"Agribusiness Program Coordinator and Industry Liaison"

Agribusiness Program Coordinator and Industry Liaison

Company: McKendree University

Job Location: Lebanon, IL

Category: Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness

Type: Full-Time

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.

The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.

Position Summary and Key Responsibilities

McKendree University seeks qualified candidates for a full-time staff position within the School of Business serving as the Agribusiness Program Coordinator and Industry Liaison. This role offers a unique opportunity to support the growth of a new Agribusiness major, launching in Fall 2026, through strategic outreach, partnership development, and program coordination. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in establishing sustainable partnerships with industry stakeholders, facilitating transfer pathways for students, and promoting the program to prospective students.

McKendree University’s Agribusiness program is an emerging center of excellence designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in agribusiness management, agricultural economics, and related fields. Staff members benefit from a supportive and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth, industry engagement, and contributing to an innovative and impactful new program. This position is ideally suited to individuals with a strong foundation in agricultural business, external relations, and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Industry Partnership Development: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with regional agribusinesses to support experiential learning, internships, and employment opportunities for students.
• Recruitment and Outreach: Serve as a key liaison between the university and local agricultural enterprises. Develop and implement recruiting strategies aimed at enhancing student enrollment in the Agribusiness major.
• Program Support and Coordination: Assist in program promotion and development in collaboration with the School of Business leadership. Coordinate marketing efforts, event planning, and informational sessions related to the Agribusiness major.
• Articulation Agreement Coordination: Engage with regional community colleges to strengthen and expand 2+2 program agreements, providing clear, streamlined transfer pathways into the Agribusiness program.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a closely related field.
• Industry experience in agribusiness or agricultural economics.
• Demonstrated experience in relationship management, community outreach, or recruiting.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Business, or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to establish partnerships supporting internships, field experiences, and student career pipelines.
• Experience managing experiential learning or internship programs.
• Experience working with community colleges or managing transfer student pathways.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice.

Required Application Materials

A cover letter addressing your qualifications and vision for the role. Resume/CV

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