Senior Extension Associate - Pro-Dairy Program

Extension Associate Sr

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs, access to nutritious food and a healthy environment as a fundamental human right, and ensuring a prosperous global future by supporting local people and communities everywhere.

Statewide responsibilities in the areas of business and financial management for dairy farms, contributing to the overall economic sustainability of dairy production business and the dairy industry in New York. Integration of experience working with farm families, financial analysis tools, and applied research along with a strong sense of teamwork will be necessary to facilitate business focused discussion groups as part of the management education focus of PRO-DAIRY Program.

Leadership will be provided to build in-person and on-line business and financial management programs in support of farm level managers. For applied research efforts, working one-on-one with participating farms is a key focus. Along with facilitation of business focused discussion groups, developing and teaching management training programs, and conducting applied research programs, this position will assist in generating revenue to support overall programs.

This is a full-time position (1.0 FTE), 1-year renewable term appointment. The position is based in Ithaca, with the option for hybrid. Extension travel (approximately 40% of time) and over-nights will be required throughout New York State.

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (40%)

• In collaboration with PRO-DAIRY Farm Management Leader and other staff, provide strategic leadership and program design for initiatives that span the farm management component of the PRO-DAIRY Program.
• Coordination and development of virtual based management education programs.
• Facilitate current and new discussion group meetings.
• Produce original first drafts of PRO-DAIRY applications (request for funding) and reports (post-award and progress reports).
• Serve as a subject matter resource for farm level financial decision making and analysis, including Dairy Farm Business Summary and Dairy Profit Monitor programs.
• Continuously and proactively participate in professional meetings, seminars, and trainings to enhance skillsets. Stay abreast of research by reading current literature and publications.
• Independently develop presentations, press releases, and workshop materials for use within discussion groups. Share materials with other faculty for use in educational programs.
• Conduct applied research programs working directly with producers across the state.

Program Management (30%):

• Lead the development of materials to support virtual educational programs.
• Build and maintain extension relationships with individual businesses by providing educational information for better understanding of financial data generated by Dairy Farm Business Summary, Dairy Profit Monitor, and Activity Analysis Projects.
• Respond to data collection or understanding inquires via e-mail, phone, and in person as appropriate.
• Be an integral part of the team in delivering educational programs centered on extension meetings and articles about management and financial information relevant to current issues facing the dairy industry.
• Independently develop presentations and workshop materials to assist in the educational delivery.
• Present educational information at meetings for all audience groups:
  Producers, agri-service, and the public.

Data Analysis/Assessment (20%):

• Utilize applied research tools within the discussion group program.
• Collect farm level activity and financial data needed for applied research and use within discussion groups.
• Identify new opportunities for applied research and provide leadership in development of said projects.
• Track and evaluate extension program impacts.
• Prepare impact statements for use in grant reporting…