CCE of Albany County Regional Ag. Entrepreneurship & Market Development Educator – Voorheesville, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Regional Ag. Entrepreneurship & Market Development Educator empowers new and aspiring farmers to turn their ideas into successful, sustainable businesses. This role creates engaging educational experiences for those with ten or fewer years of farming experience, offering practical skills, market insight, and confidence needed to build strong, competitive operations. In addition, the position also provides education in overall farm marketing and management. The role operates independently with limited direct supervision to meet or exceed program goals. The Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program (CAAHP) supports farmers and producers through hands‑on education, outreach, and technical guidance. As part of a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary team, the educator serves as a connector - linking farmers with Cornell experts, peers, service providers, and partner institutions across the region. The position also contributes to CAAHP’s advisory structure and develops areas of specialization that reflect both regional needs and the educator’s own strengths and interests. We firmly believe in work-life balance and provide generous paid time off. This position is full-time. Compensation is paid at the rate of $68,500 annually and includes 21 Vacation days, 14 Holidays, 3 Personal days and 12 Sick days annually. Mileage for work related travel is reimbursed. Excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, NYS Retirement (NYSERS), and much more. NYS Capital Region – a great place to live & work. Located in the upper Hudson Valley – the Capital District of New York State is within a few hours’ drive of New York City, Boston, and Montreal. On the southern edge of the Adirondacks and not far from the Berkshires in Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley, living in the Capital Region has something for everyone. Our agricultural region is varied, innovative, and progressive – uniquely positioned for direct, niche ag markets. Farming, hiking, fishing, skiing, arts, dining, nightlife, and music festivals abound in the region. And, you’re never far from a fun weekend day trip to the mountains or a few hours’ drive to the coast for some sunny New England beaches.

Requirements

Master's Degree in a field appropriate to the position (e.g., Agricultural Business Management or Agribusiness) and a minimum of four years related experience.
A PhD may substitute for 2 years’ experience.
Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position.
A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Program Skills — Ability to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate regional programs; secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships; and build strong partner relationships while serving on advisory groups and teams.
Communication Skills — Ability to communicate effectively with partners, Cornell teams, program participants, staff, and volunteers.
Technology Skills — Proficiency with, or ability to learn, program‑related software, Microsoft Office, databases, online tools, and virtual presentation platforms.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Coursework in research methodology, education, and management experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Program Assessment and Development – 25% Working with key stakeholders in the region, provide regional program leadership by identifying community needs, analyzing gaps and trends, and recommending improvements. Work directly with Cornell University faculty and specialists for guidance on program assessment and development. Collaborate with regional, multi‑association teams to assess and develop programs and educational strategies that address emerging regional issues.
Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 45% Serve as subject matter expert with emphasis on farm management and marketing; respond to inquiries and provide guidance. Apply in-depth subject matter expertise to deliver regional educational programs, including but not limited to: Small Farm Business Development, Business Planning and Management, Market Development, etc. Strengthen the connections between the regional team, Cornell faculty and specialists, peers, and others. Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs. Stay abreast of new and accepted teaching technologies to provide effective educational programs. Represent CCE before the public, committees, work teams, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities. Involved in regional, multi-association team efforts to deliver programs. Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to evaluate and analyze regional programs, communicate findings, and make recommendations for improvements. Conduct applied research; collaborate with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework. Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University faculty and specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon. Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University or other Land Grant Universities for guidance in program delivery, evaluation, and applied research. Ensure program delivery and applied research are within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Administrative Responsibilities: Direction and Management – 20% Plan and manage regional educational programs, delivery methods, budgets, events, marketing, and communications . Develop, enhance, and expand relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders. Monitor regional programs to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association, and is research knowledge based. Explore and secure grant opportunities. Provide guidance to volunteers, interns and staff.
Coordination and Operation – 5% Coordinate and schedule assigned programs. Recruit program participants. Promote public awareness by writing articles, impact statements, social media posts, web updates, news releases, etc. Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.
Professional Improvement – 5% In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities. Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard. Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Policy – Applied to all duties and functions Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success. Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.