WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) Team Leader - Buffalo, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County has an opening for a full-time WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) Team Leader working from the E. Aurora NY office.

The Team Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Erie County is responsible for providing leadership in the assessment, development, planning, delivery, and evaluation of WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) programming and connections for low-income individuals and families.

This position will also be responsible for managing community related objectives of the CCE Erie nutrition and community health program, developing programs that meet priorities and seeking resources needed to carry out those program priorities.

The Team Leader will lead efforts to increase food access throughout the Western New York region (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Orleans) focusing on urban and rural communities with high food security and access needs..

The Team Leader will identify regional needs, formulate programs and plans, and coordinate staff at the region-wide level to meet identified gaps by scaling existing successful programs and engaging farmers and other partners to strengthen and widen the farm-to-families pipeline, stabilize struggling farm economies, and increase food availability across the region.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or related discipline relevant to the role of the position.
• 2 years volunteer or related work experience.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, supervision, management, and guidance to staff.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
• Background or course work in leadership, management, education, and/or grant writing/management.
• Experience in both educational program design and delivery.
• Experience in grant writing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Assessment - 10%
• Apply high level of disciplinary subject matter knowledge to develop program needs assessment to identify specific community needs best served by expansion of programs within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Apply high level of disciplinary subject matter knowledge to identify needs, gaps, and trends within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Apply high level of disciplinary subject matter knowledge to analyze program needs within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Provide leadership in analyzing and evaluating programs identified for expansion including New Farmer Training program; Master Preserver programs; development of Butcher/Slaughterhouse focused programming and educational trainings.
• Provide leadership in identifying and setting priorities and opportunities to implement, grow and expand educational program.

Program Development - 20%
• Apply high level of disciplinary subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies, programs, activities and materials to meet identified needs within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Develop workplan to identify and facilitate sharing of evidence-based programs with the potential for greatest region-wide impact and ensuring their availability across counties.
• Develop plans to build awareness of, and connection to, food system services available regionally and locally, including Health Corner Store initiatives, mobile markets, free education opportunities etc.
• Create a formal system of communication and resource sharing between entities for program support. For example, scaling up successful quality improvement interventions at grower hubs to more counties.
• Develop relationships with partner agencies, organizations, industries, community leaders and other stakeholders to obtain assistance in program development and ensure that stakeholders are engaged in the program development process.
• Make programmatic changes in program development based on evaluation outcomes.

Program Delivery - 10%
• Participate in the delivery of innovative and multi-county program efforts and events utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, social media and mass media consistent with identified educational needs.
• Ensure program delivery is within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Deliver information related to program offerings and objectives through formal and informal networks, such as relevant committees, community groups, networking, formal presentations, etc.
• Serve as subject matter expert for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, partner agencies, general public and other professionals working within the county and the region.

Program Evaluation - 5%
• Develop program evaluation framework and tools to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement ensuring evaluation is within scope of the grant and association/regional plans of work.
• Interact with constituents (program participants, program partners, funders, county, and community leaders committees, community members, Community leaders, funders, etc.) to obtain and collect evaluation data for programs. Utilize a variety of methods including community surveys; focus groups; analysis of current state of food security; number of farms; age of farmers; desire/need for nutrition/preservation classes; evaluation of butcher/slaughterhouse access vs need, etc.
• Communicate outcomes and recommendations to relevant constituencies.

Administrative Direction - 20%
• Establish a network of collaborators including local health departments, municipal leaders, community food advocates, county farms and food businesses, and community groups (faith based, revitalization groups, PTA’s etc.) to develop formal partnerships across WNY counties that strengthen and enhances the food system pipeline and coordinate communication.
• Develop and enhance awareness by engaging constituents in food system services, including representatives of all stakeholder groups and focusing on underserved communities and building awareness of, and connection to, available food system services, both regionally and county specific, such as Healthy Corner Store Initiatives, mobile markets, free education opportunities, etc.
• Build partnerships with project stakeholders by attending various community events, join relevant community committees and task forces, visit food system sector businesses, organizations and advocates (farms; food pantries; community action groups; farmers markets; health departments and other stakeholders).
• Provide leadership in budget development, budget implementation and allocation, and fiscal management of educational program budget based on established financial guidelines, procedures from grant funder(s), and other funding sources.
• Initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals to continue on-going funding and/or secure new/additional funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.
• Provide leadership for the development of staffing plans that support educational programming efforts.
• Provide leadership and plan effective strategic external and internal communication and marketing efforts to reach target audiences and meet program objectives through public relation initiatives including networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and community organizations.

Administrative Management - 20%
• Identify activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, advisory committees, staff, agency partners, and other key community constituents.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Effectively manage, implement, and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objective in compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to association strategies/plans of work. Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association and region.
• Assist in the procurement of grant funds for program development and expansion.
• Ensure grant funding and reporting requirements are met.
• Provide leadership for, and supervision, direction, evaluation of, assigned staff providing constructive, continuous feedback, coaching, and overall performance management fostering the development of confidence and competence in program delivery and interaction with diverse audiences. Support the staff in maintaining inclusivity in all activities and functions. Align appropriate staff skill sets and performance level under established staffing plan.
• Ensure performance reviews of program area staff are conducted at least annually.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 10%
• Provide administrative leadership to the coordination of assessment, development, delivery, research and evaluation of established educational program goals.
• Engage constituents across the region in collaborative activities including partnerships, educational programs, production and distribution, outreach events and other programs/services
• Attend community events, school events, faith-based community events, farmers markets etc. for promotion of programming regionally.
• Coordinate program implementation activities and planning efforts with program staff.
• Schedule, coordinate, facilitate and/or participate in meetings, trainings and conference calls as required or as needed.
• Convene and consult Food System Stakeholders at least three times annually to identify areas of high need and discuss critical gaps defined by existing reports such as the Food Future WNY Initiative.
• Actively serve on appropriate local, regional, state and national committees and task forces that support overall educational and organizational efforts of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.
• Coordinate communication between CCE system programs, community partners, and local/state stakeholders
• Complete and submit appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.
• Provide leadership to develop program staffing plan.
• Coordinate marketing and promotion of program and resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and other organizations.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts.
• Provide data and information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others, as necessary.
• Prepare and submit required reports related programming activities and accomplishments to communicate results to appropriate stakeholders.
• Review and approve time cards and time-off requests for direct reports.
• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed and/or maintained.
• Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
• Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement - 5%
• In cooperation with the Supervisor, 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.
• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required.

Health and Safety - Applies 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.

Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions
• 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 Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
• Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes and Skills for Success.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

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POSITION DETAILS
Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week
Wage: $64,500 to $66,500 annualized wage, commensurate with experience
Location: Based from the E. Aurora, NY office
Remote Status: Remote work is not available.
Benefits: Full benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave

• Paid Holidays

• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)

• NYS Retirement (NYSERS)

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Group Universal Life Insurance

• Personal Accidental Insurance

• Legal Plan Insurance

• Long Term Care Insurance

• Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• New York’s College Savings Program

• Credit Counseling

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APPLICATION DEADLINE
Apply online by 11:59pm EST on September 3, 2026

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at View email address on us.fitly.work with questions.

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HOW TO APPLY
To be considered all applicants are requested to:
(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application
(2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume
(3) Upload/attach contact information for 3 Professional References

Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.

• External Applicants ( including current employees of other CCE offices ): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) for additional guidance.

• Internal Applicants ( current employees working at this CCE office ): Apply via Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.
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No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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Job Title:

Association Team Leader

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kimberly Amey

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.