Farm-to-Institution Local Foods Coordinator

Hiring Department

University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement – Health and Human Sciences Department

Job Description

MU TITLE: Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator 

LOCATION: Gentry Hall – Columbia, MO

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu. 

This position is responsible for managing the implementation of food systems and farm-to-institution strategies for the Family Nutrition Education Program (FNEP) in the Health & Human Sciences Extension unit. Responsibilities include building partnerships among Missouri stakeholders in support of local food systems and other farm-to-institution efforts to improve nutrition security for Missourians. The position will provide technical assistance, resource materials and training for internal and external partners. Duties also include increasing support for implementation of work across the food system and working closely with the FNEP Regional Food Systems Managers to implement statewide initiatives. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Identify issues and opportunities to develop local foods/farm-to-institution strategies and key stakeholders and partners.
• Implement farm-to-institution policy at local, state, and national level.
• Develop and implement education with an integrated marketing campaign, including social media.
• Provide or facilitate professional development opportunities for internal and external partners and colleagues.
• Provide technical assistance to implement farm-to-institution strategies.
• Report for all activities both quantitatively and qualitatively.
• Be an integrated member of the Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition (MOCAN) and other relevant organizations, collaborations, etc.

Conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans. 

As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension. 

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Supervision will be received from the Family Nutrition Education Program Administrative Director. May mentor (or supervise as needed) others in completing program/project duties.

CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION FACULTY AND STAFF 

Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate inclusivity, civility, and respect for all. 

Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships; and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills. 

Operate with minimal guidance and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments. 

UNIVERISTY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system. It is the state’s land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU’s broad undergraduate programs and its’ graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Program and project administration experience.
• Three-to-five years of applicable experience is desired demonstrating an understanding of healthy food production, preparation, and storage.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software (especially Excel).
• Analytical skills and demonstrated organizational skills.
• Professional and friendly demeanor with a demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals while maintaining confidential information/situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel and to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $51,876 – $73,008 annual

Grade: GGS-010

University Title: Senior Program/Project Support Coordinator

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits. 

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Read Full Description