Food and Agriculture Development Center Director

Food And Agriculture Development Center Director

The Food and Agriculture Development Center Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Food and Agriculture Development Center, located at Bear Paw Development Corporation, and designed to serve the Bear Paw District which includes Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations. The position is responsible for the outreach and development of value-added agriculture and alternative energy projects and programs within the region.

Nature and Scope of Job : A half-time position reporting to the Executive Director. Contingent upon ongoing funding. Competitive wage range between $19 and $21 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. Position is open until filled. Position works in collaboration with Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Director to counsel clients interested in starting or expanding value-added agriculture projects or businesses.

Specific Responsibilities and Duties :

• Food and Agricultural Business Development
• Provide one-on-one counseling, in coordination with SBDC Director, to producers, manufacturers or producer groups, in the areas of planning, business and market development.
• Identify and secure resources to move specific, acceptable projects forward.
• Assist producers and entrepreneurs through the development of feasibility studies and sound business / marketing plans.
• Provide assistance in marketing and market development.
• Provide assistance in business planning and leveraging capital assets.
• Assist local agri-businesses, manufacturers and agricultural producers develop strategies that will assist them in becoming more effective in marketing and producing value-added products from both traditional crop and livestock enterprises and those with new or unique niche products.
• Assist producers by expanding access to infrastructure for small-scale food processing, food-business and bio-based technology incubation and other potential value-added processes.
• Assist in the capitalization of producer-owned, value-added and alternative energy ventures through development of cooperatives, venture capital funds, equity partnerships and / or access to community loan funds and commercial lending institutions.
• Engage in networking and outreach activities to promote the services of the Bear Paw FADC and solicit interest in food, agriculture and alternative energy projects.
• Travel to meet with current and potential partners and stakeholders in order to develop new clients.
• Plan, analyze, organize and implement strategies to promote economic development in the region.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Administration
• Responsible for the implementation of the goals and objectives of the Food and Agriculture Development Center at Bear Paw Development and the statewide Food and Agriculture Development Center Network.
• Monitor financial performance of Center activities and submit reports to funding agency, which is the Montana Department of Agriculture.
• Research and pursue funding opportunities for program continuation.
• Write and administer complimentary grants and other funding opportunities for project development and implementation.
• Prepare reports and proposals for all appropriate programs, agencies and organizations, including but not limited to the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Board of Directors of Bear Paw Development Corporation.
• Ensure that federal and state regulations are complied with and executed.
• Public Relations
• Represent the organization at public and professional meetings at the local, regional and statewide level.
• Actively participate in all Montana Food and Agriculture Development Center Network meetings.
• Coordinate and provide liaison activities among various agencies and organizations creating an atmosphere necessary for successful partnerships.
• Work to build new relationships between rural service providers, agriculture producers, and value-added agriculture businesses.
• Back-up Duties
• Performs other duties as necessary or as assigned by the Executive Director.

Desired Minimum Qualifications :

Physical Demands :

Work Environment :

Mental / Motor Demands :

Send letter of application, resume and minimum of three references, two of which must have knowledge of applicant's professional abilities, to :

Paul Tuss, Executive Director Bear Paw Development Corporation ATTN : FADC Director Position PO Box 170 Havre, MT 59501 Or by email to ptuss@bearpaw.org