Position Description
Early and School Food Academic Specialist – Position # 446354
Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems
The Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems (CRFS) is seeking an annual full-time Academic Specialist to lead efforts promoting good food access and awareness in early child care and education environments (ECE) and K-12 schools. The Academic Specialist will be responsible for creating and implementing the roadmap for CRFS' outreach and research efforts in this arena at both the national level and in Michigan, identifying and responding to gaps in engagement, knowledge and practice through:
- Cultivation of collaborations and partner networks;
- Leadership of survey research and other data collection and analysis;
- Provision of training and technical assistance; and
- Development and dissemination of resources, materials and presentations.
This is an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated, resourceful and committed candidate to bring creative vision to an existing foundation of relationships and learnings to accelerate, shape and support farm to school and ECE efforts.
Position expectations:
- Convene and/or collaborate with national and statewide project partners virtually and in person;
- Develop papers, resources and other creative forms of scholarship in a timely fashion for diverse audiences, including academics, practitioners, stakeholders, and the general public. Publication examples include reports, fact sheets, guides, videos, webinars, and journal articles
- Present on outreach, research and/or education projects and findings at national, state and local-level conferences, meetings, and other venues, including scholarly, government, association and community audiences;
- Develop and submit grant proposals, including collaborative projects with CRFS colleagues and/or external partners, and manage projects, personnel and/or budgets to fulfill project objectives; develop evaluation plans and tools, and write grant reports for grants awarded;
- Responsible to project principle directors on grant deliverables as funding requires;
- Engage with relevant networks led by CRFS and/or partners and appropriate professional organizations;
- Document and share project work and accomplishments; maintain regular internal and external communication about project activities; develop and report on an annual plan of work;
- Actively participate in CRFS staff and strategic meetings and stay current on CRFS projects, activities, resources and publications;
- Represent projects and CRFS in a professional manner in all forms of engagement and communication; and
- Help to foster, facilitate and maintain the CRFS culture of anti-racism, trust, support and accountability.
Status: This is a full-time, annual year, temporary position. Initial appointment will be for one year with reappointment contingent upon funding and performance.
Available: August 1, 2017 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Deadline: July 21, 2017 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Starting Salary: Commensurate with education and experience up to $60,000 annually.
Reporting: Individual reports to Director, MSU Center for Regional Food Systems.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree required in early childhood education, child development, food systems, public health, public policy, nutrition, or related field.
- At least two years of experience with early child care and K-12 food programs, education issues, and child environments strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated project leadership and management, with two years of experience or more preferred.
- Demonstrated resourcefulness, self-motivation and ability to problem-solve and think critically.
- Ability to self-direct and balance multiple projects simultaneously and to easily shift between working independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated strong written and verbal communications skills and experience using a broad range of communications tactics.
- Ability to effectively and diplomatically engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups (in Michigan and nationally) such as academic faculty and staff, youth and adult community members, and organizational partners and funders; experience working with multicultural and diverse populations highly desired.
- High degree of knowledge of and comfort with using technology in completing job requirements including Microsoft Office suite; online search, file-sharing and collaboration platforms; electronic survey software; and phone/web conferencing systems.
- Available to regularly travel throughout the state and within the US, including overnight, and possession of a valid, current state driver's license.
- Understanding of and commitment to a culture of anti-racism and inclusivity.
Application Procedure:
You must apply online to MSU Human Resources:
Go to http://careers.msu.edu/ and search for job posting #446354 under faculty/academic staff.
A cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, and an updated curriculum Vita or resume needs to be submitted as a part of the application process.
If you have questions about the position or search process, you may contact: Rich Pirog, rspirog@msu.edu.
Please do not send application materials directly to Rich Pirog.
MSU enjoys a park-like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of approximately 450,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU http://miwin.msu.edu/. Information about WorkLife at MSU can be found http://worklife.msu.edu/.
CRFS Mission: CRFS works to engage the people of Michigan, the United States and the world in applied research, education and outreach to develop regionally integrated, sustainable food systems.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. Michigan State University employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.
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Andrea Weiss
Director of Communications
Center for Regional Food Systems | Michigan State University
480 Wilson Road, Room 309 | Natural Resources Building | East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 432-0283
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