The Placement Exchange Job Board

Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in this position and outline experience that directly relates to it.

The Student Affairs Program Manager will be responsible for assisting in the continued development and ongoing management of the Campus Farm. The Campus Farm is a multi-stakeholder and student driven living learning lab for sustainable food systems work that operates as part of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Built around principles of food grown by students for students, on-farm carbon-neutrality, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the farm empowers a learning community that fosters student leadership development and high-impact research, teaching and learning opportunities in collaboration with students, faculty and staff from across campus.

Reporting to the Campus Farm Program Manager, the Student Affairs Program Manager will facilitate daily program operations including supervision of student managers and hands-on learning opportunities in food production involving student groups, classes, and others. In collaboration with student managers and the program manager this position will have primary responsibility for crop planning, production and sales to food outlets including MDining and UM Farm Stand along with the maintenance of USDA GAP food safety certification and its associated record keeping and practices. The position is also responsible for working with students to track produce sales and expenses and assist in the development of overall program budget, staffing, and evaluation metrics.  The Student Affairs Program Manager will oversee intensive ecologically based crop production at the Campus Farm, assist in the expansion/evolution of our program offerings and engagement mechanisms, while supporting other efforts and initiatives led by students or partners in order to foster a vibrant, strategic and impactful Campus Farm Program. Successful candidates will have a passion for experience with farm management, program development and working with students and other stakeholders in the context of curricular, co-curricular, and or revenue bearing activities as part of a working educational farm.

• Work with students to oversee and provide technical assistance and management in the annual planning and implementation of year-round sustainable, ecological (and USDA NOP compliant) crop production to support farm programs. Includes primary responsibility for crop planning, transplant production, material purchase and management, pest management, soil management, harvest and post-harvest handling, operating 2-and 4-wheel tractor, food safety, production related financial reporting, produce sales and delivery to on and off campus purchasers and collaborators.

• Responsible for day-to-day supervision and communication with student managers, interns, and volunteers including orientation and onboarding. Position is responsible for facilitating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for students, staff and faculty of all backgrounds and abilities.

• Support student leadership development.

• Promote efficacy of programming and production through data collection and analysis, and development, evaluation and implementation of program improvements.

• Assist with program development including budget and staffing requirements.

• Support engagement through tours, public speaking, and written materials that clearly articulate the farm’s mission, vision, and impact.

• Manage the farm's comprehensive food safety plan and maintain USDA GAP Certification.

• Work evenings and weekends as required for events and other duties.

• Maintain good rapport and cooperative relationships, approaching conflict in a constructive manner, helping to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of implementation of program’s mission and vision.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 or more years of farm management and production experience ideally in the context of a public facing, educational or university farm with associated program management experience. 
• Knowledge of crop planning, soil management, ecological and organic crop production, and personnel management. Comfort with using hand tools, small machines, and tractors in context of farm operations and work outdoors in all seasons in a physically active role. Knowledge of vegetable sales, produce quality standards and budget management.
• Knowledge of a diversity of sustainable agriculture production styles and techniques. Track record of success in producing high quality and quantity of salable crops for local, regional, or institutional markets. Experience working with and mentoring students in college or university settings with strong emphasis on leadership development.  Keen eye for aesthetics and experience with sales, marketing, customer/partner relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with standard Windows based computer systems. Proficiency with google office suit and regular use of sheets, docs, google drive and other software required to perform essential functions.

• The salary range for this position $42,000 - 45,000
• This position is term limited to one year with the potential for extension pending availability of funds and job performance.
• MBGNA seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and sustain the excellence of University of Michigan
• For more information about Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, please visit mbgna.umich.edu
• University Mission Statement

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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