NY FarmNet Financial Consultant: Cornell University: SC Johnson College of Business - Buffalo, New York

New York FarmNet Program Financial Consultant

The New York FarmNet Program, housed within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, supports farm families and agricultural businesses through confidential financial and family/personal consulting services. Our mission is to strengthen farm business decision-making, improve family communication, build resilience, and support the long-term viability of New York agriculture.

New York FarmNet is actively recruiting part-time Financial Consultants throughout New York State. This is a temporary, non-benefits-eligible position working 19 hours or fewer per week. This position is a temporary, benefits-ineligible role with an end date of March 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal. Flexible scheduling is available.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct farm business and financial assessments.
• Prepare and review balance sheets, income statements, cash flow projections, partial budgets, and enterprise analyses.
• Assess debt structure, repayment capacity, financial risk, and business viability.
• Support clients through complex decision-making using client-centered consulting techniques.
• Collaborate with Family Consultants as part of FarmNet's paired-consultant model.
• Maintain timely case documentation.
• Participate in FarmNet training, case review, outreach, and professional development activities.
• Consultants may occasionally be required to travel overnight for training meetings and professional development activities.

The hourly pay rate is $34.50.

This position does not qualify for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience conducting farm financial analysis and working directly with agricultural producers.
• Understanding and background in agricultural production practices and management.
• Experience with lenders, creditors, agricultural agencies, or service providers.
• Strong communication, listening, assessment, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with clients experiencing stress, uncertainty, conflict, or financial hardship.
• Ability to work with a diverse population and communities.
• Commitment to completing required FarmNet training and utilizing program tools, templates, case frameworks, and documentation standards.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within New York State.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrate a client-centered consulting approach and the ability to help farm families navigate complex financial decisions through collaborative problem-solving, goal setting, effective communication, and behavior-change support.
• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience in agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural lending, Extension, or agricultural consulting.
• Demonstrated experience providing client-centered consulting, coaching, advisory, or educational services.
• Experience in educational presentations and the ability to present material to a range of audiences.
• Training or experience in motivational interviewing, strengths-based coaching, facilitation, mediation, conflict management, or change management.
• Experience working with farm families during financial stress, transition, succession planning, or conflict.
• Understanding of how family communication, farm transitions, succession planning, and stress influence business and financial decision-making.
• Familiarity with agricultural communities, family businesses, rural populations, or agricultural service systems.
• Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary or team-based service model.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual skills relevant to the farm communities of New York.