For more information about this position, or to apply online, visit the North Carolina State University employment website: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/116621

This is a time limited position (thirty-three months) funded by The Appalachian Regional Commission and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation with the goal of supporting the development and expansion of the regional food system. The position requires engagement in seven counties of the Southwestern NC Region; Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The workstation is located in the NC State Extension Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Center located in Cherokee, NC.

Essential Job Duties:

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

Candidates should be familiar with basic evaluation practices and be comfortable supplying data for grant reporting. The agent will be part of a highly collaborative team of community leaders and professionals working on tight timelines to meet grant requirements. The candidate should demonstrate experience working in collaborative team settings and possess a goals driven, value based work ethic.

Independently lead and manage outreach and activities in the following areas:

  • Training program development and delivery. Training is targeted to producers, region-wide extension agents, and small business center staff.
  • Entrepreneurial development. Helping food and farming businesses identify training and resource needs to expand and grow their business.
  • Group facilitation
  • Social media skills including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • Wholesale and retail market development
  • Institutional purchasing programs including hospitals, schools and corporate clients
  • Youth engagement
  • Program evaluation
  • Grants management

Work Schedule: 7:45 am – 4:30 pm – Monday -Friday, nights and weekends as required

Job Location: Cherokee , NC

Minimum Education/Experience:

The minimum requirement for employment as an Area Specialized Agent (ASA) with North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is either (i) a Master’s degree in an area related to the agent’s assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of three (3) years of Extension or education-related or industry-related experience in the relevant field, or (ii) a Bachelor’s degree in an area related to the assigned specialized responsibility and a minimum of seven (7) years of Extension, education-related or industry-related experience in the area of specialization.

Candidates shall also have demonstrated skills and abilities in program development and evaluation, and subject matter expertise in the area of specialization. Preference for research experience, including the ability or demonstrated experience in facilitating field research in the area of specialization, as well as history of successfully obtaining or capacity to obtain grant funds to support research and extension work in the area of specialization.

Candidates must have proven personal effectiveness skills, including excellent interpersonal communication, team building, and problem solving skills and the ability to provide leadership to an educational program area by working successfully with agents and professors/specialists as well as industry clients in their subject matter area.

Ability to work extra hours and weekends is required.

Person must provide their own dependable, personal vehicle and have the ability to travel independently in the assigned geographical area.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Departmental Required Skills:

Computer literacy including Word, Excel, Power Point and Publisher is expected. Candidates should have excellent time and resource management skills, should be personable, and able to build networking coalitions.  Grant writing, reporting and management skills are required.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

Knowledge and experience in leadership, communications, educational presentations, public relations, marketing, effective use of technology, building relationships and networking with other
agencies and groups are preferred.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

This position is part of the EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems project of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS).  CEFS is a partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.

Apply at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/116621.  You will be prompted to upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.

AA/EOE: NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call 919-515-3148.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. If highest degree is from an institution outside of the U.S., final candidates are required to have their degree verified at www.wes.org. Degree must be obtained prior to start date.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.