Assistant Director for Smalls Farms Research Center Position Available In Madison, Alabama

Assistant Director for Smalls Farms Research Center 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 4900 Meridian St NW, Normal, AL 35762

Description Summary:

The position is supported by grant funding from the USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (USDA/NIFA/BFRDP) and other funding sources. The assistant director will work closely with the director in the effective operation of the Center; and in coordinating the activities of the BFRDP project with partners including the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Tri-State Rabbit Grower Association, Tune Farm, Rosita’s Farm, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, USDA’s agencies and other community-based organizations committed to serving the needs of hard-to-reach populations in Alabama.

Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensures the development and implementation of individual programs and activities. Writes grants, develops and implement effective progress reporting systems. Identifies key priority areas in program implementation and outreach delivery. Develops realistic and achievable short and long-term goals Develops plans of work and identifies innovative methods or strategies of implementing these plans of work. Conducts socio-economic activities. Develops and presents educational materials. Provides outreach and technical assistance to producers and rural entrepreneurs. Supervises staff, graduate and undergraduate students within the Center. Provides leadership, planning, and direction for all projects and outreach programs for hard-to-reach agricultural and rural business populations. Fulfills the duties and responsibilities of the director in a temporary acting capacity in the absence of the Center director. Directs and coordinates the development and implementation of outreach and risk management education programs. Documents and disseminates findings to administrators, policy makers, funding agencies, producers and rural entrepreneurs. Performs other duties as assigned. Typical Qualifications Minimum Position Requirements (including years of experience, certifications, licenses, etc.): Master’s degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, agriculture, business, economics, rural sociology and/or related field. At least nine (9) years of outreach experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations. Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing and interpreting statistical and narrative data. Experience with statistical packages such as SAS and SPSS. Experience with the USDA’s Beginning Farmer & Rancher Program (BFRDP) and the 2501 Program as well as other relevant funding sources.

Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of math, budgeting and statistical skills Knowledge of SAS, SPSS or other statistical packages Knowledge of computers and Microsoft products Great responsibility, maturity, sound judgment Strong leadership skills Fluent in English Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent organizational skills Strong interpersonal skills Strong leadership skills Strong problem solving skills Use of good judgment and the ability to make logical decisions Ability to collect, analyze and interpret statistical and narrative data to determine the effective functioning of a project and/or program Ability to travel extensively within and outside the state at short notice Ability to work long hours, after hours and/or during weekends Ability and experience in grant writing, developing and maintaining a unique coherent and effective community outreach program We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. To learn more details, visit our benefits page at http://www.aamu.edu/hr