Community Outreach Specialist

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Penn State University invites applications for a part-time Student Farm and Food Systems program assistant. Under supervision of the program director, you will educate people about food system sustainability and help strengthen the local community through growing and donating local foods.

You will collaborate with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers, recruit and support volunteers, coordinate events and provide outreach on food security, gardening, nutrition, and healthy

Qualifications

• Excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Able to learn quickly and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.
• Valid driver’s license and own transportation.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.
• Develop and coordinate partnerships between university faculty and courses and local food systems organizations.
• Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners.
• Coordinate and lead campus and community tours for students and others.
• Assist and support student leaders with farm tasks, trainings and events, including local food donation programs.

Skills

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Oral communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Student Farm and Food Systems seeks a part-time member to build capacity to 1) educate people about food system sustainability and health, and 2) strengthen the local community through growing and donating local foods. Under supervision of the program director, the staff member will work with students, faculty, community organizations and volunteers to implement and evaluate programs that support local food security, economic development and personal engagement with our food system.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with community partners, students and faculty to develop and sustain programs.
• Develop and coordinate partnerships between university faculty and courses, and local food and agriculture systems organizations, such as area food banks and local farms.
• Recruit and provide support to volunteers serving with the program and community partners, including produce for donation to area food banks and pantries.
• Coordinate and lead Student Farm tours for students, youth, community members and others.
• Assist and support student leaders with farm and program tasks, trainings and events, including produce donations through Food Recovery Network, the Feed the People market stand, and other local food security programs.
• Conduct educational and outreach initiatives on topics such as food security, gardening, nutrition and healthy food access.
• Coordinate with partners to plan and carry out county-wide events and activities focused on enhancing the food system, such as proposing a seed saving garden and a youth gardens network.
• Present program outcomes and data to university, governmental and community stakeholders. Drive a university vehicle.

Qualifications:

• Must meet all Penn State clearance and background check requirements.
• Superb written, interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Able to learn quickly, prioritize multiple projects, manage schedule independently, meet deadlines and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
• Relevant ability working with underserved and/or underrepresented populations.
• Able to work with diverse groups and individuals in indoor and outdoor settings, and lift at least 40 pounds.
• Interest in and knowledge about food systems concepts and/or community organizing preferred. Valid driver’s license, own transportation.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.