WVSU Research and Development Corporation
Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute Position Description   
Job Title:  Program Leader, Community and Agricultural Resource Development
Department:    WVSU Extension Service
Reports To:  Associate Dean, WVSU Extension Service
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Prepared By:  Bill Woodrum

Job Summary

The Program Leader, Community and Agricultural Resource Development (CARD) with West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Service (ES) is responsible for the overall leadership, administration and evaluation of educational programs and products at the university.   The person will guide efforts in agriculture, natural resource and economic development including crop diversification, on and off farm small business development, technical assistance in urban green spaces and municipal revitalization, bio-energy, entrepreneurship in rural and urban se;ttings, and value added agriculture for micro, small, and alternative farming enterprises.  The position will carry a 30% research assignment with WVSU Agriculture and Environmental Research Station (AERS) and is expected to develop a complementary research portfolio.   Working in collaboration with the WVSU Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute (GRDI) Administration, the Program Leader will provide visionary and contemporary leadership for the development and delivery of high-impact extension educational programs, products and applied research.  The Program Leader will also assist WVSUES personnel in identifying the most effective and efficient means to deliver priority research-based information and programs to our diverse clientele and stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development and Priority Setting  20% Program Leadership and Administration  50% Fiscal Management    20% Other Duties as Assigned    10%

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

Program Development and Priority Setting (20%) • Guide the formation of the USDA NIFA Plan of Work. • Ensure program plans are consistent with the WVSUES mission and conform to policies and objectives of the GRDI. • Employ comprehensive program planning with ongoing involvement from GRDI administrators, advisory committee members, stakeholders, and university faculty & staff to identify priority community needs. • Promote team efforts in cross-program, multi-disciplinary, statewide and multi-state priority issues. • Assist in the creation and evaluation of non-formal educational programs, products, and research initiatives with Extension Specialists, Research Specialists, and other curricular and program positions. • Assist WVSUES personnel in developing tools and methods to evaluate outreach programs. • Participate in the delivery process with Extension and Research personnel at all levels.

Program Leadership and Administration (50%)  • Recruit, select, develop, and evaluate personnel and implement corrective actions as needed. • Identify, create and implement a plan to meet professional development needs with staff. • Lead the formation and operation of program teams, evaluating budgetary needs, conducting periodic reviews as needed to address changing program priorities. • Direct the implementation of the USDA NIFA Plan of Work and completion of the Annual Report of Accomplishments. • Identify and assist in the deployment of multiple communication strategies and products to inform stakeholders of programs, resources, and best practices.

Fiscal Management (20%) • Develop and manage, in cooperation with WVSUES administration, the annual program area budget. • Proactively seek, identify, and obtain appropriate extramural funding for extension and applied research programs inclusive of grant writing, partnership development, and cost recovery. • Responsibly deploy and fulfill reporting requirements of federal and extramural resources. • Create fiscal and administrative reports as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%) • Conduct activities to foster a positive public image of WVSUES, GRDI, WVSU R&D Corporation and West Virginia State University, an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. • Appropriately represent West Virginia State University Extension Service with individuals, agencies, and organizations on state, regional, and national levels. • Share leadership in Extension’s commitment to employ from and program for the diversity represented in West Virginia’s population. • Understand and comply with policies and procedures of the West Virginia State University R&D Corporation. • Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities  

The Program Leader is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the CARD Program Area, and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable state and federal laws. Responsibilities of the position include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience    

An earned Doctoral degree and at least one degree in agricultural economics, natural resources, agriculture education, or closely related field, is required. The successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills and experience in working with diverse clientele and organizations in both agriculture and economic development.

Computer Skills  

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of database software, Internet software, and word processing software.

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