Agriculture Team Leader - Jamestown, NY

Cornell University · New York City · $63,000 (stated in the posting)

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REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture or closely-related field (or) Master’s Degree in Management, Business or Human Resources with Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture.
• 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and information and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.) to facilitate clear and consistent communication for alignment and transparency within the organization and with external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to staff and volunteers.
• Ability to effectively involve appropriate consultants and committees in the development of program direction and for the resolution of problems.
• Demonstrated experience with fund development and management.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs to address the needs of target audiences.
• Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, professional leaders, and clientele groups.
• Ability to identify and make use of program resources within the community and to establish a leadership role within the community and association.
• Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
• Background or course work in Leadership, Management, Human Resources, Education, Agri-Business, Farm work, Grant Writing/Management, Non-Profits, and/or Agricultural Economic Development.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with the public or private sectors of the agricultural industry and/or promoting and enhancing agricultural development within the context of more general county and region-wide economic development goals and vision.
• Knowledge of compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and risk management practices.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
Program Assessment - 5%

• Lead the application of subject matter knowledge to identify needs, gaps, and trends in the community in collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents within scope of the Association and Statewide Plan of Work.
• Develop program needs assessment.
• Analyze program needs based on assessments and input from community groups, staff, and other interested parties.
• Ensure program assessment is within the scope of statewide and association plans of work.
• Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, and/or improvements based upon assessment.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty/program units, Regional Agriculture Teams  and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for program assessment guidance related to Agriculture programming efforts.

Program Development - 20%

• Lead the application of subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies for the agriculture, agriculture economic development, and food systems educational programming area.
• Develop high quality educational programs and program materials to address the needs of the program and program participants using proven educational methodologies as well as innovative techniques to reach various target populations within the community and region.
• Develop Farm to School, Ag and Food Systems programming initiatives.
• Develop agri-tourism initiatives to stimulate agricultural and community relationships.
• Ensure that program development and related activities are within scope of the Association Plan of Work and are within the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Research, identify and select existing resources for use in programmatic offerings.
• Based on program evaluation data, formulate, and implement specific strategies to improve overall program quality, deliverables and impact and meet the need of various program participants.
• Develop relationships with partner agencies, organizations, industries, community leaders and other stakeholders to obtain their assistance in program development and ensure that stakeholders are engaged in the program development process.
• Maintain direct connection with Cornell University faculty and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for guidance in program development.

Program Delivery - 10%

• Provide leadership to the process of program delivery and delivery strategies based on community needs.
• Serve as subject matter expert in the area of agriculture for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public and professionals working within the county and the region.
• Delivery innovative and multi-disciplinary programs utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, and social and mass media consistent with identified educational needs and requirements of funders.
• Consult and collaborate with target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.
• Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider various audiences.
• Ensure program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.

Program Evaluation - 5%

• Develop program evaluation to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.
• Interact with program participants, advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, county, and community leaders to obtain evaluation data for programs.
• Communicate evaluation data, results and findings to Executive Director, Supervisor, committees, and/or other constituents as appropriate.
• Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
• Evaluate implemented change impacts and utilize information to direct future work.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University and/or other Land Grant University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.
• May be involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation.

Administrative Direction - 25%
Program Direction

• Provide high-level administrative leadership to support delivery (including structure of delivery, utilizing multiple delivery methods) of Agriculture program goals.
• Provide leadership within the agricultural program assisting the Executive Director with the development process, including establishing priorities, staffing plans, resource acquisition and allocation, and evaluation processes to assure program quality, consider community diversity, and meet Equal Program Opportunity guidelines.
• In partnership with the Executive Director, oversee the process of interpreting Association and University program direction to assess, develop, plan, and evaluate educational programs reflective of local citizens' and communities' needs and demographics.
• Oversee the Agricultural Program Committee, maintaining the current system for ongoing involvement of citizens that reflects the community's demographics.

Financial Direction

• Anticipate and propose budget based on established financial guidelines and/or procedures and provide information to the overall budget process.
• Assist with developing enhanced revenue streams to sustain and grow programming through a diversified fund development plan, including grants, contracts, foundations, individual donors, corporate support, etc.
• Assist in the development of the Association's finances (and fiscal stewardship), human resources, technology, marketing/communications, facilities, and risk management functions.

Communications/Marketing Direction
•    Support and assist with the development of a clear, collaborative, and concise Association vision; build understanding around the mission; and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission.

Staffing Direction

• Provide leadership for the development of staffing plans that support educational programming efforts.
• Support and oversee professional development initiatives to ensure agricultural staff have the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively carry out their assigned job responsibilities.
• Assist with ensuring mandatory trainings are completed by staff annually.

