POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.

Everything the College of ACES does is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story.

Position: Visiting Research Specialist- Agricultural and Consumer Economics

Background: In conjunction with a new Policy Design Lab, the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program, and the farmdoc project, the Department of Agricultural & Consumer Economics (ACE) is seeking a Visiting Research Specialist for a coordinated research, analysis and public engagement effort. The coordinated effort seeks to contribute policy design alternatives and policy analysis to the debate over federal policies for agriculture, conservation, risk management, and climate change.

Primary Position Function/ Summary: The primary function of the Visiting Research Specialist is to work with the faculty leads, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers and others in research efforts, writing articles, memoranda and related policy materials, as well as program planning activities and management.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Research

• Research and analyze data for policy design alternatives and concepts, contribute to memorandum and articles on current topics for public dissemination, including for publication in journals, websites and grant proposals.
• Oversee data compilation efforts adhering to U.S. Agricultural policy needs and efforts.
• Manage reporting, monitoring, and evaluation duties to funders, external funders, other stakeholders and University of IL community.
• Write reports and prepare presentations focused on program activities, progress, new projects and outputs and outcomes to program team and stakeholder groups.

Communications

• Coordinate outreach events and other public engagement efforts relevant to farmers, agri-businesses and Federal policymakers.
• Lead communications and public engagement strategies for the program, including social media efforts and through traditional media outlets.
• Assist in managing existing partnerships, building new partnerships, managing current and incoming investments to enhance agricultural policies.
• Contribute to domestic meetings, workshops, conferences, and symposia.
• Coordinate communications with the agricultural policy community including defining scope and objectives for current and trending agricultural policies.

Management

• Assist supervision of hourly and student employees including hiring, training, approving time/leave, and assigning/reviewing work.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education Required: Master’s degree in agricultural economics, public policy or a related field.

Education Preferred: Doctorate in agricultural economics, Juris Doctor, or a related field.

Experience Required: At least 1 year of data analysis experience. Experience with or knowledge of U.S. Agricultural policy. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Position: The position is classified as a 100%-time visiting appointment on a 12-month service basis. This position may become non-visiting at a later time, dependent upon funding and programmatic needs.

Salary/Appointment: Commensurate with education and experience. The starting date will as soon as possible after the closing date.

Procedures: Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Sunday, March 19, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting on jobs.illinois.edu and upload a letter of application, resume, and the names, address, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three professional references. Applicants may be interviewed before closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after that date. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. For further information about this position, candidates may contact search committee chair, Dr. Gary Schnitkey at schnitke@illinois.edu . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1016102
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu