Manager, Center for Urban Smart Agriculture (Phoenix, AZ) (Extended Temporary) Posting Number req27581
Department Ctr Urban Smart Agriculture
Department Website Link https://extension.arizona.edu/programs/center-urban-smart-agriculture
Location Greater Phoenix Area
Address 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040 USA
Position Highlights The University of Arizona's Center for Urban Smart Agriculture, located in Phoenix, seeks an Extension Program Manager to coordinate issue-driven, grant-funded, multidisciplinary Extension and applied research programs from planning through implementation. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Center Director, affiliated faculty and staff, and stakeholders to develop and manage programs that support urban agricultural production, with a focus on small-scale and beginning farmers in Arizona.
This position integrates applied research, Extension programming, and outreach to improve the economic efficiency and sustainability of urban agricultural production and small-scale and beginning farming systems, while minimizing environmental impacts. Based in Phoenix, the Center for Urban Smart Agriculture leads and supports University Extension and applied research initiatives and serves Arizona's broader urban agriculture community.
The Extension Program Manager will play a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while meeting grant requirements, technical objectives, and outreach goals. The position also supports strategic growth by developing partnerships, securing grants, and expanding programs.
If you are passionate about advancing the frontiers of modern urban agriculture and supporting small-scale and beginning farmers in Arizona, we encourage you to apply to join our dynamic, innovative team.
This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site work with remote work flexibility.
This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position with an anticipated duration of one year from the selected candidate's start date.Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.Duties & Responsibilities Management andOversight: - Manage multipleExtension and applied research projects from initiation through completion,ensuring alignment with program objectives, sponsor requirements, andorganizational priorities.
- Monitor projectbudgets, schedules, deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements toensure successful and timely completion of grant-funded activities.
- Coordinate withthe Center Director, affiliated faculty and staff, stakeholders, and fundingagencies to support program implementation and achieve project goals.
- Prepareand present progress reports, presentations, publications, newsletters, andother project updates to internal and external stakeholders.
- Reviewtechnical documentation, purchasing requests, and required project records toensure compliance with grant, sponsor, and university requirements.
- Facilitateproject planning meetings and milestone reviews with project teams andstakeholders.
- Supervise Center staff and oversee workassignments, performance expectations, and resource utilization to supportprogram objectives.
- Ensure Centeroperations, projects, and activities comply with grant obligations, universitypolicies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
ProgramDevelopment and Strategic Initiatives: - Support thedevelopment and submission of grant proposals, agreements, and other fundingopportunities that advance the Center's mission and strategic goals.
- Collaboratewith Center leadership, faculty, staff, and stakeholders to develop scopes ofwork, project plans, budgets, schedules, and resource requirements.
- Assist with thepreparation and review of proposals and agreements to ensure technicalaccuracy, consistency, and sponsor compliance.
- Identify andpursue opportunities to expand the Center's Extension, applied research, andoutreach portfolio through new partnerships and funding sources. Contribute tostrategic planning efforts that strengthen and grow Center programs andservices.
Planning andResource Management: - Manage Centeroperations and activities across multiple grant-funded programs to ensureeffective execution and achievement of project objectives.
- Track programoutcomes, performance measures, and deliverables throughout the life cycle ofassigned projects.
- Oversee Centerassets, equipment, and inventory to ensure appropriate use, maintenance, andcompliance with university and sponsor requirements.
- Direct theactivities of Program Coordinators, student employees, and other assignedsupport staff to support project timelines, deliverables, and operationalgoals.
- Develop andmaintain work plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies that promoteefficient operations and successful program outcomes.
- Evaluateoperational processes and recommend improvements that enhance programeffectiveness, efficiency, and service delivery.
Knowledge,Skills & Abilities (KSAs):- Knowledge ofthe Cooperative Extension system and best practices for managing issue-drivenprograms and projects.
- Understandingof Arizona agricultural systems, with preference to familiarity with urbanagriculture and small-scale or beginning farmer production systems.
- Ability toidentify emerging opportunities and challenges in urban and smart agriculture.
- Demonstratedleadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills.
- Strongorganizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellentwritten and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability tomanage multiple complex projects independently and effectively.
- Expert skillswith MS Office, including MS Project, Smartsheet, and other software.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Five (5) yearsof related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, crops science, environmental sciences, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related discipline.
- Experience with grant development, sponsor relations, proposal preparation, and project implementation.
- Experience managing technical or educational projects, preferably within agriculture, environment, or related technical field.
- Experience in Arizona, the southwest, arid and semi-arid and/or desert agriculture systems, with preference to the urban, small-scale, and beginning farmer sector.
- Experience working with federally and state-sponsored projects in areas such as technical project management, grant compliance, Cooperative Extension, or research and education.
- Experience preparing federal and state Extension and research proposals and managing grants or contracts.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 10
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level M2
Job Family Extension
Job Function Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 11/23/2026
Expected End Date 11/17/2028
Contact Information for Candidates Ayman Mostafa, Director, Center for Urban Smart Agriculture
ayman@arizona.edu
Open Date 11/6/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