General Direction

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to encourage and ensure local application and engagement with the CCE mission, vision, and values. Guide the development of the Association's Plan of Work, strategic plans, goals, and objectives.
• Actively pursue opportunities to expand program capacity, improve administrative efficiency, and reduce operational expenses as appropriate.
• Provide relevant support the Executive Director to assist with planning for delegated and assigned administrative needs for the Association.
• Evaluate and implement human resource programs, policies, and procedures, established by the Association, Cornell Cooperative Extension, or state or federal law ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Support the Executive Director with the development and successful sustainment of relationships with local, county, and federal governments, key elected officials, Cornell University, other CCE Associations, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders to advance CCE's mission and goals.

Administrative Management - 25%
Program Management

• Provide high level program management responsibilities and delegate as necessary to agriculture program educators and staff as appropriate.
• Oversee agriculture programs to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association, is research knowledge-­based and aligns with University program direction, local and state Plans of Work.
• Provide leadership to facilitate problem solving and conflict management of issues that arise in the operation of the Agriculture program area.
• Identify activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, advisory committees, staff, agency partners, and other key community constituents.
• Identify, develop, enhance, and engage networks of volunteers and volunteer leaders.

Financial Management

• Provide fiscal management and budget development leadership to ensure expenditure of funds to ensure compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
• Manage new and existing grants and funding opportunities including research and analysis, internal reporting systems, monitoring expenditures, and working with staff to ensure each project or program is meeting proposal outcomes and expectations.
• Ensure grant funding and reporting requirements are met.
• Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources.
• Engage agricultural staff to ensure all involved have understanding of the Association's financial status.
• Assist in negotiation of contracts (insurances, equipment, and services) for approval by Executive Director.
• Assist in the oversight and support preparation of Association budget and required financial reports for review by Executive Director and the Board.

Communications/Marketing Management

• Manage the implementation of the agricultural communications/marketing plan, including overseeing marketing and promoting program participation.
• Monitor agricultural electronic and print communications for content and adherence to CCE and other legal and regulatory requirements, including Equal Program Opportunity requirements.

Staffing Management

• Select, orient, lead, and manage agricultural staff including educators, office support personnel, and other staff as appropriate.
• Supervise direct reports; provide direct feedback on performance through formal and informal channels; conduct formal annual performance reviews for direct reports.
• Address employee relations issues, engaging appropriate CCE or other resources, as needed.

General Management

• Assist the Executive Director in managing and administering the overall Association operations, as necessary.
• Assist in identifying problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the operation of the Association, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of the Association's strategic plan.
• Assist in maintaining effective working relations with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, etc.
• Frequently inform, negotiate, and collaborate with the Executive Director, Shared Business Network, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration on Association matters and decisions when needed or required.
• Oversee the maintenance of Association assets, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, delegating implementation, as necessary.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Represent the Association in the Executive Director’s absence, as necessary.
• Serve as Right to Know, American Disabilities Act, Affirmative Action, and Diversity Plan representative; provide guidance and assistance to staff to ensure compliance.
• Provide administrative leadership to the coordination of assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established educational program goals.
• Provide training to staff related to specific job responsibilities and/or areas of improvement, as necessary.
• Review and approve time cards and time-off requests for direct reports.
• Assist Executive Director in the preparation and submission of grants and contract proposals to secure funding actively involving finance staff, and program staff, as necessary.
• Review and approve time cards and time-off requests for direct reports.
• Actively serve on appropriate local, regional, and state committees and task forces that support overall educational and organizational efforts of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.
• Schedule, coordinate, facilitate and/or participate in meetings, training and conference calls as required or as needed.
• Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, social media, website postings and content.
• Coordinate marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and agricultural organizations.
• Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others, as necessary.
• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained.
• Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
• Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement - 5%

• In cooperation with the Supervisor, 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.
• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required.

Health and Safety - Applies 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.

Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions

• 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 Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
• Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes and Skills for Success.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

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POSITION DETAILS
Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-Time)
Annualized Wage: $63,000 to $65,000 Annualized, commensuarate with experience.
Location: Based from the Jamestown, NY office
Remote Status: Remote work is not available.
Benefits: Full benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement (NYSLERS)
• Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Term Life Insurance
• Personal Accidental Insurance
• Legal Plan Insurance
• Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• New York’s 529 College Savings Program

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APPLICATION DEADLINE
Apply online by 11:59pm EST on November 5, 2026 

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at wsbn-recruiter@cornell.edu with questions. 

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.

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HOW TO APPLY
To be considered all applicants are requested to:

(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application

(2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume

(3) Upload/attach 2 Professional References

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Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.

• External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.  Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) for additional guidance. 
• Internal Applicants (current employees working at this CCE office): Apply via  Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.

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No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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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.

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.

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