SARE Grant Program Admin - Farmer Grant

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

Provide leadership and coordination for recruitment, review, award and implementation of research and outreach projects funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.

Synthesize data and results of the Farmer Grant program for disseminating to appropriate government agencies and other audiences. Oversee, communicate, and implement multiple activities, events, and procedures to ensure effective function of grant programs within Northeast SARE, such as solicitation of proposals, proposal review panels, strategic planning, awarded project management, and liaison to research, administration, and educational partners. Cultivate and manage relationships with potential grant applicants, grantees, federal and state partners, and internal and external research partners.

Coordinate operational aspects of Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program including call for proposals, review team orientation and proposal evaluation, development of ranked lists of proposals, review of project budgets, issuing of project awards, review and approval of research project reports. Assure projects are awarded and managed in compliance with university and USDA policies and procedures.

• Cultivate positive relationships to promote programs to people and organizations in all communities.
• Use SARE’s on-line grant management system to process applications, proposal reviews, and project reporting.
• Compile and analyze review team results and recommendations.
• Synthesize reviewer comments on proposals; provide feedback to all applicants.
• Review the budgets of approved proposals to make sure expenses are allowable.
• Work with staff to finalize awards for contracting.
• Support project leaders with reporting; review and approve all project reports.
• Make occasional site visits to funded projects.
• Promote the grant program by sharing project experiences and impacts.
• Support other grant program operations as needed.

• A Bachelors degree in a field relevant to sustainable agriculture or business administration, and two to four years of relevant experience is required.
• Significant relevant experience should be in an agricultural environment or a related field.
• Familiarity with principles and practices of sustainable agricultural research required.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize data, meet deadlines, and coordinate projects.

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical analyses is desirable.
• Experience applying for and managing research grants is desirable.

Anticipated Pay Range $56,000 - $64,000 annually

Probationary period may be required. Position is contingent on continued funding. Travel to and from worksites required. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere in accordance with the university telecommuting policy. The position is eligible for full-time telework in accordance with the university telecommuting policy. A criminal background check may be required for finalists.

Background check required for this position.

This is a 12-month, 1.0 FTE exempt position, with a robust benefits package. The benefits package can be reviewed online.

South Burlington Extension office, with full-time telework available.