Job Specification Details

Design, implementation, and maintenance responsibilities of policy creation, on-going program development, and budget monitoring activities regarding business viability, market access and food system development initiatives. Collaboration with Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets' Agricultural Development Director on leadership team to provide staff supervision, policy and legislative direction, and program development guidance. Agency-wide, inter-agency, public and federal congressional delegation coordination is conducted for policy development and programmatic and budget management. Duties involve partnership development, staff management, creation budget and programs for educational and outreach regarding agricultural development, food systems, food safety, and promotion of the Vermont brand. The position exercises professional judgment and decision-making authority in establishing and executing agricultural development programs, identifying priority goals and objectives, capturing outcomes and impacts, and leveraging resources. Supervision is exercised over a staff of program managers and administrators who will cover the state of Vermont. Work is performed under the direction of the Agricultural Development Division Director.

Plans, develops, and directs comprehensive marketing and development programs with emphasis on increasing business profitability, increased community health benefits, local and regional food systems, and expanded market opportunities for Vermont agriculture businesses. Oversees various program areas that require financial support, group facilitation and leadership, outreach and community engagement, networking, research and development. Initiates changes, as necessary, to respond to new priorities, budget adjustments, and changing working landscape needs.

Maintains contacts with industry leaders, community organizations, and with all levels of state and local government. Hires, supports, and evaluates key agricultural development staff to implement program goals in response to industry and community needs. Supports Division Director with administrative services that include policy development, personnel support, and Division-wide communication and planning.

Maintains regular interaction with leadership of state government agencies, federal policy makers, business owners, food system and community development stakeholders, and funders to develop and maintain critical programs, policies, and funding focused on business viability, market access, produce safety, and food system development. Coordinates agricultural development and market access assistance activities within the Agency in partnership with Food Safety and Consumer Protection and Agricultural Resource Management Divisions. Provides expert testimony on relevant marketing, industry development, and community wellness issues to Vermont legislators on behalf of the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets.

Duties are performed in an office setting. Travel is required in state and out of state with possible overnight stays required. Significant work outside of normal office hours may be required. Work will often be performed in a dynamic and engaging committee-style forum where strong differences of opinion may be encountered on a regular basis. Presentations or testifying at the State House may be required.

Considerable knowledge of budgeting, program development and staff supervision.

Considerable knowledge of existing state, regional and national working land businesses, the prevailing business and economic climate, and local and regional food system development initiatives.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to community development and agriculture, food and produce safety, and working land businesses.

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of business administration to include budget development, human resources management, procurement of goods and services, principles of department organization and theories of organizational development and grant/contract administration.

Ability to organize activities, people, and other resources to accomplish objectives within established time frames.

Ability to facilitate relationship building and intra-Agency and external collaborations

Ability to negotiate and to advocate aggressively without jeopardizing working relationships with a diverse array of partners.

Ability to work under pressure with a high degree of independence; set and adhere to time constraints.

Ability to communicate effectively with policy makers, business leaders and management.

Ability to manage competing priorities while also responding to staff and leadership priorities.

Master's degree in the field of agriculture, food systems, agriculture business management, business or economics or a closely related field AND four (4) years or more of professional level experience in program development, grant management, analysis or budgeting INCLUDING one (1) year or more supervising (directly or indirectly) administrative functions for a moderate sized office, department or agency.

OR

Bachelor's degree in the field of agriculture, food systems, agriculture business management, business or economics or a closely related field AND six (6) years or more of professional level experience in program development, grant management, analysis or budgeting INCLUDING one (1) year or more supervising (directly or indirectly) administrative functions for a moderate sized office, department or agency.

OR

Associate's degree in agriculture, food systems, agriculture business management, business or economics or a related field AND eight (8) years or more of professional level experience in program development, grant management, analysis or budgeting INCLUDING one (1) year or more supervising (directly or indirectly) administrative functions for a moderate sized office, department or agency.

OR

High school diploma or equivalent AND ten (10) years or more of experience in agriculture, food systems, agriculture business management, business or economics or a related field with professional level experience in program development, grant management, analysis or budgeting INCLUDING one (1) year or more supervising (directly or indirectly) administrative functions for a moderate sized office, department or agency.