Extension Associate, Small Farm Marketing
: Job Details :

Posting Number 0801543 Classification Title Extension Associate, Small Farm Marketing Working Title Department 1890 Land Grant Extension Department Contact Email ...@centralstate.edu Job Summary/Basic Function

Job Summary:

The 1890 Land-Grant Programs at Central State University (CSU) is seeking an Extension

Associate, Small Farm Marketing, who will provide outreach and engagement with farmers

enrolled in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant to use integrated, multi-disciplinary approaches to market products from their small farms that utilize climate-smart technologies for specialty crops. The Extension Associate will also provide outreach, engagement, and education in developing marketing strategies for the enrolled farmers such as labeling, direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community supported agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others. The position will be responsible for recruiting underserved, underrepresented specialty crop farmers to participate in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant. This position might require travel daily if needed in Ohio or Southeastern Michigan for site visits and partner meetings.

This is a five-year USDA/NRCS funded project NRCS #

NR243A750004G003. CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO 10/31/2028;

HOWEVER, IT IS CONTINGENT ON THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Develop marketing strategies for farmers enrolled in the Climate-Smart Commodities

grant for specialty crop products grown with climate-smart technologies.

* Develop and deliver educational programming on marketing strategies such as labeling,

direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community supported.

agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others for farmers enrolled in the grant and

other CSU Extension stakeholders.

* Create partnerships with collaborating agencies, organizations, and another stakeholder

groups to create marketing opportunities for specialty crop products in Ohio, with an

emphasis on those grown with climate-smart technologies.

* Recruit underserved, underrepresented specialty crop farmers in Ohio and Southeastern Michigan to enroll in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant.

* Assist farmers enrolled in the grant to obtain a farm number from the USDA-Farm

Service Agency to receive incentives from participation in this program.

* Provide resources to farmers on programs available through USDA agencies.

* Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate

programming for diverse audiences of farmers regarding marketing specialty crop products.

* Conducts demonstrations, programs, and meetings to educate farmers about new technology and practices related to marketing specialty crops.

* Participate as a member of the CSU Extension ANR team to share program ideas and deliverable to be used by ANR educators with other farmers in Ohio.

* Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.

* Collect, record, and evaluate program impacts for reporting requirements.

* Establish professional relationships with faculty on campus to enhance Extension

programming.

* Represent CSU Extension with groups and organizations involved with marketing

channels.

* Provide technical assistance on marketing topics and issues.

* Ensure that programs and activities are available to all interested persons in accordance

with applicable equal opportunity/civil rights laws and best practices.

* Uphold a respectful, professional communication style both oral and written form.

* Attend professional development opportunities.

* Other responsibilities as required.

Central State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Minimum Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree, in agricultural marketing, agricultural economics or closely related

field.

* Experience in marketing, sales, economic analysis, or data evaluation for niche, specialty

crop, livestock, and organic farmers.

* Strong oral and written communication skills.

* Evidence of ability to work independently and within a team environment.

* Knowledge and skill with computer technology in preparing reports, presentations, data

analysis and internet applications.

* Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend

work to meet time demands and/or special needs of program management.

* Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized

for frequent travel.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

* Master's degree preferred.

* Experience within specialty field highly desired.

* Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.

* Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.

* Knowledge and understanding of the Extension organization, operation, philosophy, and

commitment to diversity, equity, and intentional outreach to underrepresented community

members.

* Exceptional, proven competency in interpersonal relationship skills, including the ability

to effectively relate to and communicate with staff, faculty, elected officials, colleagues,

and program participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, including individuals with

limited English skills.

Posting Date 01/29/2024 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) ###-#### (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) ###-####. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) ###-####. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) ###-####; or (3) email: ...@usda.gov.USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience