Manager, Center for Urban Smart Agriculture (Phoenix, AZ) (Extended Temporary)

The University of Arizona's Center for Urban Smart Agriculture, located in Phoenix, seeks an Extension Program Manager to coordinate issue-driven, grant-funded, multidisciplinary Extension and applied research programs from planning through implementation. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Center Director, affiliated faculty and staff, and stakeholders to develop and manage programs that support urban agricultural production, with a focus on small-scale and beginning farmers in Arizona.

This position integrates applied research, Extension programming, and outreach to improve the economic efficiency and sustainability of urban agricultural production and small-scale and beginning farming systems, while minimizing environmental impacts. Based in Phoenix, the Center for Urban Smart Agriculture leads and supports University Extension and applied research initiatives and serves Arizona's broader urban agriculture community.

The Extension Program Manager will play a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget while meeting grant requirements, technical objectives, and outreach goals. The position also supports strategic growth by developing partnerships, securing grants, and expanding programs.

If you are passionate about advancing the frontiers of modern urban agriculture and supporting small-scale and beginning farmers in Arizona, we encourage you to apply to join our dynamic, innovative team.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining on-site work with remote work flexibility.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position with an anticipated duration of one year from the selected candidate's start date.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Management and
Oversight:

• Manage multiple
  Extension and applied research projects from initiation through completion,
  ensuring alignment with program objectives, sponsor requirements, and
  organizational priorities.
• Monitor project
  budgets, schedules, deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements to
  ensure successful and timely completion of grant-funded activities.
• Coordinate with
  the Center Director, affiliated faculty and staff, stakeholders, and funding
  agencies to support program implementation and achieve project goals.
• Prepare
  and present progress reports, presentations, publications, newsletters, and
  other project updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review
  technical documentation, purchasing requests, and required project records to
  ensure compliance with grant, sponsor, and university requirements.
• Facilitate
  project planning meetings and milestone reviews with project teams and
  stakeholders.
• Supervise Center staff and oversee work
  assignments, performance expectations, and resource utilization to support
  program objectives.
• Ensure Center
  operations, projects, and activities comply with grant obligations, university
  policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Program
Development and Strategic Initiatives:

• Support the
  development and submission of grant proposals, agreements, and other funding
  opportunities that advance the Center's mission and strategic goals.
• Collaborate
  with Center leadership, faculty, staff, and stakeholders to develop scopes of
  work, project plans, budgets, schedules, and resource requirements.
• Assist with the
  preparation and review of proposals and agreements to ensure technical
  accuracy, consistency, and sponsor compliance.
• Identify and
  pursue opportunities to expand the Center's Extension, applied research, and
  outreach portfolio through new partnerships and funding sources. Contribute to
  strategic planning efforts that strengthen and grow Center programs and
  services.

Planning and
Resource Management:

• Manage Center
  operations and activities across multiple grant-funded programs to ensure
  effective execution and achievement of project objectives.
• Track program
  outcomes, performance measures, and deliverables throughout the life cycle of
  assigned projects.
• Oversee Center
  assets, equipment, and inventory to ensure appropriate use, maintenance, and
  compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Direct the
  activities of Program Coordinators, student employees, and other assigned
  support staff to support project timelines, deliverables, and operational
  goals.
• Develop and
  maintain work plans, schedules, and resource allocation strategies that promote
  efficient operations and successful program outcomes.
• Evaluate
  operational processes and recommend improvements that enhance program
  effectiveness, efficiency, and service delivery.

Knowledge,
Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of
  the Cooperative Extension system and best practices for managing issue-driven
  programs and projects.
• Understanding
  of Arizona agricultural systems, with preference to familiarity with urban
  agriculture and small-scale or beginning farmer production systems.
• Ability to
  identify emerging opportunities and challenges in urban and smart agriculture.
• Demonstrated
  leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills.
• Strong
  organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent
  written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to
  manage multiple complex projects independently and effectively.
• Expert skills
  with MS Office, including MS Project, Smartsheet, and other software.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Five (5) years
  of related work experience, including 2 years of managerial experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in agronomy, plant science, soil science, crops science, environmental sciences, horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related discipline.
• Experience with grant development, sponsor relations, proposal preparation, and project implementation.
• Experience managing technical or educational projects, preferably within agriculture, environment, or related technical field.
• Experience in Arizona, the southwest, arid and semi-arid and/or desert agriculture systems, with preference to the urban, small-scale, and beginning farmer sector.
• Experience working with federally and state-sponsored projects in areas such as technical project management, grant compliance, Cooperative Extension, or research and education.
• Experience preparing federal and state Extension and research proposals and managing grants or contracts.