Departmental Specialist ; Farm to Family Community Engagement Specialist

Position: Departmental Specialist 13 (Farm to Family Community Engagement Specialist)
Food and Agriculture is one of the largest industries in Michigan. Grow with us and make a difference!

About this position:

This position serves as the statewide specialist that leads engagement and relationship-building efforts with communities across Michigan, to understand food system needs and opportunities that align with Farm to Family Program priorities. The Community Engagement Specialist manages program-related site visits, events, and sponsor ships by developing partnerships, budgets, promotional materials, and evaluation tools. This position identifies and tracks public engagement opportunities and maintains outreach materials and resources that will be distributed by Farm to Family Program staff.

In collaboration with the Farm to Family Program Coordinator, the Community Engagement Specialist designs and administers grant opportunities that are responsive to feedback collected during ongoing outreach activities. The position also serves as a departmental point person for managing partnerships, developing programming, and creating resources related to urban agriculture. This role does require experience in public speaking and facilitation, both in-person and virtually.

Position Description

About MDARD:

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $125.8 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers;

and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.

MDARD offers a positive work-life balance with optional hybrid work options and flexible work schedules. Department leaders support a great team culture and are committed to professional development.

MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.

Education

Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.

Experience

Four years of professional experience, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level or one year equivalent to the advanced (12) level.

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and official college transcripts (if applicable) to your application. Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.

You must attach an electronic and/or scanned copy of your official college/university transcripts. For our purposes, "Official Transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred and date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal.  

Your application for any position does not guarantee that you will be contacted by the Department/Agency for further consideration. Only those applicants interviewed will be notified of the results.

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