Farm to Institution Statewide Coordinator (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Ithac

Farm to Institution Statewide Coordinator

Senior Extension Associate

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell Universitys second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the worlds complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell Universitys role as New York States Land Grant University. Harvest New York is an innovative Cornell Cooperative Extension team that focuses on growing New Yorks farm and food economy. The Farm-to-School programs in K-12 schools and early care and education sites engage young people in hands-on learning and empower school nutrition professionals to source and promote healthy, local food for school meal programs.

What You Will Do

As the Farm to Institution Statewide Coordinator, you will provide statewide leadership in agricultural economic development that will increase investment and jobs in agriculture and food systems to enhance the viability of New York farms through expansion, value-added production, diversification, and food distribution. Additionally, you will develop, implement, and evaluate programs that identify opportunities for increased efficiency in local food systems.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day program operations and fiscal accountability for the Farm-to-School Program. You will provide supervision, oversight, and guidance to staff. Furthermore, you will connect New York agricultural products to Buffalo, New York City, and other population centers. Other responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that emphasize procurement of New York State agricultural products by institutions and other buyers.
• Developing a formal program that supports increased diversity and volume of New York agricultural products in New York schools.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, and urban agriculture.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Assisting in preparing grants in support of Program Generated Funds (PGF) requirements for the program.
• Utilizing industry-based research to develop educational materials and programs.
• Meeting the evaluation and reporting requirements of funding partners.
• Supporting efforts in communication with stakeholders and partners through production guides, newsletters, quarterly reports, news releases, evaluation plans, social media, etc.
• Developing educational materials supporting educational programs (e.g., production guides, fact sheets, newsletter articles for CCE publications distributed across New York State, etc.).
• Delivering one-on-one consultations with growers, distributors and buyers related to program initiatives and available resources.
• Implementing appropriate evaluation plans to document program impacts and communicate these impacts to stakeholders.

What We Need

We are looking for a dynamic individual who can lead a team while excelling at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who can provide leadership in the creation of functional networks with governmental, economic, and agricultural organizations and agricultural businesses to enhance the New York local food systems and opportunities to expand New York agricultural products into New York markets and beyond. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Masters Degree in Food Science, Human Nutrition, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Geology, Meteorology, or related field with a demonstrated focus in agricultural production.
• 6 years of experience working in food systems, agricultural-related industries, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Web development).
• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Experience with institutional procurement, including working knowledge of bid development processes and regulations.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to extension in support of agriculture, human health, and a willingness to collaborate with other staff in a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach commitment to extension education.
• Ability to collaborate with other University staff, extension and industry personnel, and commercial farms.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Participate in food systems research in cooperation with faculty, elected officials and farmers.
• Strong commitment to quality service, collaborative decision-making, teamwork, and communication is essential.
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and anticipate potential issues, with a strong ability for multi-tasking.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State drivers license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Masters degree in agriculture, Food Systems, Procurement, or a related field
• Prior experience with food hubs, school food directors, distributors and producers.
• Coursework in Crop Production, Weed Science, Economics of Production, Pest Management, Plant Pathology, Soils, Adult Education, and Communications.

This position is full-time and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This position is considered hybrid, with the opportunity to work remotely within New York State one or more days per week.

This is a five-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $100,000.00 to $110,000.00.
• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28763).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornells historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website.

Applications must be submitted by October 11, 2024.

For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Harvest New York Team can be found at https://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/aboutprogram.php.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the universitys mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornells regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical colleges campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell Universitys heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individuals genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Familiarize yourself with Cornells COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the universitys COVID-19 services and information.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

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Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

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

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell Universitys heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individuals genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-10-04

EEO Statement: Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the universitys mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Minimum Salary: 31200.00
Maximum Salary: 31200.00
Salary Unit: Yearly