Food Systems Program Specialist

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Are you excited by the idea of helping others secure funding and engage in meaningful food systems work Are you energized by outreach and connecting with people who care about food agriculture and community development

If so the Food Systems team with Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for a Food Systems Program Specialist! This position will be classified as a Program Specialist III.

What Youll Do:

• Support outreach and coordination for the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center.

• Develop strategies for awareness and training on Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG) and related food system topics.

• Pursue external funding for food systems and workforce development.

• Build and maintain relationships across Iowa and nationally.

• Track and evaluate program outcomes and impact.

• Create and deliver educational programs (in-person and virtual) on VAPG application best practices.

• Develop tutorials for grant platforms (SAMS etc.).

• Maintain and enhance online resources including FAQs.

• Host meeting hours to assist with VAPG applications.

• Conduct research and update resources on resilient food systems.

• Facilitate strategic planning sessions for resilient food systems development; including scenario table-top exercises foresight focus groups and additional mixed-methods research.

• Support development of youth-focused workforce programs (e.g. Youth Local Food Leader).

• Develop and maintain educational resource databases.

• Represent Extension on local and national boards and committees.

This is a one year fixed-term position with the opportunity for renewal.

Nationwide travel will be involved in this role.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Food Systems Team at Iowa State University:

Our Food Systems Team works in partnership with communities to develop thriving local and regional food systems in Iowa and throughout the United States.

Level Guidelines
Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISUs mission and department or work unit goals
Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
Responds to complicated inquiries provides training and provides direction to lower-level staff
May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e. leads a small work team)
May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
Provides guidance to students

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