Assistant Program Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources

Summary

The Assistant Program Director for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) works with the Director of Extension to provide leadership, administration, and evaluation of alternative, urban, non-traditional, and sustainable agriculture programs within the West Virginia State University Extension Service. This position is employed by the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The main duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Program Director for ANR include:

• Oversee the development and delivery of high impact non-formal education programs in the areas of alternative, urban, non-traditional, and sustainable agriculture targeted to small, underserved, and veteran farmers and potential farmers in WV.
• Develop program plans which meet the needs of WVSU Extension clientele, are consistent with the WVSUES mission, and conform to policies and objectives of West Virginia State University and the WVSU Research and Development Corporation.
• Employ comprehensive program planning with ongoing involvement from Research and Public Service administrators, advisory committee members, stakeholders, and university faculty & staff in order to identify priority community needs.
• Promote team efforts in cross-program, multi-disciplinary, statewide, and multi-state priority issues.

• Assist in the creation and evaluation of informal educational programs, products, and research initiatives with Extension Specialists, Research Specialists, and other curricular and program staff members.
• Assist WVSUES personnel in developing tools and methods to evaluate outreach programs.

• Participate in the program delivery process with Extension and Research personnel at all levels.
• Assist in the recruitment, selection, development, and evaluation of personnel, as well as implementation of corrective actions, as needed.
• Identify, create, and implement a plan to meet professional development needs with staff.
• Provide leadership for the formation and operation of program teams, evaluating budgetary needs, and conducting periodic reviews, as needed, in order to address changing program priorities.
• Assist in the implementation of the USDA NIFA Plan of Work and completion of the Annual Report of Accomplishments.
• Provide leadership for programmatic resource development and management by proactively seeking external funding opportunities, writing grants, and managing budgets
• Identify funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as coordinate the development and submission of grant proposals
• Responsibly deploy and fulfill reporting requirements of federal and extramural resources.
• Ensure ANR compliance with USDA NIFA Civil Rights regulations.
• Conduct activities to foster a positive public image of WVSUES, WVSU R&D Corporation, and West Virginia State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution.
• Appropriately represent West Virginia State University Extension Service with individuals, agencies, and organizations on state, regional, and national levels.
• Share leadership in Extension's commitment to employ from and program for the diversity represented in West Virginia's population.
• Understand and comply with policies and procedures of West Virginia State University and the West Virginia State University R&D Corporation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Required Skills and Traits

• Experience managing a team of outreach professionals.
• Demonstrated successful grant writing experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple extramural funding sources.
• Practical experience with sustainable, non-traditional agriculture techniques and processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Assistant Program Director for ANR carries out any assigned supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation’s policies and applicable state and federal laws. Responsibilities of the position include interviewing, hiring, and training staff, volunteers, and student workers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems.  This position manages a team of outreach professions who conduct work statewide.

Competencies

1. Technical Capacity
2. Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
3. Thoroughness
4. Collaboration Skills
5. Communication Proficiency: Oral and written
6. Flexibility
7. Extensive software skills are required, as well as Internet research abilities.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is frequently required to stand and walk.  The employee is frequently required to bend and stoop. The employee is frequently required to lift and carry. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, due to the nature of the job performed, flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional overnights, may be required. 

Travel

Travel statewide but specifically within Central and Southern WV is expected.

Required Education and Experience

Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education in Horticulture, Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems, or closely related field required.  Demonstrated knowledge of alternative agriculture practices required.

Demonstrated ability in designing, implementing, evaluating and report impact of community-based, non-formal educational programs; supervision of professional and support employees; resource development and management; excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills; knowledge of Extension’s educational delivery systems and other aspects of the land grant system highly desired

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Individual needs to be self-motivated, out-going, able to work in a team environment. Flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and occasional overnights required. Valid driver’s license in good standing. The ability to lift and carry 65 pounds.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

This position is designated as security-sensitive. Before an offer of employment is made, a pre-employment background investigation will be completed, which may include a criminal background check, educational, DMV and prior employment. 

Closing date: May 28, 2021

To Apply

Preferred: Information accepted as emailed in a Microsoft Word or PDF format to rdemployment@wvstateu.edu. Qualified candidates may submit a cover letter, résumé or Curriculum Vitae, unofficial transcript, and contact information for three professional references (name, title, address, phone number, and email address).

Hard copy applications may be sent to:

ATTN: Search Committee for Assistant Program Director for ANR

West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation

P.O. Box 1000

201 ACEOP Admin. Bldg.

Institute, WV 25112

AAP/EEO Statement

West Virginia State University is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution. No person shall be denied admission to educational program, activities or employment on the basis of any legally protected status, or be subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to provide this content into an alternate accessible format. Please contact Carla Boggess at (304) 766-4278 or sayreca@wvstateu.edu.

Concerns and complaints related to bias or equal opportunity in education and in employment based on aspects of diversity protected under federal, state, and local law, or arising under Title IX should be directed to: Carolyn Stuart, EEO Officer, at (304) 204-4018.

Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.