CALS- Regional Farm to School Coordinator - New York City

About the role

The Cornell Farm to School Procurement Specialist leads the development, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of regional programs that increase the procurement of New York food products by school food authorities in the Capital Region. This position designs and implements evidence-informed strategies that strengthen local purchasing practices, translates policy and research into practical procurement tools, and supports school food authorities and supply-chain partners in navigating New York’s institutional food landscape.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement evidence-informed strategies to strengthen local purchasing practices.
• Translate policy and research into practical procurement tools.
• Support school food authorities and supply-chain partners in navigating New York’s institutional food landscape.
• Assess barriers to increased local procurement and design responsive Extension strategies to address those challenges.
• Provide targeted technical assistance, training, and systems support.
• Support statewide initiatives that advance local procurement at scale.
• Build and sustain relationships with allied partners across agriculture and food systems.
• Contribute to the evaluation and continuous improvement of programmatic and communications efforts.
• Advance New York’s Farm to School goals through coordinated implementation, partnership development, and data-informed learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or closely related field and 2+ years of relevant work experience in food systems such as food processing, food procurement, or food supply chain management, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community-based organizations, and funding partners.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Prior organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation or having and maintaining a valid New York State driver’s license.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Agriculture, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or closely related field.
• 3+ years of experience in food systems such as food processing, food procurement, or food supply chain management.
• Knowledge of Farm to School programs.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Experience working with farmers and/or schools, educating children in multiple settings, and procuring foods.
• Experience developing and leading regional trainings on various farm-to-school-related topic areas.
• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Ability to learn the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Skills

• Proficiency with Windows-based software, including the internet and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Pay

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-site 2 days per week in an office throughout the state of New York.

Schedule

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-site 2 days per week in an office throughout the state of New York.