Horticulture Section- Project Associate I- CALS- School of Integrative Plant Science | Cornell University - Military Veterans

Horticulture Section- Project Associate I- CALS- School of Integrative Plant Science As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life's challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need. Department Background: About SIPS: The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The school offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors. Program or Research Function Statement The Cornell Small Farm Program (SFP) engages in research and extension projects and collaborations that support and enhance the viability of small farms in New York. This Operations Manager will support the execution of SFP projects and activities by overseeing budgets, personnel, reporting and grant development. The Small Farms Program Operations Manager works in close collaboration with the Program Director to ensure the successful development of the Small Farms Program, making decisions that foster effective departmental operations, fiscal responsibility, implementation of university policy, and coordination with college and university-wide units. The Small Farms Program Operations Manager will oversee all administrative aspects of the SFP. The coordinator will be expected to work closely with the Director while administering the business aspects of the department and ensuring the delivery and evaluation of program goals and initiatives, in compliance with Cornell University policy and values. The Manager will assign, supervise, and evaluate staff and team positions, while partnering with the Director and college-units to ensure program success. The SFP Operations Manager will provide financial management and oversight for grant-funded projects as well as other program income. This Manager will work closely with the SFP Director and departmental fiscal managers to provide financial oversight and projections for the overall SFP operating budget. The Operations Manager will also oversee the development of grant proposals that support program goals. Collaboration with external organizations and individuals to develop new funding resources is expected. The Operations Manager will work very independently, making decisions to foster the success of SFP to achieve the desired outcomes. These decisions will often require creativity as well as a good understanding of the abilities and resources of project staff through ongoing coaching and dialogue to ensure a positive, inclusive and productive work environment. Occasional travel and overnight trips to visit with project collaborators around NY state are expected. The Program Coordinator will be a full member of the SFP staff and is expected to develop close working relationships with all other SFP Associates, participating in staff meetings and other SFP events. They will also represent the Program at state meetings and provide presentations to farmers and other stakeholders about the SFP efforts. Contributions to the annual SFP reports expected. Responsible for supervising project staff and supporting project collaborators. This position is renewable annually, based upon satisfactory performance and continued funding. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. Rewards and Benefits: Position Summary: While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others. Explain summary of position responsibilities. Reporting to the Small Farms Program Director, the Project Associate manages the day-to-day operational aspects of projects, including planning, scheduling and monitoring activities. This including overseeing the financial and operational activities related to all sponsored awards and grant funded projects. They will ensure the timely and accurate execution of grant-funded projects through close collaboration with the Director, CALS/SIPS, and Cornell OSP/OSR. These individual coordinates program systems, while monitoring project progress, reporting, and evaluation. Specific duties include: Assist in the development of the Small Farms Program budget and prepare departmental operating budget for Director and College Business Officer review. Make recommendations and implement departmental fiscal policy to ensure grant/budget compliance. Recommend new funding streams and coordinate with CU OSP accordingly in proposal submission. Oversee spending activity on current sponsored funds and departmental accounts. Interpret and implement Cornell University policy and collaborate closely with SFP Director to address and resolve complex situations. Lead administrative and business operations of the program. Conduct regular budget updates and meetings with project leads. Hire and train administrative staff, and conduct performance evaluations of these staff Supervise administrative and communications staff Develop, manage and monitor project and overall SFP program budgets Ensure that the program efforts meet grant obligations and reporting deadlines. Set working tasks and priorities for administrative SFP staff and project leads working with assigned grants/projects, while ensuring all required activities are accomplished in a timely manner. Work closely with the SFP Director to achieve program goals, identify emerging programmatic needs, and forecast future financial and staffing needs. Required Qualifications: Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion , and wellbeing. Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences. Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals. Bachelor's degree in business administration, agriculture, communication, education, , natural resources, or related field preferred. Proven program and project management skills within an academic setting. Proven leadership, supervisory, conflict management, and team building skills. Must have sound decision making and critical thinking abilities. Must be able to lead teams through change and complex tasks and assignments. Must be able to work with diverse audiences and partners, both independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking. Excellent communication skills with demonstrated ability to foster and maintain healthy professional relationships. Good working knowledge and experience with current software, such as MS Office, Qualtrics, PowerPoint. Must be personable, flexible and possess excellent organizational skills. Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people is essential. Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize. Ability to work well and establish effective working relationships with a wide variety of faculty, staff, and students while creating a high-quality and respectful work environment. Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process is the norm. Must have and maintain a valid NYS Driver's License and be willing to travel with occasional overnight trips being required. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in business administration, agriculture, education, communications, natural resources, or related field preferred. University fiscal management certification Experience in human resource management. University Job Title: Project Associate I Job Family: Administration Level: E Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Range: $62,035.00 - $67,938.00 Remote Option Availability: Hybrid Company: Contract College Contact Name: J'Frances White Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline Union Positions Current Employees: Online Submission Guidelines : Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: EEO Statement: Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. 2024-10-30