Food and Ag Business Advisor / Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business science medical agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture access to resources and a sense of belonging for staff partners and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives skills and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding coaching and feedback toward 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.

Title: Food and Agriculture Business Advisor Temporary (50% Appointment)

Working Title: Upper Peninsula Food and Agriculture Business Advisor

Institute: Community Food and Environment Institute (CFEI)

Appointment End Date: 9 months from appointment date (Reappointment possible with continued funding)

Position Summary:

This position provides one-on-one business advising to food agriculture and natural resource businessesfrom early-stage start-ups to established enterprises. The individual will connect with local and regional partners to identify potential Product Center clients.

The ideal candidate will be a relationship-builder problem-solver and effective advisor who is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in rural and regional food systems.

Key Responsibilities

Business Advising and Client Support

• Provide confidential individualized advice to MSU Product Center clients on topics such as planning food safety food product regulations and related business topics.
• Work with customers to evaluate outcomes and economic impacts of venture development.
• Maintain accurate records of advising sessions and activities in Product Center and MSUE databases.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with local partners including chambers of commerce economic development agencies community colleges universities and industry groups.
• Market MSU Product Center services and recruit new clients in the agriculture/food sector.
• Represent MSUE and the Product Center at events conferences and trade shows such as the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show.

Supervision

Reports to the MSU Product Center Director.

About MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center:
MSU Extensions Community Food & Environment Institute provides research-based education and resources to strengthen Michigans food and agriculture sectors. The MSU Product Center helps entrepreneurs develop and commercialize value-added food agriculture and bio-based products.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution in business economics forestry/natural resources food marketing or a related field.
• Ability to independently manage projects from concept to completion.
• Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with Michigans food and agriculture networks.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race gender national origin gender identity religion age height weight political beliefs sexual orientation marital status family status veteran status socioeconomic class disabilities and other differences.
• Combination of education and specific relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials equipment etc. up to 25 lbs.
• 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.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research Zoom Qualtrics Microsoft Teams Word Excel PowerPoint Outlook for mail/calendaring distance technology etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5