Regional Roots Program Specialist

Cornell University; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health care options

Education benefits

Job summary

Cornell University's Extension Supp Spec II role is a full-time, hybrid position based in New York State. You will work on-site part of the week and travel regularly across the state to support Harvest New York initiatives and statewide trainings.

You'll build partnerships with school food authorities and community organizations, coordinate trainings, and evaluate outcomes to improve program delivery. A Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition or related field and 3–5 years of experience are preferred;

Qualifications

• 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.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

Responsibilities

• Initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Strengthen statewide partnerships with school food authorities, culinary partners, Extension colleagues, and other stakeholders to support participation and program delivery.
• Own the work and keep it moving by managing deadlines, logistics, and coordination across New York State.

Skills

Effective written and verbal comms

Strong interpersonal skills

Project coordination

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Nutrition or related field

3–5 years relevant experience

Tools

Windows-based software

Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Job description

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

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.

University Job Title:

Extension Supp Spec II

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

Contact Name:

Carolyn Chow

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Cornellwelcomes 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.

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2026-09-30