Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County
Working Title: Agricultural
Economic Development Specialist
Classification Title: Sr.
Extension Resource Educator
Supervisor's Classification Title: Extension Issue Leader
Primary Role and Accountability
This extension educator will promote and develop programs that will enhance the economic viability of agricultural enterprises in Broome County. The focus of extension efforts will be educational leadership for agricultural marketing, business development, tourism, and public relations issues.
The primary target audience for programming will include agricultural producers and service providers, new entrepreneurs, processing and ag-related businesses including ag tourism and community members. Work with county economic development staff as well as existing business planning and economic incentive programs. Educational efforts should lead to impacts including product diversification, direct marketing strategies, promotion of local product labels, value-added opportunities by linking with available expertise, and understanding access to local, state, national, and international market channels.
Issue Area Program Development and
Priority Setting Accountabilities (20%)
· Develop a collaborative relationship with the Broome County Ag and Farmland Protection board, Broome County Planning staff, economic development agencies, tourism director, Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau and others to link agriculture with the broader county efforts directed at tourists and business.
· Facilitate the implementation of the Broome County Agriculture and Farmland Protection plan initiatives.
· Plan programs and develop materials in the area of ag business development and marketing.
Program Management and Coordination
Accountabilities (20%)
·
Facilitate program marketing including
written materials, media outreach, and website development.
·
Facilitate program-reporting process and
provide information as requested for annual reports, county program committee,
BOD, government and the public.
Subject Matter Resource and Program
Delivery Accountabilities (40%)
·
Provide education on business start-up,
identifying opportunities and resources to improve current operations, expand
or diversity into new enterprises or markets.
·
Encourage and educate about cooperative
buying and marketing arrangements that improve market access and business
viability.
·
Educate growers to enhance their
promotion of agriculture and locally grown ag products to consumers through
media, speakers bureaus, participation in ag-based organizations, relationships
with other county agencies to increase purchases of locally produced ag
products.
·
Provide education and support to
strengthen and expand existing farmer’s markets.
Research and Program Evaluation
Accountabilities (10%)
·
Conduct research, develop databases, and
maintain statistical data that document local agriculture trends.
·
Regularly analyze and evaluate programs
and make recommendations to issue leader, advisory committee, extension
director, and Cornell faculty for strengthening and improving programs.
Administrative Management
Accountabilities (Finance, Budget) (5%)
·
Seek grants and contracts to support the
goals and objectives of the program.
Monitor grant expenses.
Professional Improvement (5%)
·
In cooperation with supervisor, jointly
develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies
relative to position accountabilities and to address change in programming and
association priorities.
·
Participate in orientation programs,
in-service education and in-depth coursework related to the responsibilities of
the position.
EEO/EPO Accountabilities
·
Ensure that program direction and
activities conform to area, association, and Cornell Cooperative Extension
objectives and mission, and reflect the diversity of the community.
Contacts (level of interaction and
outcomes)
·
Maintain ongoing working communication
with program and support staff in the organization
·
Attend ag profitability issue committee
meetings and staff meetings to report on program activities and make
recommendations on program needs including staffing, resources, etc.
·
Interact directly with, and seek the
expertise of faculty and other subject matter experts to address identified
needs and to address complex issues.
·
Represent the association to the public,
community leaders, government officials, Cornell University and funding
agencies and grant sources.
Reporting Relationships and Type of
Supervision Received/Given
·
Report to the Extension Issue Leader for
program reports and consultation.
·
Input on program development will be
provided by supervisors, the Ag Issue Committee, and Cornell University.
Degree and Experience Pre-requisites
Required:
·
Master’s Degree from accredited
institution in agriculture economics, marketing, public policy or a closely
related field.
·
Two years experience in a relevant field.
Competencies
·
Demonstrated ability to establish and
communicate goals and objectives and to plan, market, implement, and evaluate
meaningful and achievable program plans.
·
Capacity to link industry needs with
available expertise, and to apply expert information to local situations.
·
Excellent written and verbal
communication skills.
·
Electronic technology skills commensurate
with tasks related to responsibilities.
·
Ability to work effectively with a
variety of groups and individuals, and establish and maintain effective
community networks.
·
A commitment to and passion for
agricultural community economic development.
·
Knowledge of the challenges facing
agriculture in New York State.
·
Knowledge of adult and extension
education, leadership development, and volunteer management.
·
Ability to meet the travel requirements
of the position.
·
Ability to work evenings and weekends as
essential job functions requires.
COMPENSATION:
$36,500 (annual) - commensurate with education and experience
APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 4/7/2006, or
until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.
Send letter of
intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#402, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell
University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
**Individuals
who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly
encouraged to apply. EOE.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.cce.cornell.edu
Cornell
Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.