Position Description

The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business invites applicants for a full-time, fixed term (with possibility of renewal) Extension Associate/Sr. Extension Associate position in our Applied Economics and Policy area, intended for placement in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, with an intended start date of July 1, 2022. The position will be based in Ithaca, NY. This is a hybrid position – some work can be completed remotely and a presence on campus is required.

Responsibilities of the position include serving as the Executive Director (ED) of FarmNet and will be responsible for the coordination, leadership, management, and communication of the NY FarmNet program. This position is expected to support educational programming focused on farm business and stress management. Therefore, the incumbent will work closely with the FarmNet Advisory Board, faculty, specialists, researchers, educators, and community members, among other stakeholders, to advance the wellbeing of NY FarmNet clients and agricultural communities. The ED serves as a resource to develop the consultant’s best professional practice in a confidential manner. They supervise and cultivate the office staff and perform annual performance reviews. Correspondingly, the ED will identify, design, implement, and evaluate educational programming created through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. To achieve this, they are expected to identify areas of need, conduct applied research, and disseminate research-based information through various methods such as multi-media, personal education, and written articles. The ED will be responsible for identifying and leading the application process for NYS and non-NYS grant sources to diversify funding. The ED will also play a key role in the strategic and future planning of NY FarmNet.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree or equivalent with at least 3 years of relevant experience. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the agricultural community in NYS. Demonstrated program leadership and ability to supervise others.

Preferred qualifications include:

 ·         Master’s degree in social work, counseling, mental health, applied economics, or relevant business fields.

·         Familiarity and/or professional experience with conflict management/mental health counseling, and/or agricultural finance, farm business management in New York State.

·         Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

·         Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities.

·         Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

·         Experience in strategic planning within the context of an existing organization.

·         Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision.

NY FarmNet operates at Cornell University as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management within the SC Johnson College of Business and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. As a vital part of Cornell’s legacy as New York’s land-grant university, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management has, since its inception, played an important outreach role in translating the expertise and research insights of the university to practical applications across New York State, the U.S., and the world. NY FarmNet is a key contributor to and embodiment of this mission. (https://www.nyfarmnet.org/mission).

NY FarmNet offers free, confidential, impartial consulting to farmers and agribusiness professionals across the State of New York, offering guidance through periods of transition, opportunity or challenge. We facilitate farm families in achieving their business and personal goals. We help NY State agriculture thrive.

Founded in 1986 in response to the national farm crisis, NY FarmNet provides on-site consultations, most often in the client’s home. Consultants (45 total) work in teams addressing financial and family/personal issues. NY FarmNet also offers educational programming within agricultural communities related to succession planning and stress management.

For full consideration please ensure that your application is complete by April 18, 2022. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.  Applications received after April 18, 2022 will be reviewed if the position has not been filled.

 The following materials are required:

1.    Letter of interest, with clear indication of position being applied for

2.    Curriculum vitae;

3.   Names and contact information of three references; and

4.  Statement on Contributions to Diversity;

Visit the below website for more information on our required statement on contributions to diversity. https://facultydevelopment.cornell.edu/department-resources/recruitment/contribution-to-diversity/

Cornell University embraces diversity in all its forms. Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We're an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Cornell University actively seeks to meet the needs of dual-career couples with its Dual Career program, and is a member of the Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium that assists with dual career searches.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.