The Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development program unit of the Iowa State University Agriculture and Natural Resources Department of Extension and Outreach is seeking qualified candidates for a Program Coordinator III. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach at Iowa State University is heavily involved in rural development in Iowa through the Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development programs. The Programs support the development of resilient and healthy rural communities through research, education and outreach in collaboration with diverse partners.

The Program Coordinator III will implement Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development Business Development Projects; foster relationships, build business financial databases; review specific business databases; and support projects and consulting programs offered through the Enterprise Development Program. In addition, this position will provide training and technical assistance to support development of value-added business enterprises and/or businesses through providing education and support to: businesses and Rural Development projects in their business development processes; the development of business assistance interactive material. The Program Coordinator III will also assist with identified funding opportunities that are consistent with the mission and focus of the Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development program.

The Program Coordinator III will provide, outreach and education initiatives. These opportunities will be directly related to ISU Extension and Outreach involvement in the state’s rural development and Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development opportunities. This position will initiate, deliver, and lead programming efforts related to business development and overall rural development.

The successful candidate will have the ability to work independently and manage multiple programs and grant projects simultaneously. The ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external audiences and to seek new and enhance existing partnerships will be important to the incumbent’s success. The program coordinator also will have the ability to understand the complexities and intricacies related to rural development including, but not exclusive of business development, as they will work with multiple partners and develop place-based opportunities for rural development and enterprise development opportunities. Excellent financial analysis, review, and comparison skills are essential as well as strong project management, organizational, and communications skills.