Farm Business Management & Ag Development Educator- Hamden, NY

The Farm Business Management & Agricultural Development Educator is responsible for the assessment, development, planning, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs in the discipline of farm business management that serves a diverse agricultural business audience. This includes, but is not limited to farm business start-up planning, cash flow analysis, and enterprise profitability analysis, with specific emphasis on the implementation and integration of such analyses with computerized farm financial keeping. Other areas of farm business management programmatic emphasis include farm business transition planning, farm tax management, labor law compliance, loan procurement, and agricultural land use. The position also includes emphasis on supporting the development of local food systems, addressing agricultural environmental and climate change issues, and agricultural advocacy, which includes the effort to recruit and retain agricultural businesses and infrastructure in the county.
The educator will represent the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University. The educator will guide and supervise assigned CCE Delaware County staff. The position will collaborate with partner stakeholder agencies. The position will be responsible for collaborating with Cornell and other university faculty as well as Cornell Cooperative Extension county-based and regional team colleagues on development of applied research projects and programs.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business management or relevant agricultural-related field.

• Two years’ related experience relevant to the programmatic emphasis of the position.

• Working knowledge of and experience with business planning and analysis and financial record keeping.

• Familiarity with farm tax and agricultural regulatory issues.

• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences, environments, and settings while maintaining cultural sensitivity.

• Willingness and ability to work independently, and also work effectively as a professional team member within local, regional, and state programs.

• Ability to develop and manage grant budgets and write reports for funders and the Association.

• Ability to identify and apply for relevant funding opportunities and manage.

• Ability to transport supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Proficiency in the use of modern electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, texting, Microsoft Office Programs, etc.).

• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and identified clientele.

• 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:

• At least two years extensive experience and demonstrated knowledge in integrating the disciplines of Farm Management with a variety of producers and situations.

• Demonstrated experience and skills in financial analysis and planning as well as computerized financial record keeping.

• Experience with new concepts or new technologies for farm management.

• Demonstrated experience with or knowledge of agriculture and related environmental and climate change issues.

• Experience with and demonstrated skills in inter-organizational teamwork.

• Demonstrated understanding of the dynamic relationships and integration of various farm enterprises in the whole farm business (eg. crop production, animal husbandry, marketing).

• General knowledge of the principles, theory, research and appropriate application of farm management.

• Ability to initiate, plan, implement, teach and evaluate informal adult educational programs to address diverse audiences.

• Knowledge and experience of local food systems issues and development.

• Experience in agricultural advocacy (representing and supporting agriculture to non-farm public as well as developing and supporting agricultural infrastructure).

• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research/demonstration projects.

• Ability to identify and utilize program resources within the community.

• Ability to work with and support volunteer leadership and advisory committees.

• Demonstrated effective use of a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels using traditional tools as well as innovative applications of electronic technology (e.g., computers, audio, video, social media, etc.).

• Demonstrated effective use of interpersonal skills.

Position Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Assessment –15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to identify local agriculture program needs with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County (CCEDC) Agriculture Issues Committee, advisory groups, partnering stakeholder agencies, agriculture clientele, and agriculture program staff.

• Analyze program needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements by applying subject matter knowledge and exercising professional discretion and judgment.

• Work with Executive Director and to ensure that program assessment is within the Association Plan of Work and the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

• Apply subject matter knowledge in farm business management and professional judgment in collaborating with multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams with the assessment of farm economic viability needs, agricultural development, and agricultural environmental and climate change program needs.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program assessment guidance. 

Program Development – 20%

• Collaborate in Association multi-disciplinary team efforts to address priority issues as appropriate.

• Collaborate with CCE and non-CCE stakeholders in the development of programming that supports agriculture according to the focus of this position.

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies and materials for farm business management, local food systems, and agricultural environmental and climate change issue areas working with Cornell faculty and other CCE colleagues.

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop high quality educational programs and materials to address identified needs and diverse interests of participants and volunteers using proven educational methodologies as well as innovative techniques to reach diverse target populations within the community and region.

• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

• Engage stakeholders in the program development process in a manner which expresses the demographics of the community and promotes inclusion of minority segments of the community.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell or other Land Grant University faculty and program units for program development guidance. 

Program Delivery –20%

• Serve as a subject matter expert in farm business management and agricultural development and regulatory issues for Delaware County stakeholders including farmers, agribusinesses, agencies, and other organizations.

• Deliver existing educational programming as defined.

• Deliver innovative educational programming with discretion to diverse audiences in the areas of farm business management, local food systems, and agricultural environmental management and climate change.

• Collaborate with Cornell Faculty, CCE colleagues and non-CCE stakeholders in the delivery of programming that supports agriculture according the focus of this position.

• Foster acceptance of program, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences. 

• Represent Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in a professional manner as part of program delivery.

• Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.

• Ensure program delivery is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work, Association Plan of Work, and strategic plans. 

Program Evaluation – 10% 

• Apply subject matter knowledge to design program evaluation frameworks, collect evaluation data, analyze program function and impact, and communicate findings and make recommendations to the CCEDC program staff, Agriculture Issues Committee and appropriate Cornell faculty as necessary.

• Interact with program participants, program advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, and county and community leaders to obtain their evaluation of programs.

• Maintain direct connection with Cornell or other Land Grant Universities faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.  

Applied Research – 10% 

• Assist in conducting applied research in collaboration with Cornell and/or Land Grant University Faculty as well as CCE and partner agencies colleagues in the areas of farm business management, local food systems development, and agricultural environmental management and climate change.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.

• Communicate project results and recommendations to CCEDC Agricultural Program Staff, CCEDC Agricultural Issues Committee, Cornell University, and other policy and science groups.

Administrative Direction – 5%

• Assist in developing and/or enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders to facilitate program development.

• Initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings, actively involving Executive Director, CCEDC Agriculture Issues Committee, CCEDC Board of Directors, Cornell faculty and Extension Administration as appropriate.

• Plan effective strategic external and internal program communication and marketing efforts.

• Provide input to the Association Executive Director in the planning of budget needs.

• Develop educational strategies to meet the needs of the agricultural community and program goals.

• Plan the delivery of educational programs utilizing input from agricultural clientele, Cornell faculty, CCEDC Agriculture Issues Committee, CCEDC Ag Program leadership, and partnering agencies and organizations.

Administrative Management – 10%

• Monitor program operating income and expenses to ensure the program is within budget constraints.

• Effectively manage and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives.  Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.

• Provide guidance and support to Extension Educators within the Association to foster the development of confidence and competence in program processes.

• Monitor assigned programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association, funding requirements, and adherence to statewide and Association plans of work.

• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

• Provide supervision and management to assigned staff.

Administrative Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Provide administrative support for program design and for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established educational program goals.

• Assist in coordinating program implementation, planning, and activities efforts to achieve program goals.

• Collect evaluation and program needs assessment data from program participants based on existing framework.

• Prepare and submit grants or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.

• Effectively maintain communication with constituents and the community through a variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content. 

• Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, committees, Board, and others as necessary.

• Responsible for record keeping and documentation as required by Association policy and grant program guidelines.

• Complete timely written documentation as required by programs and funders.

• Perform data collection as required by the program.

• Represent the program and Association at local, state and regional functions and meetings or as requested.

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.

• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. 

• Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. 

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

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 Delaware County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.  

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

• At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.

Position Details

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, exempt position. The annual salary range is $62,000 - $65,000 (dependent upon experience). Our typical work schedule mirrors our office hours of Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This position will work out of the CCE Delaware office located in Hamden, NY.

We firmly believe in work-life balance and we provide generous paid time off. Paid time off includes 21 Vacation days, 12 Sick days, 3 Personal days, and 11 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 Deadline

All applicants must apply online by close of day on March 15, 2024 to be considered for this position.

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 Delaware 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

Please submit resume, cover letter, and references. 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. 

No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

Please contact Mandeep Virk-Baker, Association Executive Director, email [email protected]   with questions.

https://ccedelaware.org  

​

  

Job Title:

Association Resource Educator

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Lori North

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.