Company description

Our Commitment Provide healthy food choices within USDA guidelines Offer foods that are fresh, of high quality and minimally processed Increase whole foods, natural fibers and other natural nutrients Decrease saturated fats, added sugars and starchy vegetables Teach lifelong proper eating habits that reinforce the belief of moderate consumption in all food groups

Job description

SUMMARY
Under general supervision, coordinates MPS Farm to School Program, including program development, financial oversight, staff support, community development, and public relations; liaison with internal and external partners including local procurement and food educational efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Works with local small and disadvantaged farmers to procure local foods for the MPS school food programs.
• Works with MPS Culinary Center staff to assure efficient and effective incorporation of local products into food service operations.
• Develops, manages and evaluates pilot programs including but not limited to monthly local food taste tests in MPS cafeterias; local farm field trips; and bringing local growers to school sites.
• Partner with outside organizations to establish MPS urban farm as a site for farm field trips, school garden support, training opportunities, youth development, and special events.
• Coordinates Farm to School special events including but not limited to Minnesota Farm to School month, Food Day, Harvest Festivals, etc.
• Coordinates community development, outreach and public relations programs; recruits new advisory council members, trains community leaders, and builds relationships with community partners, media, non-profit and governmental organizations.
• Works with Culinary Center staff to promote and market MPS Farm to School programs; assures effective communication of program offerings; develops promotional materials, e-marketing, and public service announcements; coordinates community outreach and volunteer recruiting programs.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Nutrition, Agriculture, Education, or a closely related field; AND four (4) years of professional experience administering public education support programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.
• State and Federal laws governing public sector grant funding programs.
• Local community resources, agricultural advocacy groups, and regional agricultural programs.
• Personal computers utilizing standard software, and specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Understanding and applying program standards, public sector fund accounting procedures, applicable Federal and state rules and regulations, and MPS policies and procedures.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Coordinating and administering educational and school support programs.
• Identifying problems and opportunities, and developing solutions.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, advocates and representatives from community groups and government agencies.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage

ORGANIZATIONAL AND SALARY INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit: AMP
• Grade: 59
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting Salary: $64,731

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 to $100,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline