Extension Associate, Small Farm Marketing

Extension Associate, Small Farm Marketing

Job Summary : The 1890 Land-Grant Programs at Central State University (CSU) is seeking an Extension Associate, Small Farm Marketing, who will provide outreach and engagement with farmers enrolled in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant to use integrated, multi-disciplinary approaches to market products from their small farms that utilize climate-smart technologies for specialty crops. The Extension Associate will also provide outreach, engagement, and education in developing marketing strategies for the enrolled farmers such as labeling, direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community-supported agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others. The position will be responsible for recruiting underserved, underrepresented specialty crop farmers to participate in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant. This position might require travel daily if needed in Ohio or Southeastern Michigan for site visits and partner meetings.

Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.

This is a five-year USDA / NRCS funded project NRCS # NR243A750004G003. CONTINUATION OF THIS POSITION IS EXPECTED TO 10 / 31 / 2028; HOWEVER, IT IS CONTINGENT ON THE ANNUAL RENEWAL OF FEDERAL FUNDING.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Develop marketing strategies for farmers enrolled in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant for specialty crop products grown with climate-smart technologies.
• Develop and deliver educational programming on marketing strategies such as labeling, direct marketing, online sales tools, social media marketing, community-supported agriculture (CSA), cooperative markets, and others for farmers enrolled in the grant and other CSU Extension stakeholders.
• Create partnerships with collaborating agencies, organizations, and other stakeholder groups to create marketing opportunities for specialty crop products in Ohio, with an emphasis on those grown with climate-smart technologies.
• Recruit underserved, underrepresented specialty crop farmers in Ohio and Southeastern Michigan to enroll in the Climate-Smart Commodities grant.
• Assist farmers enrolled in the grant to obtain a farm number from the USDA-Farm Service Agency to receive incentives from participation in this program.
• Provide resources to farmers on programs available through USDA agencies.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to plan, deliver and evaluate programming for diverse audiences of farmers regarding marketing specialty crop products.
• Conduct demonstrations, programs, and meetings to educate farmers about new technology and practices related to marketing specialty crops.
• Participate as a member of the CSU Extension ANR team to share program ideas and deliverables to be used by ANR educators with other farmers in Ohio.
• Develop regular and effective communications and working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Collect, record, and evaluate program impacts for reporting requirements.
• Establish professional relationships with faculty on campus to enhance Extension programming.
• Represent CSU Extension with groups and organizations involved with marketing channels.
• Provide technical assistance on marketing topics and issues.
• Ensure that programs and activities are available to all interested persons in accordance with applicable equal opportunity / civil rights laws and best practices.
• Uphold a respectful, professional communication style both oral and written form.
• Attend professional development opportunities.
• Other responsibilities as required.

Minimum QualificationsRequired Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications :

Posting Information

Posting Date : 01 / 29 / 2024

Closing Date : Open Until Filled

Position Category : Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary : Commensurate with experience

Central State University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

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