Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:
We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
We embrace that it is everyones job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
POSITION SUMMARY
As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI) and in partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited, this position provides leadership and educational programming expertise in food entrepreneurship, including one-on-one food business counseling. This position will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of Battle Creek and Southwest Michigan food entrepreneurs.
In this position, you may identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to food entrepreneurship, value-added agriculture, and local food systems. This position specifically focuses on conducting outreach activities and education programs to market business development services and provide assistance to businesses in the agriculture/food sectors to advance value-added products and services.
Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the diverse network of partner groups that include Battle Creek Unlimited and other local and regional food and agricultural entities. You will ensure the dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including one-on-one counseling for Product Center clients, multi-media, personal education, and written articles. You will participate in the planning and implementation of statewide and Product Center events like the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show.
There will be space available for this position to work from the Battle Creek Unlimited offices in Battle Creek, Michigan.
This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a partner office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individuals position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.
This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.
Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities
Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected local and regional needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan, with particular focus on Battle Creek and Southwest Michigan.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the CFEI.
Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institutes efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, and other human differences.
Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.
In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state, and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CFEI and work teams.
Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
Author, produce, and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -Business, Economics, Food Marketing
Minimum Requirements
Masters degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to business, economics, food marketing, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
Familiarity with food and/or value-added agricultural products.
Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities, and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Desired Qualifications
Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
Required Application Materials
Current resume/CV.
Cover letter.
Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.
Special Instructions
This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.
Starting salary $56,100/year, commensurate with education and experience.
Website
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.