Farm Administration Director - Yaphank, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

3d•$85,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Suffolk County Farm Administration Director will oversee the operations of a 270-acre publicly owned and operated farm in Suffolk County, NY. This role is responsible for promoting the mission and vision of the Farm by featuring local agricultural production and caring practices and offering learning opportunities to County residents in agriculture, gardening, STEM, healthy living, and life skills. Working in coordination with county officials, agricultural industry leaders, and community stakeholders, the Farm Director will help shape and support long-term planning efforts that align with the farm's educational, environmental, and public service goals. The Farm Administration Director shall lead and oversee the administration of Farm and 4-H staff and budget, supervising the 4-H Youth Development Associate Director and farm staff. The Farm Administrative Director shall evaluate current operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend practical, data-driven solutions to enhance the Farm’s financial sustainability, ecological stewardship, and public accessibility. This role shall offer ideas and implementation strategies for new and ongoing agricultural educational programming and shall ensure the Farm is in compliance with state and federal agricultural regulations. The Farm Administrative Director will work closely with Suffolk County staff, including the Department of Economic Development and Planning and the Department of Public Works, on long-term vision and implementing sustainability goals and to help develop and coordinate long-term farm investments and capital projects. This includes collaborating with agricultural industry leadership and other community partners to maximize the Farm’s value to the industry and to the Suffolk County community at-large. The Farm Administrative Director shall work with staff to identify, write and secure grant opportunities to enhance on-site agricultural experiences and educational opportunities. Maintain positive working relationships with industry leaders, stakeholders, local officials, county employees, community groups and service providers. The Farm Administrative Director shall recommend opportunities for program growth and adaptation and identify additional sources of program revenue Responsible for effective management of resources (including budget development, implementation, monitoring and reporting) available to the program area, facilities coordination, event coordination and development. Represent the Association before the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in conjunction with program and leadership responsibilities. The Farm Administration Director shall possess a deep knowledge of local Long Island farming, sustainable agriculture, and best management practices. Evaluate current operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend practical, data-driven solutions to enhance ecological stewardship, financial sustainability, and community engagement. This role may also contribute to educational programming, grant development, and compliance with state and federal agricultural regulations. Act as Farm Manager to the Farm Advisory Committee. Supervise farm staff, and overall farm management. The Farm Director will work closely with Suffolk County staff, including Economic Development and Planning and Department of Public Works, on long-term vision and implementing sustainability goals. They will help develop and coordinate long-term farm investments and capital projects. This includes collaborating with agricultural industry leadership and other community partners to maximize the Farm’s value to the industry and to the Suffolk County community at-large. The Farm Director shall work with staff to identify and secure grant opportunities to enhance on-site agricultural experiences and educational opportunities. Maintain positive working relationships with industry leaders, stakeholders, local officials, county employees, community groups and service providers. The Farm Director shall recommend opportunities for program growth and adaptation and identify additional sources of program revenue Responsible for effective management of resources (including budget development, implementation, monitoring and reporting) available to the program area, facilities coordination, event coordination and development. Represent the Association before the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in conjunction with program and leadership responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Business Administration, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Animal Science, Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience
Ability to develop and maintain programming partnerships with a variety of community/governmental/educational agencies and organizations.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to develop and monitor a program budget.
Knowledge of agriculture, farming, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Long Island history, environmental issues.
Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Ability and willingness to work with the county and legislators to obtain funding and ensure facilities are maintained appropriately.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional methods as well as electronic technology.
Demonstrated experience in effective supervision and management.
Demonstrated experience with fund development, management, and grant writing.
Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences.
Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and clientele groups.
Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
Background or course work in leadership, management, farm, and/or grant writing/management.

Nice To Haves

Experience and/or background with Cooperative Extension, 4-H Youth Programming and local Agricultural Associations.
Master’s Degree
Possess a knowledge of local Long Island farming, sustainable agriculture, and best management practices.
Background experience working with Suffolk County and local government.
Experience with environmental or agricultural sciences.
Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.
Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.

Responsibilities

Oversee the operations of a 270-acre publicly owned and operated farm
Promote the mission and vision of the Farm
Offer learning opportunities to County residents
Shape and support long-term planning efforts
Lead and oversee the administration of Farm and 4-H staff and budget
Evaluate current operations and identify opportunities for improvement
Recommend practical, data-driven solutions
Offer ideas and implementation strategies for new and ongoing agricultural educational programming
Ensure compliance with state and federal agricultural regulations
Work closely with Suffolk County staff
Collaborate with agricultural industry leadership and other community partners
Work with staff to identify, write and secure grant opportunities
Maintain positive working relationships
Recommend opportunities for program growth and adaptation
Responsible for effective management of resources
Represent the Association before the public
Act as Farm Manager to the Farm Advisory Committee
Supervise farm staff, and overall farm management