Community Food Systems Outreach Specialist

About This Role

The K-State Extension Community Food Systems (CFS) team is seeking a full-time program administrator to join our team. The program administrator will advance the Community Food Systems team’s mission of supporting local food systems through partnerships, educational resources and events, and food business development. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Build relationships with rural grocers, distributors, city and county commissioners, economic developers, extension personnel, academics, funders, and other food access practitioners and stakeholders. 
• Communicate with a variety of audiences effectively and appropriately.
• Represent K-State Extension and the CFS team to the public. 

This is a grant-funded position. The continuation of the position is contingent upon continuing availability of funding and need for these services.  

About Us

K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu. 

The K-State Extension Community Food Systems (CFS) team supports and coordinates work across the state related to local food capacity building and coordination, partnership building, and food business development. The CFS team works alongside K-State Extension’s Local Foods Transdisciplinary Team to equip the extension system with tools to support the Kansas Local Food System. Visit the Kansas Local Foods website. 

Worksite Description

This position is hybrid and/or remote work eligible. Work may be (a) performed fully in a remote capacity, (b) performed on-site on employer premises or at designated assignment locations, or (c) performed in a hybrid remote/on-site work capacity. 

This position will require regular travel throughout the state of Kansas. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives including either use of an association provided vehicle or mileage reimbursement will be provided. Preference will be given to candidates who reside (or commit to reside) in Kansas.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent).
• Five years of relevant experience (e.g., food systems, outreach, marketing and communications, program implementation). Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.*
• Valid driver’s license.

*K-State uses a 1:1 ratio when evaluating minimum education/experience requirements, meaning one year of formal education beyond high school is considered equivalent to one year of relevant work experience, and vice versa. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Experience in writing, graphic design and/or public relations.
• Education or experience related to agricultural communications, including marketing for farm and food businesses.
• Project experience with food systems (local growers, farmers markets, rural grocery stores, food hubs or other relevant food system contexts).
• Experience with Adobe Suite, photography and/or videography experience and other related tools.
• Evidence of success in project management.
• Prior experience reporting program or economic impact.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaboration skills, as evidenced by building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and groups, both in-person and remotely.
• Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement through evolving circumstances and objectives.
• Interest in or understanding of agriculture, rural communities, and farmer-led initiatives.

Additional Role Information:

• Regular travel within Kansas will be necessary to fulfill this position’s primary responsibilities. Must have reliable transportation and maintain own vehicle proof of insurance as necessary by law. Occasional overnight travel will be required for training events and professional development. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

Applications close on: April 19, 2026.

$48,000 - $58,000 annually