Description: The Extension Agent for Community and Rural Development ( CRD ) and Ag Business in Edgecombe County is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive community resource development programs that meet the needs of the county’s limited resource population and align with the mission and vision of the Cooperative Extension Program at NC A&T. Programs include leadership development for community leaders; training clients to access resources needed to take action as informed citizens in their communities; and training in public engagement and facilitation. The Extension Agent organizes, communicates, and delivers course materials in formal and informal instructional settings; collaborates with county and community-based organizations to deliver programs and recruit program participants; determines program needs and priorities by conducting needs assessments; and evaluates data collected from multiple sources including advisory committee members, county residents and program participants. Specific duties include providing educational outreach, technical assistance, and project implementation to build the capacity for community groups to implement effective strategies that will grow and sustain their participation in civic engagement, community decision-making and governance, sustainable economic and social development, and entrepreneurship.In relation to Ag Business, the Extension Agent will primarily focus on supporting small farmers by assisting them in identifying and accessing new market opportunities to increase profitability and sustainability, providing training and resources on innovative marketing strategies such as digital marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, and branding, and offering guidance on business planning, financial management, and risk mitigation tailored to the unique needs of small-scale farmers. The Agent encourages and facilitates active cooperation among community members by articulating and demonstrating strategies that promote environmental and cultural development to improve quality of life and take advantage of the assets and unique features of each community location.Primary Function of Organizational Unit: The Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in the major field of study (based on a 4.0 scale), or completion of a Master’s degree; a personal automobile and valid driver’s license; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.Preferred:
Master’s degree in field related to community or rural development as specified above, and two or more years of experience in community development or Extension.
Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities.
Experience working effectively as a team member.
Ability to manage time and resources.
Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing and presentations.
Skills in leadership, budgeting and public relations.
Special Instructions: You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.Employee Benefits available to NC A&T State University permanent employees include the following and more:
Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
Community Service Leave
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC – Health Benefits
NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
12 Paid Holidays
Teachers and State Employees Retirement System ( TSERS )
Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
Employee Assistance Program ( EAP )
Campus Recreation Center Discount
University Bookstore Discount
This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.