages of formalizing as a producer’s cooperative of kelp growers in Kodiak, Alaska. We are seeking a dedicated Cooperative Coordinator to help lay the foundation of the organization. This role is key to launching the co-op’s operations by supporting day-to-day functions, coordinating communication among members and stakeholders, and helping establish administrative and strategic systems.This is a high-impact role for a motivated, organized, and collaborative individual.

This is a 75% time contractor position for a remote employee. Preference will be given to applicants based in Kodiak, Alaska.

Responsibilities

Manage daily operations, including coordinating meetings and events, creating and maintaining internal communication policies, organizing records and  meeting notes, and assisting with budgeting
Collaborate with consultants to develop and implement cooperative bylaws and policies.
Support policy compliance.
Assist with cooperative marketing strategy development.
Serve as the primary point of contact for buyers; conduct outreach to prospective and current buyers
Research funding opportunities; assist with grant applications and reporting requirements
Build and maintain relationships with members, vendors, and partners
Facilitate conversations on aggregation, order coordination, and matching the kelp supply with market demand
Coordinate with the KOG nursery staff on seed orders and outplanting logistics
Support coop members with on-farm activities during peak season, including outplanting and harvest

Desired Skills

Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, co-ops, mariculture, or related fields
Experience with cooperatives, business development, mariculture, or Alaska-based organizations is a plus
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated strengths in project management, research, writing, and decision-making
Proficient in Microsoft Office, G Suite, and basic database tools

Working Conditions & Compensation

This position will be jointly managed by KOGC and GreenWave
This is an independent contractor position (not an employee of KOGC or GreenWave) without employee benefits (e.g., vacation, healthcare, retirement, sick leave)
Flexible schedule with the ability to set your own hours; some evenings or weekends may be required
75% time (approx. 30 hours/week): typically 4 days/week or 6 hours/day
Remote/work-from-home with preference for applicants based in Kodiak. Occasional travel to Kodiak may be required
Compensation: $55,000–$65,000 annually (approx. $40/hour), depending on experience

How to apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 15th, 2025. Please send your resume and a cover letter to kodiakoceangrowers@gmail.com with the subject line: “Kodiak Ocean Growers Coordinator Position”