Local Food Systems Justice Coordinator (West Louisville) at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Kentucky

Job Description:

 TITLE: Local Food Systems Justice Coordinator (West Louisville) DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture Community and the Sciences and Land Grant Program REPORTS TO: Program Leader in Community Resource Development  CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time  EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt  JOB SUMMARY:   The Local Food Systems Justice Coordinator at Kentucky State University Land Grant Programs will identify barriers related to local food systems in marginalized residents within west Louisville creating alternative solutions to decrease food deserts. This position will focus on promoting local food systems that impact underserved and minority populations in the West Louisville to increase healthy food access while creating strategies to improve current food system structures with an equity forward approach. The coordinator will also increase community awareness through research based educational publications using promotional marketing tools, along with economic and community resource development. This position will also work with the Cabinet of Health and Family Services to collaborate on communicating opportunities and partnering on educational programs offered by the Cabinet that can help stakeholders.  Candidate will be responsible for building partnerships with local food system stakeholders in the targeted neighborhoods, including but not limited to local producers, economic development groups, food service directors, farmers market managers, county officials, food retailers and local businesses. In coordination with project team, the candidate will conduct a community needs assessment to identify, and map, all local food system assets by creating a database of producers, institutional buyers, distribution points, and available infrastructure in areas that are or approaching food deserts and serving socially disadvantaged individuals. Other responsibilities include: connecting with wholesale buyers (institutions, restaurants, and distributors); assisting in development and coordination of area farmers markets to share resources; initiating/ participating in the development of a aggregation or distribution infrastructure, or food hub; facilitating, providing or marketing educational programs and/ or workshops for farmers (i.e. GAP certification, Scaling-up, marketing, as well as consumers, such as local food bidding and procurement) and collaborate with on nutrition educators on initiatives. This individual must be willing to maintain professional competence as an Extension professional in the KSU Land Grant Program. Coordination and collaboration with other KSU Extension faculty and staff will be essential. In order to attend and conduct programming to meet the needs of clientele and work on evenings and weekends. This position will be stationed in West Louisville and will be a member of the off-campus Extension staff of Kentucky State University as part of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:   Identify, map, and assess all local food system assets by creating a database of producers, institutional buyers, distribution points, and available infrastructure in areas that are or approaching food deserts and serving socially disadvantaged individuals. Connect with wholesale buyers (institutions, restaurants, and distributors); assisting in development and coordination of area farmers markets to share resources; initiating/ participating in the development of a aggregation or distribution infrastructure, or food hub; facilitating, providing or marketing educational programs and/ or workshops for farmers (i.e. GAP certification, Scaling-up, marketing, as well as consumers, such as local food bidding and procurement) and assist on nutrition education initiatives.Maintain professional competence as an Extension professional in the KSU Land Grant Program. Determine unit program needs by monitoring trends and issues, and conducting unit assessments involving the unit Advisory Committee and other leadership committees.Network and build coalitions with other agencies, organizations and institutions to address the complex youth and family issues related to food insecurity.Develop and deliver objective and research-based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences, specify program goals and objectives, and identify resources needed.Work with the Cabinet of Health and Family Services on communicating opportunities and educational programs offered by the Cabinet that can help stakeholders.Complete various Cooperative Extension reports (KERS, Quarterly Report, Plans of work, etc.).Performs other duties as assigned.  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs.Understanding and ability to conduct community needs assessment to determine program priorities.Knowledge and willingness of adult involvement and working relationships.Excellent written and oral communication skills.Basic knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs.Program marketing skills.Knowledge and willingness to involve and manage volunteers in program development and delivery.  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not have supervisory responsibility.    OTHER DUTIES:  The position will conduct other duties as required.  QUALIFICATIONS:   M.Sc. Agriculture, Nutrition, or related degree area with 1 to 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified preferred.  Licensing and Certifications:  Will need a valid KY Driver’s License.  WORKING CONDITIONS:   Must be able to travel, primarily in-state (30%). May need to move light equipment on occasion, carry supplies, publications, and needed equipment for demonstration and training programs.Occasional outdoor work Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply  Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa   KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.