Extension Educator - SE MI Local Foods Innovation Counselor

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As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), this position provides regional leadership in local food growth in Southeast Michigan, with an emphasis in Washtenaw County. This position specifically focuses on providing education, consulting, and networking to farmers and food-makers conducting sales in local marketplaces.

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs, and provide one-on-one counseling to food and farm businesses in Southeast Michigan. Counseling will include topics related to business planning and development, food safety, product development, licensing and regulation, marketing and distribution, post-harvest handling, and more. Your outreach efforts will also support marketing of the services of MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center, including active participation in the planning and implementation of MSU Extension annual conferences and events, such as the Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show, and the MSUE Fall Extension Conference. You will evaluate the effectiveness of programming and outreach efforts and impacts by conducting follow-up evaluations with clients and community partners and will serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as a diverse network of partner groups. Through your work you will be expected to develop new partnerships with internal and external community and industry groups. You will host workshops, webinars, trainings, and other educational experiences for food and farm businesses. Additionally, you will publish written materials (articles, bulletins, factsheets, guides, etc.) and other media materials (podcasts, videos, etc.) with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with CFEI messaging on topics related to the local food system and food and farm business development. Your efforts will demonstrate program effectiveness and help to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CFEI, MSU Product Center, and appropriate work teams.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Washtenaw County MSU Extension office.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension county office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

View full description and apply through the MSU Careers page. Search for posting #1002098 using the Job Search field.

Application deadline is 12/16/2024.

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to community food systems, food business, economics, food marketing, or related field must be earned by date of hire.