Food and Ag Business Advisor / Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Title: Food and Agriculture Business Advisor – Temporary (50% Appointment)

Working Title: Upper Peninsula Food and Agriculture Business Advisor

Institute: Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI)

Appointment End Date: 9 months from appointment date (Reappointment possible with continued funding)

Position Summary:

This position provides one-on-one business advising to food, agriculture, and natural resource businesses—from early-stage start-ups to established enterprises. The individual will connect with local and regional partners to identify potential Product Center clients.

The ideal candidate will be a relationship-builder, problem-solver, and effective advisor who is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and driving economic growth in rural and regional food systems.

Key Responsibilities

Business Advising and Client Support

• Provide confidential, individualized advice to MSU Product Center clients on topics such as planning, food safety, food product regulations and related business topics.
• Work with customers to evaluate outcomes and economic impacts of venture development.
• Maintain accurate records of advising sessions and activities in Product Center and MSUE databases.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with local partners including chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, community colleges, universities, and industry groups.
• Market MSU Product Center services and recruit new clients in the agriculture/food sector.
• Represent MSUE and the Product Center at events, conferences, and trade shows such as the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show.

Supervision

Reports to the MSU Product Center Director.

About MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center:
MSU Extension’s Community, Food & Environment Institute provides research-based education and resources to strengthen Michigan’s food and agriculture sectors. The MSU Product Center helps entrepreneurs develop and commercialize value-added food, agriculture, and bio-based products.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in business, economics, forestry/natural resources, food marketing, or a related field.
• Ability to independently manage projects from concept to completion.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with Michigan’s food and agriculture networks.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5