Education Specialist 2

Appointment: 12-month, 100%, continuing appointment

The Executive Director will report to the Head of AECM and the Chair of the Adult Board of Directors (BOD) of the FFA Association. The Executive Director will be responsible for managing staff, financial topics, and operations of the FFA Association and implementing the mission under the direction of the BOD and in collaboration with stakeholders. The position will involve regular in-state and occasional out-of-state travel. The University of Minnesota values the work-life balance and provides flexible work arrangements in schedule and work location for this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration (70%)
* Supervise staff members who manage the leadership and career development programs, regional and state leadership teams, and award programs. Identify, recruit, develop, support, and retain top-quality staff members. Establish, review, and revise staff job descriptions. Evaluate staff performance and inspire them to pursue and achieve the expectations in the job descriptions and be engaged in the work and mission of the Association.
* Work with the Board of Directors to support agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) educators and ensure they have the necessary resources to support student success.
* Prepare annual budgets for the Association in collaboration with the Board and with input from staff. Manage the implementation of the budget and ensure fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and management of restricted and unrestricted funds, including any funds appropriated to Minnesota FFA by the State of Minnesota.
* Oversee the website and manage the membership database, association archives, and association reports.
* Weekly email Blast, Listserv Database
* Assist FFA Advisors with roster and membership questions
* Advisor Lists on AET, ffa.org, and chapter directory
* State & American Degrees: State FFA Degree Process, State Stars Judging and Evaluation, American Degree Process
* Proficiency
Proficiency review and judging
* Work with the MAAE SAE Committee
* National Chapter Award Judging Organization
* Chartering and Charter Compliance: New chapters, re-chartering, POA Collection, Chapters in Good Standing
* State Calendar of Events
* State Convention:
Judging card, pre-event registration work
Award Procurement, Tracking, and Organization
Band and Chorus
External Media
Parking, Buses, and Shuttles organization
Room/Space Coordination from Rental Venues
Honorary State Degree
Land of Service
Ag. Literacy Challenge
Delegates and Constitution Amendments
Manage educational workshops and tours at the Summit and the Minnesota FFA State Convention

Strategic Leadership (30%)
* Engage in strategic planning with the FFA Board of Directors, staff, and stakeholders to pursue the vision and mission of the Association. Set short- and long-term goals that align with the strategic plans. Perform periodic reviews and updates to the mission and goals.
* Serve as the primary liaison between the Association, Foundation, Alumni and Supporters of FFA, and post-secondary partners, including the University of Minnesota
* Represent Minnesota FFA to other organizations, government agencies, elected officials, and the general public while strengthening its brand and public profile.
* Investigate new funding sources and complete grant writing tasks.

Required Qualifications
* Advanced degree in Agricultural Education, Education, Agriculture, or other relevant fields, and at least four years of relevant work experience to include supervisory experience, OR BA/BS in a relevant field with at least six years of relevant post-degree experience.
* Demonstrated professional experience in secondary agricultural education, youth leadership development, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
* Management experience, including 5+ years of leadership and/or management responsibility as an agriculture, food, and natural resources education teacher and FFA advisor.
* Extensive experience working with agricultural and educational stakeholders. Experience managing budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility, long-term sustainability, and management of restricted and unrestricted funds, while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations relating to nonprofit organizations.
* Experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks.
* Knowledge of and appreciation for agriculture and an understanding of FFA history, culture, values, programs, and supporters.
* High proficiency in training, developing, leading, and retaining skilled and committed team members.
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth and adults.
* Demonstrated experience in planning educational events for secondary education students and teachers, including management of logistics and budgets.
* Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
* Evidence of strong commitment to the FFA Association and the University's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing equity and diversity.
Desired Characteristics
* A strong, effective executive presence and leadership style that reflects confidence and integrity and inspires trust, respect, and engagement from stakeholders at all levels.
* An innovative and entrepreneurial self-starter who can lead an organization to meet strong growth goals.
* A creative thinker who can develop, communicate, and implement a vision and strategy for Minnesota FFA.
* A leader who is a team player and consensus builder and makes effective use of the diverse talents and experience of volunteer board members.
* A strong relationship builder with donors.
* A collaborative leader with demonstrated experience working with volunteer boards of directors to achieve consensus and utilize the talents and connections of board members to broaden the reach and impact of Minnesota FFA.

The State of Minnesota FFA administrative home is located in the Agricultural Education, Communications, and Marketing (AECM) program within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). UMN contracts with the Minnesota FFA Association to serve as a support base for statewide leadership positions and the related services and outreach they generate. The FFA is a non-profit organization with a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. This mission is met through developing and delivering programs for secondary and post-secondary students and their teachers.

Pay Range: $82,000-$92,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Review of applications will begin on 06/23/2025 and continue until finalists are identified.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please visit employment.umn.edu and search for position #354786. Click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach the following:
- Current professional resume
- Cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience to the position.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).