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The CEFS Western NC Food Systems Program Director will lead a three year project federally grant funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and community organizations to assess regional supply chain infrastructure needs to support the growth and development of regional farm and food businesses. Through this project and future funding, the Program Director will work with key Western North Carolina (WNC) partners that include Cooperative Extension Directors and staff, Small Business Centers, food hubs, Councils of Government, ARC program contacts, grant funding partners (WNC Bridge and Dogwood Health Trust), and CEFS leadership, as well as faculty and staff from the two largest public universities in the region, Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University.
The incumbent will be responsible for leading the overall Western NC Food Systems Program, program funding and the team. The incumbent will provide program communication among NC Cooperative Extension key local partners in WNC, CEFS leadership and program funders; leading program activities, evaluations and assessments associated with the grants, managing the program budget and following grant and fiscal responsibilities from NC State. The incumbent will supervise the EMPOWER Local Foods Coordinator and temporary staff, in addition to working closely with Area Specialized Agent (ASA) focused on Agricultural Business Development supported by Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) funding to provide business and market development resources for producers in the region and the greater regional food system.
Job Location: Cherokee, NC