The University of Vermont seeks a full-time Grant Program Specialist for the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, which is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Northeast SARE administers seven grant programs, making awards to farmers and other agricultural businesses, researchers, educators, graduate students, and people in organizations and institutions working to improve our food system. We serve the 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Maine to West Virginia) and Washington, D.C. Our current annual budget is $11 million.
The Grant Program Specialist coordinates grant award processing at Northeast SARE by assisting SARE Grant Administrators with the annual cycles of activities, from the development of call for proposals, including reviewing grant applications, compiling final award documents, and examining final grant reports for project completeness. They also serve as a liaison to stakeholders to ensure the grant programs and operations are in line with SARE’s mission to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in agriculture.
This is a 12-month, 1.0 FTE position, with a robust benefits package.
The position is housed in the South Burlington office of UVM Extension, or another UVM Extension office where space is available. Remote work may be possible, contingent on candidate needs and UVM requirements. This position is available on or about October 23, 2023.
We at Northeast SARE believe that diversity and inclusion among our staff is critical to our success as an organization, and we seek to recruit, hire, and retain talented applicants from a diverse candidate pool. We are seeking candidates who will share our commitment to our outcome statement. Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive as the Grant Program Assistant to apply for this role, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.
Minimum qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree with one to three years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, to manage and prioritize multiple tasks with different timelines, and to complete projects in a timely manner.
• Experience using spreadsheets, databases, word processing, Adobe PDF software, shared calendars, digital file sharing, and Zoom.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, proven attention to detail, and strong organizational skills.
• Content knowledge in agriculture, natural resources, and/ or food systems.
• Experience with notetaking for meetings with complex conversations is desirable.
To apply: Complete an application at www.uvmjobs.com, posting # S4560PO and upload the required documents described below. Review of applications will begin on September 11, 2023.
Required: Supporting documentation to upload.
1. Cover letter. Include your name, address, phone number, and e-mail. Describe your interest in the position, your relevant qualifications and experience.
2. Statement of experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Describe your experience working engaging and working with historically underserved agricultural communities.
3. Resume with a minimum of three professional references. To avoid conflicts of interest, references are not permitted from Northeast SARE staff, State Coordinators or Administrative Council members.
The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and people from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.