Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Working Title:                       Business Development Coordinator/Program Strategist

Appointment:                         100%-time, BD Spec 1-Bus Dev Gnrlst (9761BG), Academic Professional & Administrative (P&A)

Location:                                St Paul campus, with hybrid remote work options

Program Area:                       Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Salary:                                    Estimated Starting salary range: $78,000 – $89,000

Reports to:                             Associate Dean, ANR

Application Deadline:           October 31, 2023

Position Overview

The Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems creates and delivers hundreds of research-based educational programs (events, products and resources) via dozens of teams of campus and field discipline-based personnel. This Business Development Coordinator (or Program Strategist) will guide, direct and/or advise teams in creating financially sustainable program offerings as they fiscally manage their programs using fees, grants, gifts, contracts and allocated funds. This position will lead teams in developing business strategies via business plans and entrepreneurial efforts. In addition, this person will collaborate with the ANR leadership team in program direction for the Department including grants administration of Departmental projects.

Position Responsibilities

65% Lead efforts in guiding Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR) teams to create and implement financially sustainable programs.

• Provide strategic business leadership and management by engaging with program teams in developing sustainable funding models using grants, contracts, gifts and earned revenue;
  • Advise teams on aligning team goals with their product/event deliverables;
  • Partner with teams/faculty with entrepreneurial feasibility in setting fee schedules and prices;
  • Guide teams in seeking and administering grants that fund their programs;
•  Serve as a key resource for ANR educational programs on business planning, financial sustainability, program management, strategic partnerships, etc.

20% Collaborate with ANR leadership team in developing strategic program direction for the Department as new initiatives and collaborations present themselves.

• Design and deliver staff development/training sessions related to program planning and management, including sustainable financial management;
• Contribute to strategic initiatives by participating in leadership team efforts;
• Provide targeted leadership and management for emerging and priority ANR/CFANS-Extension programs;
• Collaborate with Extension Finance and Planning personnel to steward ANR departmental budgets.

15% Administer grants and funding initiatives that are implemented at the Department and/or collegiate level.

• Engage with grantors on relevant funding opportunities;
• Lead submission, reporting and wrap-up requirements for grants and initiatives such as AGREETT and MNtersections programs in ANR;
• Develop budget and management fiscal aspects of grants that complement Extension’s existing Finance and Planning unit efforts.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in business-related field or a Department discipline (crops, natural resources, food/nutrition, ag business/education, livestock, horticulture, etc.);
• Six years of post-degree related work experience. This experience may include but is not limited to: educational program development in Department-related area, budget/grant/finance management experience; business development experience; or related.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for creating and conducting training sessions (in person and virtual), as well as answering written and verbal questions and inquiries.
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds;
• Exceptional leadership skills, including but not limited to, setting goals, measuring outcomes, providing guidance and communicating principles;
• Ability to analyze data and market research to make informed decisions and adjust strategies;
• Proficient in technology, including spreadsheet and presentation software as well as basic teaching and communication technologies;
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of business and program development. This includes a track record of fostering an inclusive work culture, considering accessibility in program planning, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all stakeholders. Knowledge of DEI best practices and the ability to integrate DEI principles into strategies and decision-making is highly valued.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work on campus.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Position is not eligible for visa employment sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/MBA degree in business-related field or a discipline within ANR Department (crops, natural resources, food/nutrition, ag business/education, livestock, horticulture, etc.);
• Experience administering grants and developing budgets;
• Experience creating and conducting training sessions;
• Documentable leadership roles in a team setting;
• Experience designing and/or delivering educational programming.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

• This is a full-time Professional & Administrative appointment at the level of Business Development Specialist 1-Bus Dev Gnrlst (9761BG), and is annually renewable based on performance, funding, and program needs. The position will be located on the St. Paul campus, and hybrid work options may be available.
• A full University of Minnesota benefits package is available: https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U
• Estimated salary range is $78,000 – $89,000.  Salary commensurate on qualifications and previous work experience.
• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/