Position Summary
The Department of Community Sustainability (CSUS) at Michigan State University invites applications
for a full-time, 12-month, fixed-term Specialist-Outreach position that will serve as the Michigan
FFA Association Contest & Recognition Coordinator. The selected candidate will manage contest and
recognition programs for the Michigan FFA Association - a student organization with 9,200 members
in 134 high-school chapters throughout the state while also supporting the mission statements of
the MSU College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) and CSUS. The expected start date is July 14,
2025.
Duties and Responsibilities:
? Support secondary Career and Technical Education programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources
in the areas of FFA contests and recognition.
? Assist with professional development activities and resource development for high-school
teachers, including pre-service and in-service training related to FFA contests and recognition at
the state and national level.
? Lead the annual review and update of contests to improve the academic and technical skills of
students by strengthening the components of FFA and integrating academic and technical education
skills in the state leadership and career development events (LDEs and CDEs) and other recognition
programs.
? Supervise the planning of the state agriculture skills contests and district, regional, and
state leadership contests, including the preparation of materials and volunteers, and coordination
of events.
? Coordinate the submission, feedback, scoring, and award processes for various recognition
programs including, but not limited to, Stars Over Michigan, Proficiencies, State Degrees,
Outstanding Juniors, National Chapter, and Academic Excellence.
? Work with the State FFA Foundation Director to create partnerships among local education
agencies, postsecondary institutions, employers, labor organizations, commodity groups, industry
associations, parents and other interested parties.
? Prepare materials for distribution to FFA chapters and affiliated organizations.
? Serve as an ex-officio member of the Michigan FFA Board of Directors and work closely with the
board and the state advisor to evaluate FFA programs and activities and enforce policies and
guidelines that uphold the Michigan FFA Constitution.
? Coordinate Michigan’s participation in National FFA Organization activities related to
contests and recognition. Attend National FFA conferences as needed.
? Represent Michigan FFA at various FFA events and industry activities.
? Work with the CSUS faculty/staff to advance the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (AFNR)
teacher education program at Michigan State University. Assist the AFNR Education team and its
partners with teacher in-service/professional development.
? Assist with supporting state officers and attend some overnight events/trainings.
? Perform other related duties as needed and appropriate.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -AFNR Education or related field
Desired Degree
Masters
Minimum Requirements
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Master’s Degree in AFNR Education, related field, or equivalent experience.
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Demonstrated experience in AFNR education and FFA.
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Willingness to foster positive change, inclusivity, and a commitment to implement programs that foster and sustain belonging and engagement within AFNR Education.
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Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and technology competencies.
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Ability to work and travel to some evening and weekend events and conferences.
Desired Qualifications
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Master’s Degree in AFNR Education, related field, or equivalent experience.
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At least one year of successful secondary teaching experience in AFNR or related field.
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Demonstrated experience in AFNR education and FFA.
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Willingness to foster positive change, inclusivity, and a commitment to implement programs that foster and sustain belonging and engagement within AFNR Education.
-
Demonstrated interpersonal, communication and technology competencies.
-
Ability to work and travel to some evening and weekend events and conferences.
Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents: 1) letter of interest that includes a) qualifications for the position and b) statement of teaching and/or leadership philosophy highlighting how your experiences align with the position (2-page maximum); 2) current curriculum vitae or resume; 3) a description of how you will contribute to CANR’s positive culture, fair access to resources, and creating a sense of belonging and engagement; and 4) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Special Instructions
Review of Applications:
