Director – small farms research center

Description Summary: The position is supported by grant funding from the USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (USDA/NIFA/BFRDP) and other funding sources. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life, and Natural Sciences. She/he will work closely with the Assistant Director in the effective operation of the Center; and in coordinating the activities of funded projects with partners including the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Tri-State Rabbit Grower Association, Tune Farm, Rosita’s Farm, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, USDA’s agencies and other community-based organizations committed to serving the needs of hard-to-reach populations in Alabama.

Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities of the Director are summarized below: To coordinate the functions and operations of the Center. This includes, among other things, liaising with current and potential partners. To ensure the supervision and coordination of the efforts of all employees (Assistant Director, Field Technicians, bi-weekly and Graduate students, office personnel, any other salaried officers, etc.) attached to the Center; To lead and coordinate the development and submission of new project funding proposals. To foster collaboration with partner Units/Divisions at various academic institutions and NGOs, cultivating a relationship with stakeholders – landowners, disadvantaged farmers, and veterans. To facilitate the development and submission, on a timely basis, relevant project (a) Financial Reports and (b) Implementation Reports to funding agencies. To serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on active SFRC project initiatives. To effectively manage the resources (finances, tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) of the Center. To periodically appraise the Dean, College of Agriculture, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) of issues, challenges, and progress as necessary.

Typical Qualifications Minimum: Master’s degree in Agriculture or closely related field. Experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations. Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data. Preferred: PhD degree in Agriculture or closely related field. Knowledge of Alabama agriculture and the needs of the limited resource farmers and ranchers. Track record of developing and maintaining a network of positive relationships and partnerships with organizations, including in the public sector, industry and/or community groups. Understanding of the issues and challenges affecting small farmers and opportunities for ensuring sustainability of small farming communities. Experience in developing and delivering impactful professional materials on topics related to program development and policy for small farmers. At least 5 years of outreach experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations. Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data.

Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent organizational skills Strong leadership skills Strong problem-solving skills Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret statistical and narrative data to determine the effective functioning of a project and/or program Ability to travel extensively within and outside the state at short notice Ability to work long hours, after hours and/or during weekends Ability and experience in grant writing, developing and maintaining a unique, coherent, and effective community outreach program.