Local Foods Program Coordinator - Elmira, NY

The Local Food Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Chemung County will be responsible for the day-to-day management, organization, and coordination of all aspects of the Local Food Program, and other duties or projects as assigned. Primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, program coordination and implementation, assistance in managing administrative functions, and oversight of Local Food volunteers.
The Community and Economic Vitality Resource Educator shall serve as the program supervisor. The Local Food Program Coordinator will collaborate with CCE Chemung staff, local government, stakeholder groups, and community volunteers. They will facilitate outreach and education, community stakeholder input sessions, evaluation activities and training and serve as a subject matter resource on Local Food. This position will work in diverse communities and settings across Chemung County. The candidate must be comfortable and able to communicate successfully with diverse audiences in urban, suburban, and rural communities utilizing various delivery methods.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
All applicants must apply by close of day on November 10, 2026 to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application packet, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. 

Please contact the CCE Office at 607-734-4453 with questions. 

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time non-exempt position - 100% FTE, 37.5 hours. The hourly rate for this position is $23.08. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or Equivalent Education (Associate’s Degree and two (2) years transferrable program/functional experience).
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Must be able to lift and carry 20-50 lbs. regularly.
• Must be willing to work in diverse and sometimes challenging weather conditions for long hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels, including public presentations.
• 3+ years of professional experience in agriculture, local food, or related topics.
• Experience working with diverse groups of people, developing community programs and/or projects.
• Expertise in the development of outreach materials for print and online distribution.
• Project management, grants, and fund development experience.
• Volunteer management and team building experience.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Responsibilities:

Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research - 10%

• Utilize existing resources to provide hands-on workshops and educational presentations to the community and agencies.
• Deliver high-level educational workshops to increase the professional competencies of professional industry members.
• Teach the existing educational program as defined.
• Assist in teaching innovative educational programs.
• Work to foster acceptance of the program, methods, and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
• Provide educational program efforts via mass media.
• Serve as subject matter resource in Local Food to staff, clientele and other groups as they are identified.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
• Conduct educational programs to impact audiences by utilizing a variety of educational methodologies.
• Assist in ensuring program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and local Plan of Work
• Cooperate with the entire Association to achieve Association program delivery goals.
• Collect project evaluation data from program participants based on the program framework as designed.
• Assist in the interaction with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of Local Food programs.
• Assist in implementing a shared Association vision, building an understanding of the mission, and advancing the mission.
  

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction and Management - 15%

• Provide input to supervisor to assist in planning the delivery of established program goals.
• Provide input in planning the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.
• Assist the supervisor in the development of the program budget based on established financial guidelines or procedures.
• Assist the supervisor in the development of communications strategies.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts in the program utilizing appropriate CCE policies and procedures.
• Provide oversight to program volunteers in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocol.
• Ensure program activities conform to the Association’s Plan of Work and the objectives of the program and related funding sources.
• Provide administrative support in guiding the implementation of the program budget, including preparing and submitting expense reports, providing input to the supervisor for budget preparation, tracking and reporting stakeholders, and volunteer time spent on the program.
• Make recommendations to the supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
• Assist the supervisor in identifying future funding sources to sustain the effort.
• Assist with grant writing in the Agriculture and Local Food program.

Coordination/Operation - 70%

• Facilitate training to increase the professional competencies of professional industry members.
• Work with staff, community stakeholders, and volunteers to identify, schedule, and provide logistical support for program activities that will meet the program's outreach and educational goals.
• Compile existing resources into educational program materials.
• Implement the established program schedule.
• Coordinate the program implementation efforts, planning, and activities.
• Provide educational program efforts via traditional methods as well as mass media.
• Recruit program participants.
• Transport program participants, program materials, and resources to program sites.
• Conduct administrative tasks related to the program, including but not limited to: program outreach, educational workshops, and data entry.
• Provide administrative support and hands-on assistance for community demonstrations as needed.
• Coordinate and work with staff members, community members, volunteers, municipalities, businesses, and other local organizations.
• As appropriate, represent the Local Food Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension at community functions, meetings, or events. 
• Coordinate and submit appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.
• Contribute to fulfilling reporting requirements for all relevant grants and contracts within established timeframes.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with supervisor and/or Issue Leader, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

  

Job Title:

Association Program Coordinator II

Level:

004

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.