The Sustainable Food Systems Program in the Sustainability Institute is seeking a Food Systems Coordinator. Reporting to the Associate Director of Farm and Food Systems, the successful candidate will empower students to actively engage with the campus and community food system.
The Student Farm at Penn State is a cross-institutional initiative of the Sustainability Institute’s Sustainable Food Systems Program. Community partners include groups such as food pantries, community gardens, area non-profits and area farms and other local businesses.
The Sustainability Institute is charged with integrating sustainability across the university’s core functions of education, research, outreach and operations. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are core concepts of sustainability. Accordingly, the successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and to diversity and inclusion.
The Food Systems Coordinator fosters and supports student initiative to lead and deliver peer to peer programming. This individual also collaborates with multiple academic and support units to plan, develop and coordinate programs and services that assist students in the successful completion of co-curricular experiences. The Food Systems Coordinator position responsibilities span three primary categories.
Any successful candidate will need to be a detail-oriented leader and manager who can work collaboratively with a broad spectrum of partners, who possesses excellent written and oral communication skills, a high degree of intercultural competence, an enthusiasm for working with students. The successful candidate will also need a willingness to work varied and non-traditional hours and will need to be prepared to travel to Penn State campuses and elsewhere as needs determine.
This position may require that you operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Willingness and ability to work flexible hours to support night and weekend activities are required.
Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusive excellence that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusive excellence as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
This is a full time, exempt position with Penn State benefits that is renewed annually.
Salary Band: G ($30,012 - $61,500)
Student Engagement, Education and Outreach Programs (40%)
Coordinate programming aimed at engaging students in co-curricular activities in sustainable food systems, facilitating partnerships between student organizations and community groups, promoting volunteerism, and for building food systems sustainability competence of students, faculty and staff
Research and identify potential employers for on- and off-campus internships and immersive experiences, part-time employment and cooperative education (co-op) positions in food and agriculture systems
Serve as a liaison to relevant student organizations such as Student Nutrition Association, graduate student associations, etc.
Facilitate intern tasks and learning outcomes (event planning, campus food project development such as pocket gardens and green walls)
Develop students’ leadership skills and support their leadership in the program through campus and community initiatives, and assist in the recruitment and retention of student leaders
Commonwealth Campus (CWC) Community of Practice (25%)
Support a peer to peer network among CWC faculty, staff and other stakeholders with a demonstrated interest in building institutional capacity for sustainable food systems offerings
Lead planning and development of cross-college and cross-campus student engagement programming
Ensure equitable access to food systems-related resources and university assets for students across all campuses
Program Marketing and Assessment (15%)
Provide support to the program marketing and communications team as needed
Track and document relevant programmatic metrics and data
Perform other related duties as necessary
Student Intern Supervision (10%)
Supervise four student interns in work with multiple academic and support units
Facilitate intern tasks and actively connect them to learning objectives and outcomes (event planning, campus food project development such as pocket gardens and green walls)
Manage Budgets (10%)
Manage programming and events budgets
Support students in grant applications, fundraising and other funding goals
Provide recommendations for budgetary projections, allocations, and future needs
Qualifications
Typically requires a Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization with one year of appropriate experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams
Experience working with students regarding program and event planning
Experience developing and leading workshops or courses related to food systems and community engagement.
Awareness of and ability to work with diverse student populations. Demonstrated customer service skills as they relate to working with students
Marketing/social media knowledge preferred
Highly organized, self-directed and able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment
Able to work in outdoor conditions that include heat, cold and rain
Able to lift 40 pounds
Valid driver’s license and own transportation
Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software programs
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references through PSU Workday. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with candidate reviews beginning on March 22nd. See the full description and application instructions at:
https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/PSU_Staff/job/University-Park-Ca...