Research Consultant II

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of the Early Warning System of Farm Financial Stress (EWS) project in selected states.
• Engage with producers, lenders, extension professionals, researchers, public-sector partners, and other agricultural and rural finance stakeholders to monitor local conditions affecting farm financial stress.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to plan and coordinate EWS stakeholder meetings, manage project timelines, facilitate discussions, document key findings, and support publication of EWS Consensus Reports.
• Synthesize stakeholder input and RaFF-provided analytical outputs from multiple sources of information into meeting summaries, presentations, reports, recommendations, and other stakeholder-facing materials that support informed decision-making.
• Support the development and dissemination of final EWS Consensus Reports in coordination with designated RaFF research team members and external collaborators.
• Routinely contribute to state-level Farm Income Outlooks, the Missouri Agricultural Outlook, presentations, and other RaFF stakeholder-facing outputs using data, analysis, and guidance provided by RaFF.
• Develop presentations for EWS and related RaFF outputs and present them in plain language through synchronous and asynchronous methods.
• Support related RaFF outreach and policy analysis initiatives as needed, without leading the technical research, modeling, or analytical design of those initiatives.
• Coordinate assigned EWS activities with RaFF’s Director and the Director of Program Operations, exercising independent judgment within established guidelines to support timely implementation, effective communication, and achievement of project objectives.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel may be required for stakeholder meetings, presentations, and collaborator engagement.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, and at least 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Economics, Rural Sociology, Agribusiness, or a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience; OR bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. and Missouri agricultural practices, markets, and policies.
• Ability to coordinate and lead project activities of varying complexity while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in coordinating stakeholder engagement, meetings, reports, presentations, or similar project activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to synthesize stakeholder input and technical information into clear written products for agricultural and rural finance audiences.

Benefits

• Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
• The University of Missouri offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!