The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program invites applications for a 12-month, renewable, full-time Program Manager to work with its National Reporting, Coordinating, and Communications Office (NRCCO) located in College Park, Md. SARE is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that offers farmer-driven, grassroots grants and education programs. SARE’s NRCCO operates under cooperative agreements from the USDA through the University of Maryland (UMD) in its College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station. More information can be found at: https://www.sare.org/. 

The NRCCO is primarily responsible for creating and managing the distribution of print and digital technical guides and educational resources for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural service providers. The office manages five ongoing work plans simultaneously, typically completing around 8 to 10 written and digital outreach products focused on various topics within Sustainable Agriculture, annually. Additionally, the NRCCO supports SARE's regional grant and outreach programs by directing national program efforts and providing opportunities for cross-regional information sharing among its partners. This support includes maintaining a digital grant management system, developing the SARE websites, providing communication resources, and coordinating national SARE workshops, program meetings, and outreach initiatives. 

The Program Manager will be a key member of a collaborative, supportive team, responsible for developing written and digital educational and outreach resources focused on various sustainable agriculture topics. This role also involves assisting to develop promotion plans, write press releases, and identify effective outreach channels and new educational formats. Additionally, the Program Manager will assist with creating engaging online and in-person educational opportunities for national SARE partners and stakeholders. These include contributions to programs like SARE Fellows and National Continuing Education, as well as occasional workshops, conferences, or meetings. This position provides ample opportunities to engage with NRCCO colleagues and other national partners, who enthusiastically support sustainable agriculture, farms, and ranches. The role requires annual out-of-state travel. 

Overall, the Program Manager will provide a creative and professional perspective to sustainable agriculture outreach while balancing daily operational tasks and long-term program objectives. This position reports to the SARE Associate Director at UMD and requires collaboration and frequent communication with NRCCO and UMD colleagues and national SARE partners.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

For more information about qualifications, duties and application guidelines, visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCP/job/Sustainable-Agriculture-Program-Manager_JR103786.