This position can be based in any county office in New Hampshire or campus in Durham, with potential for remote work as determined appropriate with supervisor.
The beginning farmer program manager will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating outreach programs for beginning farmers under the general direction of designated supervisor. This position is funded by a three-year grant project focused on providing outreach programs and resources to train beginning farmers to be “climate-ready”; reducing their risk in crop and animal losses, preserving the resources needed to keep their farms viable, and maintaining or increasing a local supply of food to the public. Targeted participation will be to beginning farmers who currently operate their farms as a business, with the intent to make a profit. Together with partners here in the state who currently are a conduit to many beginning farmer audiences, the beginning farmer outreach program manager will work with Extension specialists to assess the need and offer a variety of outreach events to reach beginning farmers of varied backgrounds in a variety of formats to include in-person workshops and schools, webinars, and on-farm demonstration and field days. Furthermore, the program manager is responsible for ensuring Extension education is inclusive and reaching underserved audiences in New Hampshire. An important component to this work is building partnerships with agriculture service providers in New Hampshire who support beginning farmers, and ensuring consistent and quality outreach communication and resources are updated and maintained for the beginning farmer audience.
This position will continue beyond the grant period based on continuation of funding.
This position will have occasional night and weekend programmatic responsibilities.
This position target start date is September 28, 2024.
- Plan and coordinate Extension outreach programs and activities, including annual New Farmer School; coordinate and implement on-farm demonstration events, in-person classroom events, and webinars. Plan and conduct a needs assessment to inform specific topic areas for these activities.
- Develop evaluation tools and evaluate programming, measuring against grant and program outcomes
- Prepare quarterly reports for grant reporting, submitting to grant supervisor in a timely manner
- Coordinate evaluation data collection, completing timely reporting and analyzing program effectiveness, including preparing and submitting quarterly activities and contributing to grant reporting.
- Develop web-based resources in conjunction with Extension field and state specialists, including a comprehensive resource guide for beginner farmers on emergency response planning.
- Ensure programmatic involvement of underserved and underrepresented audiences and that all educational programming is designed and conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.
- Prepare promotional materials in accordance with UNH Extension’s marketing and communication guidelines
- Promote events and resources through newsletters and social media, as appropriate
- Maintain electronic communication and resources for beginning farmer audience
- Ensure inclusivity in outreach activities, with a focus on reaching socially disadvantaged and underserved beginning farmers
- Collaborate with partners through quarterly project advisory committee meetings; coordinate and facilitate these project meetings together with supervisor and project team
- Engage with Natural Resources Conservation Service, county conservation districts, and other federal and state programs to support climate readiness initiatives and beginner farmer outreach
- Coordinate with UNH Extension field specialists and external experts to identify relevant topics and secure presenters for educational events
- Identify individual professional development goals in cooperation with supervisor and seek training in subject
- Work with grant supervisor to ensure project expenses are properly submitted and budgeted
- Participate in team meetings and perform related duties as assigned
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Participate in committees within the organization and/or externally
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Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and two years of experience in work related to administering educational programs, or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- At least one year of experience working on or with farms
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
- Availability to work some nights and weekends
- Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel for work. Mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate.
- Experience writing grant applications or administering grants
- Understanding of the New Hampshire agriculture service providers and the industry
- Knowledge of challenges facing beginning farmers in New Hampshire
The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or marital status, genetic information, and political orientation. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.
