For more information about this position, or to apply online, visit the North Carolina State University employment website: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/106086

NC ChoicesEssential Job Duties:

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems’ NC Choices initiative is seeking a full-time Technical Niche Meat Program Coordinator. CEFS is looking for an individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders, is comfortable managing and moving a process from concept to implementation, makes key business and market-buyer connections, and can translate technical content into on-the-ground assistance for livestock farmers and allied meat business partners. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven and experienced candidate to pilot innovative techniques that will be shared nationally.

The Program Coordinator will oversee, coordinate, and implement NC Choices projects, activities, resources, and technical assistance. In addition to responding to the needs of niche meat business professionals, specific activities will focus on supporting economic viability of beginning and existing farmers and ranchers across North Carolina by providing them with the production through sale resources and market-buyer connections. The position will also oversee the implementation of pairing beginning farmers on shared lands.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide livestock farmers and allied meat businesses (including county, state, federal meat processors, buyers and chefs, distributors, and fellow educators) with resources such as peer-to-peer assistance, fact sheets, presentations, and web-based tools to help assess and enhance business efficiency and profitability.
  • Work closely with the NC Choices Project Director, University research, faculty, and Extension personnel, and public and private partners.
  • Author and/or synthesize a suite of pasture-based production through business and marketing peer-reviewed Extension content.
  • Speak to a variety of audiences, including preparing presentations about niche meat processing and marketing issues for diverse audiences.
  • Manage, implement, and oversee NC Choices projects as assigned, programs and educational workshops including on-the-ground farmer/owner land-share logistics (working with solar farms, silvopasture, and land trust partners) leveraging support from public, private, and University experts.
  • Remain nimble so as to respond to regulatory and/or policy issues that affect the niche meat sector.
  • Define and implement reporting mechanisms from the programmatic efforts.
  • Build upon, develop and maintain effective relationships with local, regional and national partners and affiliates including livestock producers, meat processors, consultants, educators, and pasture-meat professionals.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

  • Manage NC Choices’ website, social media, and listserv.
  • Assist with the development of grant proposals, grant reports and project evaluation activities.
  • Participate and collaborate with other relevant CEFS initiatives is expected, including data sharing, research collaboration and presentation of findings.

Minimum Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in livestock production, supply chain management, food science, sustainable agriculture or a closely related discipline, with 5+ years of alternative or equivalent professional training and experience in livestock production, meats processing or marketing.

Departmental Required Skills:

  • Must have experience working with livestock production, entrepreneur support for small businesses, and in developing educational programming.
  • Familiarity with a wide array of animal production, processing, and marketing systems as related to meat or have relevant background and be able to quickly engage in these areas.
  • Able to work in a fast paced environment and to quickly adjust to change and changing priorities.
  • Exceptionally organized and an excellent communicator, and a strong writer.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
  • Ability to work effectively with industry, economic development groups, advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners and other stakeholders.
  • Proven organizational and time-management skill as well as strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education:

  • Post-baccalaureate degree in livestock production, supply chain management, food science, sustainable agriculture or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution, with 3+ years of relevant work experience in livestock production, meats processing or marketing.
  • Experience working with silvopasture and/or solar grazing management.
  • Experience in targeting messaging, crafting and delivering thematic messaging in local niche meat production and/or sustainable agriculture, and possess the ability to interpret and communicate applied research and demonstration projects.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (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/106086.  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.