Extension Specialist, Value-Added Agriculture Marketing, Center For Profitable Agriculture

POSITION X2436                 Extension Specialist, Value-Added Agriculture Marketing                                                 

LOCATION                             University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Extension, Center for Profitable Agriculture at the Ridley 4-H Center in Columbia, Tennessee 

EFFECTIVE DATE                 Screening of applicants' credentials will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Target start date will be June 1, 2024.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Benefits include group hospitalization and life insurance, State Employees Retirement; Workers' Compensation; sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs, including liberal time off for holidays and longevity pay after three years of service; reimbursement for official travel.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Center for Profitable Agriculture is a center within UT Extension and a partnership with the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation. The Center staff work to help farmers analyze and develop value-added agriculture enterprises across the state. The Extension Specialist - Value-Added Agriculture Marketing provides leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating statewide educational programs in value-added Agriculture Marketing. The Extension Specialist - Value-Added Agriculture Marketing is a full-time, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position. Success in this position necessitates a high level of individual initiative and in-person collaboration, teaching and consultation prompting overnight travel and work beyond the normal work schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

To achieve the mission of the Center, the Extension Specialist - Value-Added Agriculture Marketing will:

•         Develop a statewide Extension educational program based on marketing fundamentals in support of value-added agriculture enterprise development.
•         Plan, develop, implement, evaluate and report value-added educational programs with a focus on the marketing needs of clientele including general business and enterprise-specific regulations.
•         Provide leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or veteran status.
•         Provide consultations and assistance to clients through on-site visits and distance communications.
•         Provide leadership in the development of Extension educational programs and participate in educational programs in various functions such as planning team member, coordinator, speaker, moderator, etc.
•         Write and develop effective teaching tools such as publications, fact sheets, presentations, worksheets, news releases, web-based tools and other creative tools to enhance the delivery and understanding of information on value-added marketing and market development.
•        Provide training in value-added enterprise development and marketing for Extension agents and specialists.
•         Conduct market analyses, develop marketing plans, review marketing materials and evaluate marketing strategies for value-added agriculture product ideas and enterprises submitted to the Center by farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
•         Work closely with other members of the Center as well as program partners in the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.
•         Secure external funding for programs that promote and strengthen value-added agriculture and direct marketing activities through grants, contracts, sponsorships, gifts and/or fees.
•         Evaluate and report inputs, outcomes, impacts and accomplishments.
•         Assist in departmental public relations and marketing efforts by contributing to client/partner e-news list, departmental social media sites, website content, departmental reports, exhibiting opportunities, etc.
•         Stay informed of current information in the area of marketing value-added products through professional development activities such as attending seminars and professional meetings.
•         Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

•         Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Finance, Marketing or Business Administration. Applicants graduating prior to target start date are welcome to apply.
•         Sound knowledge of marketing fundamentals.
•         Knowledge and skills that demonstrate promise in Extension program development, implementation, and evaluation.
•         Ability to provide leadership to multidisciplinary teams as well as the ability to work as an effective team member.
•         Ability to manage and prioritize responsibilities for multiple projects.
•         Effective verbal and written communication skills.
•         Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Internet (Web, e-mail), etc.

PREFERENCES

•         Knowledge of agricultural Extension programs and the land-grant mission.
•         Knowledge, skills or experience in developing grant proposals.
•         Transcripts showing an earned Bachelor's degree in an agricultural field or significant knowledge of the agricultural industry.

TO APPLY:

 Please apply online by clicking this link:   External Applicants      

Attach the following electronic documents to the application:

       Curriculum vita or resume;

       Letter of interest;

       Official transcript(s) showing degree(s) conferred. 

For additional information, please contact: 

Megan Bruch Leffew, Search Chair

Extension Specialist III, Value-Added Agriculture Marketing

Center for Profitable Agriculture

850 Lion Parkway

Columbia, TN 38401

Phone: 931-486-2777

Email: mleffew@utk.edu

Website: cpa.tennessee.edu