"Program Leader, Agriculture and Natural Resources"

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Agricultural and Natural Resources (ANR) Program Leader provide statewide leadership and coordination for the development and implementation of the agriculture and natural resources program for Central State University (CSU) Extension Service. The position is responsible for developing a comprehensive and collaborative statewide ANR program that impacts the economic, environmental or social conditions in urban agriculture and forestry, as well as small, underrepresented, socially disadvantaged, and minority farmers and woodland owners in urban and rural communities in Ohio. The Program Leaders directs the planning, delivery, and evaluation of research-based educational programs for targeted audiences.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop agriculture and natural resources programs that address a diverse range of issues with underserved and underrepresented small-scale famers, urban agriculture and forestry, small woodland owners, and communities in the area of agriculture and natural resources (ANR).
• Provide statewide leadership in development, design and implementation of agriculture and natural resources research-based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences in Ohio.
• Partner and collaborate with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to meet the educational needs of Ohio residents.
• Develop and monitor ANR budget.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise ANR Extension Educators, Program Extension Associates, Programs Assistants, and other assigned direct reports.
• Serve as an educational advisor and liaison for the CSU Extension and the University to appropriate public issue and program related organizations. Represent CSU Extension with federal, state and local agencies and educational institution at regional and national levels.
• Be active in Extension, research, and service activities at the state level; pilot new approaches and advance existing techniques in collaboration with personnel from other states where applicable; Identify potential industry leaders and help develop their capacity to accomplish community and industry goals.
• Conduct applied research; translate and integrate applied research results into educational programs and provide statewide research-based educational information to farmers and communities.
• Secure extramural funding through grants, contracts, industry supported partnerships, user fees and cost recovery to support mission critical programming.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with clientele, stakeholders, producers, OSU, agri-business, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities.
• Develop and implement evaluation plans, report impacts, outcomes, and results of programs to clientele, public, funders, and administration.
• Responsible for assuring compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.
• Utilize the expertise of advisory groups, community leaders, public officials, and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and develop educational programs.
• Collaborate with academic and research faculty on research agenda
• Other duties as assigned or approved by supervisor

The position will require some travel (including overnight stays) and evening/weekend work and activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• An earned Master’s degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, animal science, agriculture economics, agriculture education, or other equivalent agriculture and natural resources discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of Extension programming for agriculture and natural resources.
• Skill in developing urban and rural community-based ANR programs
• Demonstrated understanding of small-scale and urban farming and forestry in Ohio
• Demonstrated verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• An earned doctorate/Ph.D. degree in agriculture, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, animal science, agriculture economics, agriculture education, or other equivalent agriculture and natural resources discipline.
• Knowledge of Extension’s educational delivery systems and other aspects of the Land Grant system.

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary

$72,000-$75,000

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts