Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County

POSITION DESCRIPTION

1. WORKING TITLE: Agricultural Economic Development Specialist

2. OFFICE LOCATION: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County

100 Eaton Street

PO Box 1209

Morrisville, NY 13408

3. COUNTY: Madison County

4. POSITION NUMBER:

5. DATE POSITION AVAILABLE: Immediately

6.. CCE CLASSIFICATION: Senior Extension Resource Educator

7. SALARY RANGE: Open – commensurate with qualifications; please reply with salary requirement

8. POSITION: Full-time

9. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES & SUBJECT MATTER

Madison County is creating an Ag Economic Development (AED) program and AED Specialist position. Our mission for Ag Economic Development is to maintain, develop, and promote a viable agricultural economy that benefits Madison County. Our priorities in achieving that mission are 1) to market Madison County’s agricultural products and services by creating market opportunities and encouraging value-added enterprises; and 2) to maintain an appropriate ag land base by assisting existing County farmers and by attracting and supporting new farmers.

Through this AED program, we aim to enhance the profitability of Madison County farmers by assisting in the identification and development of markets that will diversify and add value to our County’s agricultural product line. Projects will focus on creating market opportunities through avenues such as internet markets, cooperative marketing networks, regional markets, “Buy Local” campaigns, and the creation of a brand or logo for local product identity; and will also encourage value-added enterprises such as direct marketing, commodity processing, and agri-tourism.

Agricultural Economic Development

Under the direction of the Ag Economic Development Committee of the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, and under the immediate supervision of Madison County Extension’s Issue Leader, this position will develop and manage agricultural economic development programs for Madison County. The AED Specialist will:

Program development and priority setting (25%) :

· Work with the Ag Economic Development Committee to develop a long-term strategic plan, a short-term plan of work, and a process for evaluation of program effectiveness.

· Identify opportunities for Madison County’s agricultural product values to be enhanced through direct marketing, branding, or cooperative marketing ventures.

· Partner with county economic development groups (such as IDA and Empire Zone staff) to incorporate agricultural economic development into overall community and economic development strategies, and to develop strategies to strengthen and expand existing farm and agri-businesses, and attract industries complimentary to agriculture.

· Network with various organizations (including but not limited to: Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Farm Bureau, Madison County Tourism, County land trusts, Cazenovia and Morrisville Colleges, high school ag programs, County departments, and Town boards) to expand resources, maximize program effectiveness, and promote teamwork.

· Network with County farmers, resource providers, and ag businesses to implement AED program goals.

Program Delivery (55%) :

· Assist in the coordination, marketing, funding, and promotion of new and existing agricultural enterprises for farmers, ag processors, and ag-service-related operators.

· Assist farmers with business development issues.

· Oversee development of website for Madison County agriculture, as a tool to help promote and implement AED programs, promote the County’s ag products, and serve as the County’s information page for the “Come Farm With Us” program.

· Promote the positive image of the County ag industry through a variety of media efforts, including newspapers, videos, radio, and local and regional public speaking opportunities.

· Partner with ag programs at County high schools and colleges to develop internship programs and projects to involve County youth in AED initiatives.

· Monitor proposed legislation and advocate for local agriculture.

· Work closely with Madison County Extension staff to provide information and education to support developing AED programs.

Resource development (10%) :

· Work with Ag Economic Development committee and Madison County Planning Department to seek and secure additional funding, through grant opportunities and local fund-raising efforts, for economic development initiatives.

Professional development (10%) :

· Work with Ag Economic Development Committee to develop a strategy for professional improvement appropriate to the responsibilities of the position.

10. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

· Supervised by the Agricultural Extension Issue Leader of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County. Operates as an educational and managerial professional subject to association policies. Receives program direction from the Board of Directors and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture Program Committee in collaboration with the Madison County Farmland Protection Board and its Agriculture Economic Development Committee.

· Maintain effective working relationships with local Cornell Extension staff, Cornell University faculty and administration, the Madison County Farmland Protection Board, its Agriculture Economic Development Committee, Madison County IDA, Madison County Board of Supervisors, and other County officials in the County seat of Wampsville.

11. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Master's degree in agricultural economics, marketing, business management or finance, public policy or related field. Minimum of two years professional experience dealing with the public or private sectors of the agriculture industry.

12. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Ability to plan, manage and/or implement projects and educational programs

· Demonstrated ability to: provide leadership, supervision and guidance to a variety of groups and individuals including staff and volunteers; and to lead and participate effectively in professional team efforts.

· Experience with and knowledge of the challenges facing agriculture locally and in New York State.

· Demonstrated initiative, reliability, dependability and flexibility.

· Ability and willingness to work effectively with a variety of groups, agencies and individuals and to establish and maintain networks.

· Excellent verbal, written and technology communication skills.

· Demonstrated ability to secure and administer grants and contracts, and agribusiness loans.

· Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

· Must have regular access to transportation and the ability to travel to the extent necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 7/27/2007, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#437, 100 Eaton Street, PO Box 1209, Morrisville, NY 13408.

**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