The Agriculture Department Leader will provide overall, high-level program and administrative leadership to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate agricultural educational programming within Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. The Ag Department Leader supervises the Oneida County Ag team members who develop and deliver programs and engage volunteers. The position is also responsible for developing and maintaining networks with a wide range of stakeholders, assessing trends related to agriculture, developing reports and materials for funders, the identification of grant opportunities and for the completion of grant applications. This position will manage the agriculture department’s grants and contracts, ensuring that objectives and deliverables are met within the timeline and budget of the awarded grant The Ag Department Leader works closely with department staff and the Ag Program Advisory Committee to identify program needs, develop innovative programs, and evaluate program impact.

    

Required Qualifications

Master’s Degree appropriate to the responsibilities of the position and 4 years of related experience.  PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.Familiarity with Microsoft applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.Ability to identify and involve appropriate people in determining local program needs.Ability to lead programs and staff, oversee budgets, grants, and funding, and ensure program goals are achieved and reported properly.Ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program related software, virtual meetings, and Microsoft Office Suite.Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications

  Knowledge of agriculture and agriculture economic development. · Familiarity with changing trends in agriculture and county, state and     national Ag policies.·Experience in both educational program design and delivery.·Experience in public outreach and education for adult and youth     audiences; volunteer coordination; working with public stakeholders   and municipal agencies; and working with diverse communities.Experience developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies.Experience identifying and applying for grants or other funding   opportunities. ​   ​

Program Responsibilities: 

Program Assessment – 10% 

Provide program leadership to the application of subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the agriculture community.Analyze Ag programming needs, and develop program needs assessment.Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements or improvements.Maintain relationships with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance on trends and program assessment. Link to other Land Grant University faculty as appropriate for program assessment guidance.Ensure Ag Department programming is within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work. 

Program Development – 15%

Develop innovative educational programs related to agriculture and agriculture economic development. Ensure agriculture program materials address community and individual needs and consider the diversity of the community.Draw upon program resources locally, from Cornell and other land grant universities, and other knowledge-based sources (such as federal and state environmental agencies) to lead development of program materials.Engage program partners such as citizens, community leaders, government officials, and other not-for profits and agency staff in program development.Develop well-integrated Association educational efforts.Develop programming to meet emerging needs at the community, regional and national levels.Revise programming based on feedback and evaluations.   

Program Delivery – 5% 

Serve as a subject matter expert to staff, clientele and other audiences including schools, agencies and community groups.Represent Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in a professional manner as part of program delivery.Provide Ag programming to targeted audiences using a variety of delivery methods.Provide educational programming using traditional and nontraditional methods (ie: on-line programming, apps, social media).Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty to consult on program delivery. Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work. 

Program Evaluation – 10% 

Apply subject matter knowledge to analyze and evaluate agriculture and agriculture economic development programs and discuss with the Ag Team and Association Executive Director for strengthening and improving programs.Design program evaluation framework and evaluation tools based on subject matter knowledge.Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance. 

Applied Research – 5% 

Develop and maintain relationships with Cornell University faculty to collaborate on the design or creation of applied research.Provide feedback to Cornell University faculty on emerging social and economic needs to identify potential areas for collaboration. 

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 20%

Provide leadership to plan the delivery of established educational program goals.Provide high-level leadership in interpreting Association program direction and planning of educational Ag programs.Lead the Ag Team in planning of the delivery of established educational program.Lead the Ag Team in planning the various delivery methods for educational programs including use of on-line programs and social media.Propose the Ag team budget based on established financial guidelines, procedures from grants and other funding sources and approval from the Executive Director.Provide leadership on the development of individual plans of work that meet Association and statewide strategic plan / Plan of Work.

Management – 25%

Monitor assigned programs to ensure that educational content conforms to the mission and Plan of Work policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-basedAddress personnel and administrative problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the Ag Department, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. Provide program guidance to staff and volunteers working within the Ag Department.Manage Ag Program grants and contracts ensuring that the objectives and deliverables are met within the timeline and budget of the awarded grant or contract.Assist in reviewing and identifying grant or other funding proposals.Align appropriate staff skill sets with program delivery methods and staffing plans.Provide supervision and support to staff and guide them on providing direction to volunteers.Provide administrative and program management activities for the Ag team including hiring of educators, evaluating performance and managing disciplinary issues as they evolve.Ensure implementation of the program evaluation process.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

Coordinate program activities within the Ag Team, volunteers and with project partners.Communicate with program participants, advisory committee, and community groups and leaders to obtain assistance in delivering and evaluating programs.Write grant proposals based on available opportunities, program goals and the Association strategic plan.

Professional Improvement – 5%

In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Oneida County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, exempt position. Annual salary of $62,000.

 

Paid time off includes 21 Vacation days, 15 Sick days, 4 Personal days, 12 Holidays, and 2 Floating Holidays annually. Additional benefits based on eligibility, include:

NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)

NYS Retirement

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts

Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance

Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance

Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

Voluntary Pet Insurance

Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Application Process:

Please submit resume, cover letter and at least two writing samples. Consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.   Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. 

         

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

 

How To Apply:  Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/.  For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

 

No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

 

Please contact cce-oneida-hr@cornell.edu with questions.

 

https://cceoneida.com

  

Job Title:

Association Issue Leader

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Regina Lowder

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.