CALS- Regional Farm to School Coordinator- Cornell Cooperative Extension; CCE

CALS
- Regional Farm to School Coordinator - New York City

The Opportunity

The Cornell University community values inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing. As a Regional Farm to School Coordinator you will model and support this culture while designing and implementing evidence-informed strategies that increase the procurement of New York food products by school food authorities in the Capital Region.

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose‑driven science and research. The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) brings the outputs of CALS and the College of Human Ecology to the community and, through Harvest New York, expands workforce development and business opportunities in California, Agriculture, and food systems.

Role Overview

This full‑time Specialization II position is a 12‑month appointment. The Procurement Specialist will: evaluate regional programs that promote local food procurement; develop targeted technical assistance, training, and system support; and coordinate statewide initiatives that advance local purchasing practices. Additional responsibilities include building partnerships, contributing to program evaluation, and communicating progress to stakeholders. Employees typically work remotely three days per week with on‑site engagement in the New York State area.

What We Need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or a closely related field plus 2+ years of relevant work experience in food systems.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse audiences.
• Experience working with advisory boards, community‑based organizations, and funding partners.
• Strong leadership, teamwork, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends as necessary.
• Reliable transportation and a valid New York State driver’s license.
• Sound ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Proficiency with Windows‑based software, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in food systems such as processing, procurement, or supply‑chain management.
• Knowledge of Farm to School programs.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Experience working with farmers and schools, educating children in multiple settings, and procuring foods.
• Experience developing and leading regional trainings on farm‑to‑school topics.
• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Ability to learn the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as CCE.

Rewards and Benefits

• Comprehensive health‑care options and generous retirement contributions.
• Access to wellness programs, tuition aid, and Cornell’s Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.
• Three weeks of vacation, 13 holidays, and additional floating holidays for faith or tradition observances.
• Hybrid work arrangement: 3 days remote, 2 days on‑site.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds... (legal EEO statement omitted for brevity).