CCE Madison seeks a thoughtful, innovative, and driven educator to enhance the viability of local agriculture through supporting product diversification, direct marketing, promotion of local products and value-added opportunities. The Educator, along with the rest of the Ag Economic Development Team, will be responsible for implementing innovative Ag Economic Development programming that enhances and expands the economic viability of agricultural enterprises in Madison County with a focus on marketing and reaching new markets. Projects will change as needs evolve and include: • Agritourism & Agriculture Promotion, with a focus on events like Open Farm Day and Celebrate Madison • Connecting farm businesses to new markets and opportunities • Direct Marketing (farmers’ markets, roadside stands, online sales, farm promotion) • Supporting Value-Added and Processing Enterprises • Driving consumer demand through local foods education The primary audience for programming will include agricultural producers and related service providers, new entrepreneurs in production, processing and agriculture related businesses including agricultural tourism, and community members to increase connections with agriculture. This person will work with a variety of agriculture and community stakeholders implementing Madison County’s Ag and Farmland Protection Plan and Buy Madison initiative. Required Qualifications: + Master’s degree in agriculture, Food Studies, Economics, Marketing, or related field, or a Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of transferrable relevant evidence based research experience. + Experience relevant to the role of the position. + Experience in or comfort with agriculture or farming, including but not limited to 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau or any other agricultural organization. + Knowledge of food systems, markets, agriculture, and the challenges facing agriculture locally. + Demonstrated initiative, reliability and dependability. + Demonstrated ability to plan, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups. + Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means. + Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for education and communication purposes. + Demonstrated ability to participate in professional team efforts with volunteers and staff. + Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences. + Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position with reliable transportation. + Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications: + Professional experience promoting and enhancing agricultural development at a farm, county, or region-wide scale. + Background and experience in use of online platforms for communication and program delivery including video and podcasts. + Ability to use research and networking skills to find new opportunities and optimize connections. + Capacity to link industry and producer needs with available regional and state-wide expertise and resources. + Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead programming with little direction. Position Responsibilities and Essential Functions Program Development – 15% + Apply subject matter knowledge in food systems and agricultural business development to assist with identifying gaps and trends in the community. + Assist with developing educational programs to meet identified needs, goals, and objectives within the county, including potential new market opportunities for farmers. + Assist in making recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements. + Support the development of innovative educational programs around developing successful agriculturally-based businesses and new market opportunities. + Help research, identify, and select existing resources to meet the needs of the program. + Assist with the creation of program materials to address the needs of the agricultural community. + Assist with structuring programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants in local farming communities. + Alongside local and regional educators, help develop well-integrated educational efforts. Program Delivery – 50% + Apply existing subject matter knowledge of food systems and agricultural markets in the delivery of educational programming in a variety of methodologies including teaching program participants via workshops, on-on-one consultations at local farms, and mass media. + Serve as a liaison to Buy Madison, Madison County Tourism, HarvestNY and TasteNY programs for the benefit of Madison County farmers. + As part of program delivery, act as subject matter resource and contact for volunteers, owners, farmers, vendors, and leaders within the county and provide moderately complex non-standard responses to inquiries. + Connect farmers to resources within CCE and within the local economic development and business community. + Interact with farmers and business owners in a professional manner as part of program delivery, helping them meet their desired goals. + Represent CCE before the public and local farming community, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery. + May be involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to deliver programs. + Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies for adults in the local agricultural business community. + Assist with ensuring program delivery is within scope of the local and statewide Plan of Work. + Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals. Program Evaluation – 5% + Implement program evaluation as designed. + Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data, to include evaluating the effectiveness of classes and instructors within program areas for all programs offered. + May assist with analyzing program data and assist with recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs. + Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to constituents as appropriate. Administrative Direction – 10% + Assist with planning the delivery of short- and long-term educational programs surrounding agricultural business development and marketing using a variety of methods and based on evaluation data, the program Plan of Work, and community needs identified in the Madison County Ag and Farmland Protection Plan. + Liaise with an active Agriculture Economic Development Program Advisory Committee with a wide representation of community members to provide input into program goals. + Provide input to the Executive Director to the planning of the program budget and Plan of Work. + Assist with planning effective external and internal program communication/marketing efforts for the program. + Assist in enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program. + Assist in the planning and execution of Open Farm Day and Celebrate Madison, two large-scale agricultural promotion and education events. Administrative Management – 10% + Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned. + Provide guidance and support to volunteers as needed for Open Farm Day. + Supervise assigned interns and temp staff, providing appropriate feedback, coaching and performance management and annual performance evaluation, seeking guidance and support as necessary. + Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the Program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed. + Assist in ensuring program activities conform to the Association’s Plan of Work. + Assist in identifying, developing, enhancing, and engaging network of new farmers, businesses, and volunteers. + Assist with developing and enhancing networks of new community members to extend program implementation. + Assist in monitoring program expenses to ensure spending is within the program budget constraints. + Assist in guiding the implementation of communication strategies on local foods promotion Administrative Coordination/Operation – 5% + Compile and prepare materials/resources for teaching purposes. + Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework. + Initiate program purchases following internal controls for procurement. + Assist in coordinating the program implementation, planning, and activities efforts. + Assist with preparing grant or funding proposals to secure additional funding. + Submit monthly program reports to the Executive Director and enter program data into the CCE federal reporting system. + Prepare reports demonstrating program progress, accomplishments, and the impact of the community. Professional Improvement – 5% + In cooperation with Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities. + Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned. Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions + Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. + Be familiar with 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 Madison County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success. + Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner. ​ Position Details This is a full-time (37.5 hrs/week) , benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Flexible weekly hours with occasional weekend events. Compensation paid in the range of $23.00 - $24.50 per hour. Named one of CNY Business Journal’s Best Places to Work! Come join our supportive and fun work environment. We offer g enerous paid time off and holidays. Additional benefits based on eligibility, include: + NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance) + NYS Retirement + Long-Term Disability Insurance + Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) + Paid Family Leave + Tuition Assistance and opportunities for professional development + Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan + Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts + Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance + Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance + Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance + Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance + Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance + Voluntary Pet Insurance + Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program Application Deadline Application reviewed on a rolling basis. All applications and application materials must be received by 2/24/25. Position will remain open until a satisfactory pool of candidates has been reached. Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Madison County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ . For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply Please submit resume, cover letter and references . Consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. No relocation or VISA sponsorship available. Please contact Maryellen Sheehan, ms3573@cornell.edu with questions. https://ccemadison.org Job Title: Association Subject Educator II Level: 003 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Company: Contract College Contact Name: Lori North 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 (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.