Salary: $84,300.00 - $108,300.00 Annually
Location : Normal
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:Department: College Of Agricultural - Dean Office
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Description Summary:
The position is supported by grant funding from the USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Development Program (USDA/NIFA/BFRDP) and other funding sources. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life, and Natural Sciences. She/he will work closely with the Assistant Director in the effective operation of the Center; and in coordinating the activities of funded projects with partners including the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network, Tri-State Rabbit Grower Association, Tune Farm, Rosita's Farm, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, USDA's agencies and other community-based organizations committed to serving the needs of hard-to-reach populations in Alabama
Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Director are summarized below:
- To coordinate the functions and operations of the Center. This includes, among other things, liaising with current and potential partners.
- To ensure the supervision and coordination of the efforts of all employees (Assistant Director, Field Technicians, bi-weekly and Graduate students, office personnel, any other salaried officers, etc.) attached to the Center;
- To lead and coordinate the development and submission of new project funding proposals.
- To foster collaboration with partner Units/Divisions at various academic institutions and NGOs, cultivating a relationship with stakeholders - landowners, disadvantaged farmers, and veterans.
- To facilitate the development and submission, on a timely basis, relevant project (a) Financial Reports and (b) Implementation Reports to funding agencies.
- To serve as Principal Investigator (PI) on active SFRC project initiatives.
- To effectively manage the resources (finances, tools, equipment, supplies, etc.) of the Center.
- To periodically appraise the Dean, College of Agriculture, Life and Natural Sciences (CALNS) of issues, challenges, and progress as necessary.
Typical Qualifications Minimum:
- Master's degree in Agriculture or closely related field.
- Experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations.
- Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data.
Preferred:
- PhD degree in Agriculture or closely related field.
- Knowledge of Alabama agriculture and the needs of the limited resource farmers and ranchers.
- Track record of developing and maintaining a network of positive relationships and partnerships with organizations, including in the public sector, industry and/or community groups.
- Understanding of the issues and challenges affecting small farmers and opportunities for ensuring sustainability of small farming communities.
- Experience in developing and delivering impactful professional materials on topics related to program development and policy for small farmers.
- At least 5 years of outreach experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach populations.
- Experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting statistical and narrative data.
Supplemental Information Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret statistical and narrative data to determine the effective functioning of a project and/or program
- Ability to travel extensively within and outside the state at short notice
- Ability to work long hours, after hours and/or during weekends
- Ability and experience in grant writing, developing and maintaining a unique, coherent, and effective community outreach program
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short and long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at
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Do you have a Master's degree in Agriculture or closely related field?
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Do you have experience working with underserved or hard-to-reach population?
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Do you have experience in writing grants, collecting, analyzing and interpreting statistical and narrative data?
Required Question
