DIRECTOR PROGRAM/PROJECT OPERATIONS

The Rural and Farm Finance Policy Analysis Center (RaFF) in the Division of Applied Social Sciences.

RaFF at the University of Missouri launched in March 2022. We provide objective policy analysis and inform decision-makers on issues affecting farm and rural finances. To do this work, we produce farm income projections for states and regions that are consistent with each other. Cooperation with participating states brings local expertise to enhance model design and estimates. The resulting structural economic models can estimate the financial implications of weather events, proposed legislation, technological change and other shocks that make a difference in regional financial outcomes. Decision-makers then use our analysis as they form policies meant to support farm and rural economies throughout the U.S.

The Program Director will provide day-to-day management of the Rural and Farm Finance (RaFF) Policy Analysis Center, and develop and manage RaFF's communication strategy to secure national visibility of RaFF's outputs. RaFF collaborates with agricultural economists at multiple Land-Grant Institutions. The Program Director will provide continuity in communication and interaction with all team members, including strategic communication across all partner institutions. The position will help coordinate the activities under the RaFF umbrella and provide execution of objectives of the RaFF research and extension activities.

Regular office hours, Monday through Friday.

Remote work: Remote work from within the continental United States is negotiable.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Communications, Agricultural Education, or equivalent.

At least 10 years of professional experience in managing the development and online publication of reports, fact sheets, decision tools, and analyses of agricultural policy or closely related topics.

At least 5 years of professional experience interacting with academic researchers, policy makers, and the general public.

At least 2 years of experience in the Land Grant System or similar complex organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Intermediate knowledge of economic concepts to effectively communicate with academic researchers and policy makers.
• Excellent technical editing abilities in the agricultural policy area to effectively translate RaFF's research findings into tailored extension outputs of interest to RaFF's stakeholders.
• Ability to develop an effective communication strategy for RaFF based on a strong online presence, social media management, and pro-active interactions with current and potential stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Acrobat Pro, and ability to learn new publication/editing software skills as needed.
• Excellent time, budget, and human resources management skills
• Ability to represent RaFF's interests in meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to occasionally present RaFF's extension outputs in front of internal and external stakeholders (remotely and in-person).
• Ability to identify and describe relevant agricultural policy topics for the state of Missouri and the United States of America.
• Ability to secure RaFF's compliance with the University of Missouri-Columbia Digital Accessibility of Communications and Information Technology Policy (https://bppm.missouri.edu/policy/digital-accessibility-of-communications-and-information-technology/).
• Ability to travel up to 5% of the time (1 day per month) to meet with collaborators, funders, and stakeholders.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $60,000 - $90,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Grade: GGS-11

University Title: DIRECTOR PROGRAM/PROJECT OPERATIONS

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page.

Application materials will be reviewed starting October 20, 2024. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. All applications must include: a letter of interest in the position, current Curriculum Vitae, relevant related work samples, and contact information for three references. Application materials will be reviewed starting mid-January 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. All applications must include: a letter of interest in the position, current Curriculum Vitae, relevant related work samples, and contact information for three references.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

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