Regional Roots Program Specialist

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a Regional Roots Specialist to manage program planning, statewide implementation, partner engagement, and training logistics across New York State. This full‑time, hybrid role emphasizes budgets, continuous quality improvement, and collaboration with culinary subject matter experts and other partners to align with program goals.

You will assess community needs, use evaluation data to guide development, and prepare sponsor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or related field.
• 3–5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage program planning, statewide implementation, partner engagement, training logistics, budgets, and quality improvement.
• Assess community and partner needs through surveys, focus groups, and other engagement strategies.
• Prepare reports communicating accomplishments and sponsor/organizational requirements.
• Coordinate communications and outreach by developing and editing program materials and content.
• Represent Cornell at meetings, conferences, and events to build support for farm-to-school initiatives.

Skills

Program management

Communication skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

MS Office proficiency

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition/related field

3–5 years relevant experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Outlook

Excel

Job description

The Specialist will manage program planning, statewide implementation, partner engagement, training logistics, budgets, and continuous quality improvement. They will work closely with contracted culinary subject matter experts and other technical partners who develop and deliver hands‑on instruction, ensuring trainings are well coordinated, responsive to participant needs, and aligned with program goals.

The Specialist will assess community and partner needs through surveys, focus groups, and other engagement strategies. They will use process and outcome evaluation to improve program quality, measure impact, and guide future development, and prepare reports that communicate accomplishments and meet sponsor and organizational requirements.

Working with the Farm to School Support Specialist, the Specialist will coordinate communications and outreach by developing and editing program materials, success stories, research summaries, website and social media content, and other outreach materials that increase the program’s visibility and share best practices. The Specialist will represent Regional Roots at meetings, conferences, and community events, building support for scratch cooking in school meals and increased procurement of New York‑grown foods across the state.

About the College, School, Unit or Department

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: We believe that achieving next‑generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off‑campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management, New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City.

Harvest New York is an innovative Cornell Cooperative Extension team that focuses on workforce development and business expansion projects that increase profitability and investment in key sectors of New York’s agriculture industry throughout the State. Harvest New York Specialists respond to emerging issues and develop new opportunities using the research of Cornell University (both in Geneva at Cornell AgriTech and the Ithaca campus), the resources of Cornell Cooperative Extension and relationships with partnering organizations statewide. The four project areas covered by Harvest New York are: Food and Beverage Systems, Urban Agriculture, Climate Resiliency, and Emerging Crops.

Hours, Location, and Travel

This is a full‑time, hybrid position based in New York State. The employee will typically work on‑site two days per week at an agreed‑upon location and may work remotely three days per week. The work location will be discussed with the selected candidate based on program needs and available space.

The usual schedule is Monday through Friday during business hours, with flexibility needed for school schedules, training events, and travel. Some early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends may be required.

Regular travel throughout New York State is an essential part of the role. Travel will generally include day trips each week and overnight travel a couple of times per month, often for one night, with the frequency varying as the training schedule changes. The employee will help coordinate approximately 70 trainings annually but is not expected to attend every training. A fleet vehicle may be provided, or mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate when a personal vehicle is used. Minimal out‑of‑state travel may also be required.

This is a full‑time position. This is a one‑year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

Success Factors

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Build systems that support growth. Use pilot findings to improve workflows, resources, and training coordination as Regional Roots expands.
• Own the work and keep it moving. Take initiative, manage competing deadlines and logistics, and keep your supervisor informed while working independently with a team spread across New York State.
• Strengthen statewide partnerships. Build productive relationships with school food authorities, culinary partners, Extension colleagues, and other stakeholders to support participation and program delivery.
• Use evidence to improve and communicate results. Apply evaluation data and participant feedback to refine the program, document outcomes, and communicate its impact clearly.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or closely related field and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one‑on‑one settings.
• Ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community‑based organizations, and funding partners.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Proven organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Proficiency with Windows‑based software, including the internet and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or closely related field
• Knowledge of Farm to School programs.
• Experience leading program development, coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement for complex, multi‑partner initiatives.
• 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 Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on‑site 2 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell .
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition‑free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

Job Family: Academic Support

Level: F

Pay Rate Type: Salary

Pay Range: $72,209.00 - $77,625.00

Remote Option Availability: Hybrid

Company: Contract College

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell’s far‑flung global presence includes the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.