CEFS Western NC Food Systems Program Director

North Carolina State University, United States

Updated: 2 months ago
Location: Raleigh, NORTH CAROLINA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Information


Posting Number PG193141EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title CEFS Western NC Food Systems Program Director
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule Monday - Friday / 8am - 5pm (occasional week nights and weekends)
Job Location Cherokee, NC
Department Center for Environmental Farming Systems
About the Department
Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is a partnership of NC State University, NC State University and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond. Our goals are to: provide new economic opportunities in rural and urban communities, develop technologies that promote a cleaner and healthier environment, educate the next generation of farmers, consumers, and scientists, and engage all citizens in the food system.
Essential Job Duties
CEFS Western NC Food Systems Program Director 
  • Leadership Role: Direct the overall Western NC Food Systems Program, including program funding and team management.
  • Communication: Foster program communication among key local partners, CEFS leadership, and program funders in Western North Carolina (WNC).
  • Grant Management: Lead program activities, evaluations, and assessments associated with grants. Manage the program budget, ensuring compliance with grant and fiscal responsibilities from NC State.
  • Supervision: Oversee the EMPOWER Local Foods Coordinator and temporary staff. Collaborate closely with Area Specialized Agent (ASA) focused on Agricultural Business Development.
  • Project Leadership: Lead a three-year federally funded project by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and community organizations. Assess regional supply chain infrastructure needs to support the growth of regional farm and food businesses.
  • Collaboration: Work with key WNC partners, including Cooperative Extension Directors, Small Business Centers, food hubs, Councils of Government, ARC program contacts, grant funding partners, and university faculty/staff.
  • Budget Administration: Manage and administer EMFS program budget and contracts. Ensure program activities align with local, state, and federal guidelines.
  • Grant Reporting: Supervise EMFS program assistant in grant business, grant reporting, communication, and logistic support.
  • Coordination: Coordinate all grant project activities, program management, and evaluation. Liaise with the Supply Chain Assessment team, funder personnel, and Councils of Government.
  • Communication and Dissemination: Communicate program activities, results, and strategic assessments through newsletters, online articles, social media, and website formats.
  • Training Initiative: Develop a comprehensive training initiative, including local market workshops, grower-buyer networking events, and a regional Food Truck Boot Camp. Administer food hub, farm, and food business grant and loan programs.
  • Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaborate with Western District Extension Director and ASA Agricultural Business Development Extension Agent on program goals and implementation.
  • Program Evaluation: Coordinate program evaluation and tracking outcomes for all funding partners. Drive continued program improvement.
  • Representation: Represent EMFS program at regional and national meetings and with funders.
  • Organizational Development: Participate in CEFS professional development and organizational meetings. Develop position descriptions, conduct recruitment, interviews, make hiring decisions, provide salary recommendations, monitor work plans, and conduct performance appraisals.
Other Responsibilities
Additional duties may be required of this position as assigned by the CEFS Director.

Qualifications


Minimum Education and Experience
  • Master’s degree in communications, food systems, food studies, public administration, sociology, planning, non-profit management or related fields, with at least 3 years of formal post degree professional work experience. In rare instances, an individual with a Bachelor’s degree, with 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience may be consider.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Highly independent and proactive individual with excellent communication and presentation skills (written, oral).
  • Experience in project management, grant management (>$300,000), and meeting grant goals.
  • At least 3 years relevant professional experience working in food system projects and food supply chains.
  • Experience working collaboratively with academic researchers, farmers and other small-businesses in the agri-food system, and with for-profit and nonprofit entities.
  • Excellent time management and project tracking skills, including the ability to work well in remote and in-person settings.
  • Ability to work well with team of people from different backgrounds and with different experiences, and facilitate leadership and capacity building in others.
  • Demonstrated success supporting pursuit of goals and outcomes, both independently and part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years relevant professional experience working in food system projects in Western NC.
  • Experience working in or with agricultural cooperative extension, agricultural economics and local food systems.
  • Experience facilitating networking across communities and organizations.
  • Experience building coalition and working with community partners and organizations with a community-centered approach.
  • Excellent coalition building skills and experience working in higher education institutions.
  • Ability to create resource materials and conduct training for local food supply chains.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • Valid NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions


Job Open Date 01/16/2024
Anticipated Close Date Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, CV/Resume, Contact Information for Professional References

Position Details


Position Number 00110592
Position Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID 111502 - Center for Environmental Farming Systems
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or [email protected] .
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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