Land Grant Program Manager

The Land Grant Program (LGP) Manager is responsible for program management of community outreach, education, and research related to land-grant and USDA initiatives which includes planning, grants development and management, and support functions to promote institutional land grant capacity; reports directly to the LGP Director. This twelve-month initial grant-funded position functions as an integral part of Navajo Technical University's land grant team in program planning, delivery, and evaluation. This grant funded position is subject to the availability of funding.

• Develops new funding or grant streams of revenue, which include, but is not limited to the following functions:
• Conducts the full range of activities required to prepare, submit and manage grant proposals to funding sources
• Research and review USDA and other federal, state, tribal and local agricultural program grant announcements for funding of land grant programming including community outreach projects, education projects, research projects, and for funding the LGP Manager position and other positions within the NTU Land Grant Department
• Develop concepts and write grant proposals for possible funding under identified grant opportunities

• Writes and manages grants, contracts, and other funds that will support land grant programming.
• Develops programs that create local and regional opportunities to address youth, family, community, natural resource, and environmental issues. Opportunities may include wellness, health, diabetes prevention, youth/family development, parenting, cultural arts/awareness, traditional foods/plants, medicinal herbs, gardening, food, nutrition, financial planning, continuing education, ranching, etc.
• Creates and works with an Advisory Council involving stakeholders in the program planning process and sets priorities.
• Performs program planning, surveys and analysis, implementation, delivery, and evaluation to meet University, stakeholder, and community needs. Performs regular needs assessment of programs based on input from stakeholders, Advisory Council, land grant, youth and community organizations, tribal and other governmental officials, and other University departments.
• Teaches Animal Science course(s), performs assessment and student evaluations as assigned by Director. May require travel to other NTU instructional sites.
• Develops land grant programs at NTU instructional sites and works toward operating satellite offices.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching material and marketing information in support of program initiatives. Disseminates educational materials through area-wide events, workshops, field days, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods.
• Develops and submits weekly and annual work plans with specific goals & objectives, cost, resources, key personnel, timeline, and evaluation to Director. Submits administrative and program reports monthly and quarterly or in a specified manner designated by Director or higher authority.
• Maintains and expands community garden/greenhouse/compost/recycling/landscaping programs and develops activities and projects for youth and surrounding communities as part of community outreach education and research.
• Provides guidance and direction for students, volunteers, and community members in all land grant-related projects and activities.
• Works closely with 1862, 1890, and/or 1994 land grant institutions, USDA agricultural research service (ARS or an ARS research facility), a NIFA certified non-land grant college of agriculture, and/or a cooperating school of forestry in building and maintaining a strong, effective land grant program.
• Performs extensive physical labor, lifts and/or moves up to 100 pounds while working outdoors.
• Assists other University departments associated with the land grant program including veterinary, culinary, environmental science, etc. with research and community events. Assists with services and campus activities related to the mission of the University as assigned by Director or higher authority.
• Understands and follows the Employee Handbook in fulfilling professional responsibilities. Maintains high ethical standards and professional knowledge and skills in program development, grant-writing, community education, outreach, and research. Maintains confidentiality pertaining to the program, clients, and students.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Director or higher authority.

• Earned Master of Science degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Soil science, Environmental Science, Education, Animal Science, Range Science, Plant Science, Nutritional Science, Veterinary Science, Family Studies and Human Development, or Master of Arts in Agricultural Extension and Education, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Extensive experience in grant writing, grant management, and reporting.
• A minimum of five years of satisfactory, progressive work experience in land grant and/or extension work.
• Evidence of working with culturally and socially diverse populations.
• Experience in use of computers, audiovisual technology, and other current materials and methods appropriate in the delivery of presentations, instruction, discussions, surveys, problem-solving, etc.
• High degree of fluency in the speaking, writing, and reading of the English language.
• Valid and clean state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass a background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

• Earned Ph.D. in Agricultural Leadership Education & Communications, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Horticulture Sciences, Nutrition & Food Sciences, Plant Physiology & Microbiology, Soil & Crop Sciences, Molecular & Environmental Plant Science, Water Management & Hydrological Science, or a closely related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Evidence of successful teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level.
• Experience in conducting action research leading to peer-reviewed publication.
• Ability to speak and write in the Navajo language.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements including the New Mexico Veterinary Practice Act, Navajo Nation Animal Control, HIPPA, and FERPA.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate community needs.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language and preferably in the Navajo language.
• Demonstrated skill in working with people and ability to develop and lead equitable partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals and objectives as indicated by experience and references.
• Ability to write effectively and communicate as demonstrated through application materials and experience, such as teaching, public speaking, and presentations.
• Ability to develop and maintain data collection systems and to analyze and provide reports on data collected.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, be self-directed and be a team player.
• Ability to manage, mentor, teach, and guide subordinates.
• Continual learner and willingness to redirect efforts as needed.
• Experience working with tribal and state organizations and/or programs.
• Ability to work with colleagues from other disciplines and assist non-land grant staff and faculty to engage with the community.
• Be an optimist - with a sense of humor, a "can do" orientation, not afraid of challenges and has the ability to work with uncertainty and change.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion. Reach with hands and arms; abdominal and lower back muscles.
• Stoop, bend, kneel or crouch.
• Required to climb or balance.
• Have normal or corrected auditory and visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• Lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in an office and outdoor environment.
• Exposure to dust, chemicals, temperature variances, bodily fluids, and equipment with moving parts.
• Exposure to various weather conditions, dust, debris and hazards common at sites may occur while performing outdoor duties.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts will be required.