Position Description
Department of Animal Science
Senior Extension Associate
Dairy Business Management Specialist
PRO-DAIRY Program
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Position Function
Statewide responsibilities in the areas of business and financial management for dairy farms, contributing to the overall economic sustainability of dairy production business and the dairy industry in New York. Integration of experience working with farm families, financial analysis tools, and applied research along with strong sense of teamwork will be necessary to facilitate business focused discussion groups as part of the management education focus of PRO-DAIRY Program. Leadership will be provided to build in-person and on-line business and financial management programs in support of farm level managers. For applied research efforts, working one-on-one with participating farms is a key focus. Along with facilitation of business focused discussion groups, developing and teaching management training programs, and conducting applied research programs, this position will assist in generating revenue to support overall programs.
This is a full-time position (1.0 FTE), 1-year renewable term appointment. The position is based in Ithaca, with the option for hybrid. Extension travel (approximately 40% of time) and over-nights will be required throughout New York State.
Anticipated Division of Time
Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation 40%
• In collaboration with PRO-DAIRY Farm Management Leader and other staff, provide strategic leadership and program design for initiatives that span the farm management component of the PRO-DAIRY Program.
• Coordination and development of virtual based management education programs.
• Facilitate current and new discussion group meetings.
• Produce original first drafts of PRO-DAIRY applications (request for funding) and reports (post-award and progress reports).
• Serve as a subject matter resource for farm level financial decision making and analysis, including Dairy Farm Business Summary and Dairy Profit Monitor programs.
• Continuously and proactively participate in professional meetings, seminars, and trainings to enhance skillsets. Stay abreast of research by reading current literature and publications.
• Independently develop presentations, press releases, and workshop materials for use within discussion groups. Share materials with other faculty for use in educational programs.
• Conduct applied research programs working directly with producers across the state.
Program Management: 30%
• Lead the development of materials to support virtual educational programs.
• Build and maintain extension relationships with individual businesses by providing educational information for better understanding of financial data generated by Dairy Farm Business Summary, Dairy Profit Monitor, and Activity Analysis Projects.
• Respond to data collection or understanding inquires via e-mail, phone, and in person as appropriate.
• Be an integral part of the team in delivering educational programs centered on extension meetings and articles about management and financial information relevant to current issues facing the dairy industry.
• Independently develop presentations and workshop materials to assist in the educational delivery.
• Present educational information at meetings for all audience groups: Producers, agri-service, and the public.
Data Analysis/Assessment: 20%
• Utilize applied research tools within the discussion group program.
• Collect farm level activity and financial data needed for applied research and use within discussion groups.
• Identify new opportunities for applied research and provide leadership in development of said projects.
• Track and evaluate extension program impacts.
• Prepare impact statements for use in grant reporting requirements and grant proposal development
• Publish extension bulletins and other formats reporting the results of applied research projects
Collaboration: 5%
• Participate in planning meetings, help develop program materials, and attend events as needed in support and collaboration with other PRO-DAIRY staff or regional teams on programs of mutual interest.
Personal and Professional Development: 5%
• Seek out and attend educational seminars and workshops of interest or as identified by Supervisor.
• Continuously maintain all required educational/position qualifications to fulfill job requirements.
• Maintain good communications with supervisor, co-workers, temporary staff and other collaborators within Cornell and at other institutions.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Requirements
• Advanced degree (M.S., M.B.A., Ph.D.) from an accredited institution with a major in agricultural production economics, agricultural finance, dairy management, or dairy science.
• 8+ years of relevant work experience in academia, agribusiness, or closely related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
• Highly motivated to generate, translate and communicate academic knowledge and convert it into practical, useful information for dairy producers and industry.
• Strong desire and ability to function in a team setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings, working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
If a Ph.D. is held, then 6+ years of relevant work experience is required.
Supervision Exercised
Position does not supervise others.
To apply:
Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum to “Justification Approved Rate”.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
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Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
** (posted 2025/10/24)