Director – Small Farms Research Center

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 Director reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life, and Natural Sciences. She/he will work closely with the Assistant Director in the effective operation of the Center; and in coordinating the activities of funded projects 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:
The duties and responsibilities of the Director are summarized below:

• To coordinate the functions and operations of the Center. This includes, among other things, liaising with current and potential partners.
• To ensure the supervision and coordination of the efforts of all employees (Assistant Director, Field Technicians, bi-weekly and Graduate students, office personnel, any other salaried officers, etc.) attached to the Center;
• To lead and coordinate the development and submission of new project funding proposals.
• To foster collaboration with partner Units/Divisions at various academic institutions and NGOs, cultivating a relationship with stakeholders – landowners, disadvantaged farmers, and veterans.
• To facilitate the development and submission, on a timely basis, relevant project (a) Financial Reports and (b) Implementation Reports to funding agencies.
• To serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on active SFRC project initiatives.
• To effectively manage the resources (finances, tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) of the Center.
• To periodically appraise the Dean, College of Agriculture, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) of issues, challenges, and progress as necessary.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum:

• Master’s degree in Agriculture or closely related field.
• Experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations.
• Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data.

• PhD degree in Agriculture or closely related field.
• Knowledge of Alabama agriculture and the needs of the limited resource farmers and ranchers.
• Track record of developing and maintaining a network of positive relationships and partnerships with organizations, including in the public sector, industry and/or community groups.
• Understanding of the issues and challenges affecting small farmers and opportunities for ensuring sustainability of small farming communities.
• Experience in developing and delivering impactful professional materials on topics related to program development and policy for small farmers.
• At least 5 years of outreach experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations.
• Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• 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