Agent Associate, Local Food Systems and Entrepreneurship
Job Description
Position Number:
114166Title:
Agent AssociateFunctional Title:
Agent Associate, Local Food Systems and EntrepreneurshipCategory Status:
15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing ConApplicant Search Category:
FacultyUniversity Authorized FTE:
1.000Unit:
AGNR-UME-Field OperationsCampus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position will be located at the University of Maryland (UMD) Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville, Maryland or the Lower Shore Research and Education Center in Salisbury, Maryland.
The position will support local food systems and entrepreneurship for the Agriculture and Food Systems Extension (AgFS) Program. The Educator will lead and provide programmatic support for local foods, entrepreneurship, and marketing in collaboration with University of Maryland Extension (UME) faculty and staff. The Local Food Systems and Entrepreneurship Specialist will conduct in-person and online entrepreneurship education programs, connect entrepreneurs to research-based information, and assist entrepreneurs through coaching and consultations to strengthen their business models and help implement them.
The position will support local food systems and entrepreneurship for the Agriculture and Food Systems Extension (AgFS) Program. The Educator will lead and provide programmatic support for local foods, entrepreneurship, and marketing in collaboration with University of Maryland Extension (UME) faculty and staff. The Local Food Systems and Entrepreneurship Specialist will conduct in-person and online entrepreneurship education programs, connect entrepreneurs to research-based information, and assist entrepreneurs through coaching and consultations to strengthen their business models and help implement them.
The Specialist will assist with the initiation of new local foods and agricultural businesses and develop new curriculum on topics important to rural Maryland entrepreneurs, including diverse and underserved populations. The incumbent will participate in Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NRFBC) and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) collaborative projects that bring additional rural entrepreneur support resources to Maryland. The programming performed by the faculty member will encourage increased entrepreneurial activity and commerce in rural areas and create jobs that enhance the local economies. Promote cooperation among a variety of partners from the public and private sectors and across geographies.
Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
- B.S. degree in agricultural business, agricultural economics, business administration, entrepreneurship, or related field.
Experience:
- Three years of experience in agribusiness management, agricultural rural development, or agricultural entrepreneurship.
- Three years of demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with agricultural producers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
- Demonstrated Extension or outreach work experience in formal or non-formal education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge and use of computer technology and software for educational programming and management.
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model.
This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required. Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland.
Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- M.S. degree in agricultural business, agricultural economics, business administration, entrepreneurship, or related field.
- Ability and experience using social media to engage clientele.
- Experience starting up an agricultural business.
Additional Certifications:
Personal transportation and valid driver’s license required.
Additional Information:
Responsibilities:
The Extension Specialist will be part of a diverse team (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), UME, and key stakeholder groups) that conducts applied research and educational programming to improve local food systems and entrepreneurship in Maryland. The position will provide leadership for relevant programming within the AgFS Program, one of four UME programs. The individual will collaborate closely with agricultural producers and leaders, entrepreneurs, field and campus Extension colleagues, state and federal agencies, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to address important issues in local food systems and entrepreneurship.
The incumbent will conduct needs assessments to identify the research and education program priorities of targeted audiences. The Extension Specialist will also be responsible for working intentionally and collaboratively to increase the visibility and reach of UME programs through educational programming designed to meet the needs of diverse and underserved audiences. The position will interpret and disseminate the latest research findings using a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for intended target audiences including, but not limited to, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media, and community coalitions. The position will also provide occasional support for youth development programs related to local food systems and entrepreneurship.
The Extension Specialist will use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, contracts, program fees, partnerships, and sponsorships to develop a robust Extension program that delivers, measures, and interprets the impacts of programs and engagements regarding local food systems and entrepreneurship in Maryland. Innovative strategies and cutting-edge teaching and learning methods will be used to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a strong Extension education program that engages participants in a collaborative-learning environment and encourages adoption of research-based information in decision-making.
The Extension Specialist represents UME and the UMD. The position ensures that educational programming is in alignment with UME’s current strategic plan and plan of work, especially as it relates to the United States Department of Agriculture. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Assistant Director, AgFS Program.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience; Bachelor’s base: $45,490; Master’s base: $47,559. Position is a full-time, 12-month professional track faculty position. Contract renewed annually pending performance and continued funding. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Additional Information: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Application:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV (uploaded as resume), copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Posting Date:
09/04/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
10/17/2024Physical Demands
- This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important, as well as the ability to hear and perceive information at normal spoken work levels.
- The employee will frequently lift and/or move items, set-up, and teardown displays, tables, and chairs at many teaching sites. Able to lift 25 lbs.
- Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written and computer data and presentations.
- This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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