Apply for Job Job ID362424 LocationAll Other -See Job Description Job FamilyEducation-General Full/Part TimeFull-Time Regular/TemporaryRegular Job Code9745S1 Employee ClassAcad Prof and Admin Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job About the Job Working Title:Program Associate, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Appointment: Full-time, Education Program Specialist 1 (9745S1), P&A Office Location:Extension Regional Office, to be negotiated Salary Range:Estimated annual salary range; $60,000 - $70,000; Depending on qualifications Reports to:Director, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Apply By:August 16, 2024 BACKGROUND The UMN Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) are a program of the University of Minnesota Extension. Community-driven University partnerships based in five regions throughout Greater Minnesota work to foster active community leadership, achieve sustainable development (focusing on natural resources, clean energy, sustainable agriculture and food systems and resilient communities), and create a vital relationship between the community members of the State and their land grant university. For over 25 years, the RSDPs have worked with communities to build sustainablefood systems.. An example of a project is the USDA NIFA-funded project entitled, Building a Bidirectional Supply Chain for Farm to Rural Grocery to Wholesale. The project is developing operational systems and logistics to enable farmers to sell products through mainstream wholesale distribution systems by utilizing their local rural grocery stores. The project requires networking and relationship building with University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students; farmers and producers; rural grocery store owners; and grocery and produce wholesalers throughout the state. See more information about the RSDP http://www.extension.umn.edu/rsdp/ and Extension http://www.extension.umn.edu/ PURPOSE OF THE POSITION This position will contribute to current RSDP projects and programs addressing issues such as: rural grocery stores, food policy, aggregation and distribution, marketing and merchandising for farmers and retailers, winter production, supply chains and logistics, and other areas of interest to small- and medium-sized farmers in Minnesota. This position also provides leadership and program development for the statewide sustainable agriculture and food systems suite of projects guided by RSDP multi-regional priorities and by harnessing relevant trends in sustainable agriculture and food systems. Food System and Supply Chain Research & Educational Program Development - 70% Manage grant project activities to move the research and outreach objectives forward, and ensure grant and project deliverables are achieved Initiate and coordinate project arrangements that involve interested parties Build relationships with project stakeholders Assist in conducting research and developing case studies. Analyze economic, food safety, logistic and regulatory aspects, such as of a novel Farm to Rural Grocery to Wholesale supply chain Create outreach and education materials such as fact sheets, articles, and other media targeting stakeholders Conduct public presentations Work with RSDP Director of SAFS to develop, write, and lead sustainable agriculture and food system grants and projects. Statewide Sustainable Agriculture and Food System coordination and outreach - 30% Ideate, build relationship, and garner resource for projects that develop new tools and strategies to maintain and improve the viability of sustainable food systems Provide support (communicating with partners, assisting with writing and reporting, conducting internet research, planning events) to RSDP regional SAFS work groups as assigned by the RSDP SAFS director Conduct 'inreach' to the University to identify, engage and work with University of Minnesota faculty and staff to support community projects in collaboration with the RSDP SAFS director Expand relationships wit a wide range of community members and organizations in the area of SAFS As needed and in keeping with areas of expertise, work with the five RSDPExecutive Directors and Clean Energy Resource Teams leadership to coordinate projects and outreach activities Communicate program opportunities to target audiences using traditional and social media outlets. TRAVEL Regular travel throughout Minnesota and neighboring states is required to perform the responsibilities of this position. Depending on office location, UMN fleet vehicle may be available or will require a valid driver's license and applicable insurance, and will be reimbursed in accordance with University policy. Appointment/Salary/Benefits Education Program Specialist positions have annual University academic professional appointments. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits.Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U-M Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated salary range; $60,000 - $70,000, and will be negotiated at time of offer, along with office location. Qualifications Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in these fields: agricultural sciences, urban and regional planning, public health and nutrition as related to food systems, communications as related to interpersonal and intercultural interactions, business including supply chains and logistics or other related fields Three years professional experience in related field Project management experience Qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation experience and skills Experience establishing professional networks of stakeholders associated with sustainable agriculture and food systems, including community members and within the University Strong oral and written communication skills Facilitation experience Experience conducting presentations and workshops Experience creating reports, presentations, and educational materials Experience with Google and Microsoft applications suites Ability to work both in a group context and independently Additional Requirements: Ability to travel throughout Minnesota and neighboring states to include evenings and overnight stay. A valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, when not using University vehicle services. Ability to meet and work in various environments and weather conditions. Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office locations Ability to work on computer for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, including attending evening or weekend meetings/events. When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship Preferred... For full info follow application link. The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.