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Job Summary

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and methods of program planning, design, and development; delivery systems, program evaluation and accountability.
• Knowledge and experience working with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and USDA agencies.
• Knowledge and experience working with SDFR and rural socially disadvantaged communities.
• Knowledge and experience working with the land grant system, both 1862s and 1890s.
• Knowledge of agricultural policy.
• Strong management skills, including experience in teambuilding; and proven ability to work cooperatively with local, state, regional and national stakeholders, including representatives of USDA agencies and related organizations.
• Strong communication skills, verbal, written, and interpersonal
• Ability to analyze information, summarize findings and present them in ways easily understandable to decision makers.
• Ability to identify and build on the strengths of the organization. 

Essential Job Functions

•  Works closely with the Director to motivate, empower and provide guidance to staff, fostering a positive team environment and supporting professional development to optimize individual and organizational performance. 
• Assists in developing and implementing effective management systems
  and processes to facilitate achievement of the center’s strategic goals, objectives, and mission.
• Plans, coordinates, and documents the center’s meetings, programs,
  events, and service offerings; analyze and report on outcomes.
• Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with colleagues at local, regional, and national institutions, government agencies, stakeholder groups and other relevant entities to expand the center’s impact and effectiveness.
• Monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of center operations, workflows,
  and resource use; recommends and implements improvements to optimize performance and outcomes.
• Assists with developing grant proposals, managing grant-funded projects, creating, and tracking budgets, and completing required reporting,
• Helps oversee the collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination of research findings and policy recommendations related to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
• Stays abreast of relevant legislative and policy developments at the state and federal levels; synthesize implications and opportunities for the center’s work.
• Assists in developing the center’s strategic plan, annual work plans, and organizational policies in collaboration with the Director.
• Represents the center and the Director at meetings, events and other forums as needed; deliver presentations on the center’s research and policy work.
• Oversees special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Director to advance the center’s mission and expand its impact. 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in Agriculture, Public Policy, or related field of study. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with extensive administrative/supervisory experience in Agriculture and/or extension may also be considered. 
• Five (5) years of administrative experience is preferred.
• Experience in grant writing/management and budget administration required.
• Experience in agriculture, extension/outreach, research, farm management and/or agribusiness development preferred.