Small Farms Resource and Innovation Center (SFRIC) Director

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave

Community Service Leave

Health Benefits of North Carolina

Vision and Dental Plans

12 Paid Holidays

Retirement System

Employee Assistance Program

Recreation Center Discount

University Bookstore Discount

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a Director for the Small Farms Resource and Innovation Center (SFRIC) to lead initiatives for small farmers. You will oversee research and outreach efforts to support economically viable agricultural practices across North Carolina.

Ideal candidates will have a master’s degree with 10 years of experience in agriculture-related roles. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are crucial as the position requires on-site work with no hybrid options.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in outreach, teaching, or related position.
• Experience developing impactful professional materials for small farmers.
• Successful grant-seeking experience.

Responsibilities

• Guide SFRIC to address challenges faced by small farmers.
• Integrate research, extension, and teaching efforts.
• Enhance outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Agriculture or related discipline

Ph.D. in Agriculture or closely related field

Job description

Position Overview

The Small Farms Resource and Innovation Center (SFRIC) Director will guide the center to capitalize on opportunities and address challenges affecting small farmers in the broader food, agriculture, and environmental systems. The director will help the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) integrate research, extension, and teaching efforts across food, agriculture, and environmental sciences to complement outreach to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (SDFRs). The role emphasizes research‑based education, outreach that enhances the economy, environment, and well‑being of North Carolina and beyond, and reduction of threats to small farmers’ economic viability.

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Agriculture or a related discipline and at least 10 years of experience in outreach, teaching, or a related agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural marketing position.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with teams and build partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to document and market program impacts, demonstrate leadership, and work independently in a collaborative environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Agriculture or a closely related field with at least 5 years of experience in areas related to NC agriculture and the needs of limited‑resource farmers and ranchers.
• Track record of developing and maintaining positive relationships and partnerships with organizations, including public sector, industry, and community groups.
• Understanding of the issues and challenges affecting small farmers and opportunities for ensuring sustainability of small‑farming communities.
• Experience developing and delivering impactful professional materials on program development and policy for small farmers.
• Ability to research and analyze complex topics and data related to program impacts, financial and budgetary matters, and policies pertaining to small farmers and limited‑resource communities.
• Experience aiding in policy or program development in collaboration with public and private agencies.
• Successful grant‑seeking experience, including securing competitive grants and contracts.

Work Setting and Location

The position requires onsite employment at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Employees are primarily in the office and must have dedicated office space on site. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not available.

Benefits

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance, and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teacher and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans – 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount
• and more

Equal Opportunity Employer

North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affi­mative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, or sexual orientation and sexual identity.