About This Role:

The Program Manager for the Rural Grocery Initiative (RGI) within K-State Research and Extension will serve an integral role in supporting the team's mission to sustain locally-owned rural grocery stores to enhance community vitality and improve access to healthy foods. This role will assist in planning events, identifying, developing, and sharing resources that support grocers and rural communities.

Responsibilities will include;

• Organizing and providing technical assistance.
• Assisting with event management.
• Managing partner and stakeholder relationships.
• Providing grant management and reporting functions.

Why Join Us:

RGI has established itself as a trusted national technical assistance center focused on rural grocery and healthy food access. RGI provides one-on-one technical assistance, conducts research, develops and maintains informational resources, hosts networking and educational events such as the National Rural Grocery Summit, and serves as the food access organization for the Kansas Healthy Food Initiative. View more at www.ruralgrocery.org.

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite Options:

This position is eligible for hybrid and/or remote worksite. Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location and/or performed fully in a remote capacity. An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements.

Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in relevant field.
• Experience with cooperative development and the cooperative business model.
• Proven record of organizational and administrative skills.
• Evidence of success in project management: organizing and managing projects.
• Research and analysis skills including qualitative research methods, surveying, conducting interviews and synthesizing findings.
• Evidence of strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both with university faculty and public stakeholder groups.
• Grant management experience.
• Project experience with food systems (local growers, farmers markets, rural grocery stores, food hubs or other relevant food system contexts).
• Commitment to citizen empowered community development.
• Experience with Adobe Suite and/or data visualization tools.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within the State of Kansas.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents through the K-State Career’s website:

1. Letter of interest
2. Resume
3. Names, emails, and phone numbers of three professional references.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by March 17, 2024.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$52,530 - $68,268

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.