The Direct Market Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County will be responsible for implementing educational programs and support that provide direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities to local farmers, producers, and value-added food processors in South-Central New York. The goal of this position is to enhance the economic vitality of agri-businesses in the South-Central New York region by utilizing established resources in addition to awarded funding from the USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program. This position will utilize these resources to provide educational programming to agriculture producers, new/beginning farmers, new food entrepreneurs, and the public; resulting in the increase of the public’s familiarity with local agricultural markets. This position will provide training and direct assistance on basic technology skills, website development, social media, online sales platforms, search engine optimization, print advertising, signage, retail displays, product demonstrations and sampling, market analysis, market trends, business/marketing plans, wholesale marketing, licensing/certifications, payment methods, and related topics. This position will also provide support/education for/at events for the larger public that showcase the agriculture industry and market the availability of products grown and/or produced in the South-Central New York Region (e.g., STEAM fairs, tabling events, networking opportunities). This position will assist with CCE’s marketing efforts related to Agriculture and Local Foods. This position is funded by an awarded USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant and is a two-year position.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on September 26, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. 

Please contact the CCE office at 607-391-2660 with questions. 

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time non-exempt position, 40 hours per week, 100% FTE. The hourly rate for this position is $19.23 to $20.43 commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave. This position is funded by an awarded USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant and is a two-year position.

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education (Associate’s Degree and 2 years transferrable program/functional experience).Experience relevant to the role of the position.Coursework in marketing, advertising, business development, agriculture, agriculture business, and/or agriculture economics.Demonstrated knowledge of food production, food science/technology, and/or food culture.Valid NYS driver’s license and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity of subject matter appropriate to area of programming.Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach and evaluate informal education programs through a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.Ability to participate in professional team efforts.Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgement, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with immediate supervisor.Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.Familiarity with basic social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.  

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Responsibilities:

Delivery - 70%

Complete a market analysis and individualized consultations to determine activities that directly assist or provide education to local agricultural producers/farmers, Farmers Markets, and local retailers.Implement group trainings and workshops on new topics in addition to established programming (e.g. basic technology skills; business planning; basic and advanced marketing; Market Readiness training; licensing/certifications: GAP – Good Agriculture Practices, FSMA – Food Safety Modernization Act; 20C kitchen licensing; inventory management; search engine optimization; market analysis; website development and advertising methods).Maintain relationships with constituents and the community by utilizing various methods of communication such as speaking over the phone and in-person, writing newsletters, sending emails, updating social media, and creating website postings and content in support of local agricultural products as a part of program delivery.Provide support/education for/at events for the larger public that showcase the agriculture industry and market the availability of products grown and/or produced in South-Central New York (e.g. STEAM fairs, tabling events, networking opportunities).Utilize effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts including, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, signage, and multi-media efforts.Apply local foods/marketing subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver educational programs as appropriate.Work to foster acceptance of the Agriculture and Local Foods (particularly local foods/marketing), methods and practices while addressing needs in the agriculture community and considering diverse audiences.Deliver educational programs as a part of multi-association and/or regional efforts when identified/appropriate.Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County in a professional manner and communicate and effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, social media, Facebook, Instagram, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.Serve as subject matter resource in the area of Food System Marketing.Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and the Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.

Evaluation - 5%

Implement program evaluation as designed.Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data.Assist Association Team Leader in the process of analyzing evaluation data, and based on that analysis, assist in making recommendations for program offerings.Communicate evaluation findings to constituents as appropriate.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 5%

Assist in the planning of educational programs to include, but not limited to planning the delivery of established educational program goals as well as the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.Assist in anticipating and projecting program expenses.Assist in providing program related information to the budget development process and allocate budget amounts, reporting out to the Supervisor per established protocol.Provide low complexity administrative assistance to include, but not limited to, planning for mass media efforts related to the program; work together with Agriculture team to plan effective strategic marketing efforts; and major public affairs events and functions.Provide program related information to the staffing plan development process.Assist the grant writing team in the writing and development of grant applications to secure funding for ongoing/expanded programming efforts.

Management - 5%

Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the Agriculture/Local Foods program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed.Assist Supervisor to ensure program activities, workshops and events conform to the Association’s Plan of Work.Support the allocation of program resources to accomplish Association program objectives within the Agriculture/Local Food Program.Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e. program supplies and materials).

Coordination/Operation - 10%

Organize and coordinate program activities relating to the program.Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.Obtain evaluation data and program needs assessments from program participants based on existing evaluation framework and guidelines.Provide administrative support to prepare materials for report submission to meet funding and Association requirements.Provide administrative support to accomplish financial goals within assigned program to include, but not limited to: preparing materials for grant/contact proposal submission and providing required information needed in the financial documentation to meet grant or budget requirements.Coordinate and assist with projects and outreach efforts as needed.Assist in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.Remain up to date on current marketing/business trends, marketing technologies, and best practices specifically related to agriculture in the South-Central New York region.Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts. This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.

Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County policies and procedures.Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

  

Job Title:

Association Subject Educator I

Level:

004

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.  This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.