MAINE Agriculture in the Classroom Council

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Position Summary:

This is a three-quarter time (30 hours per week) position with significant responsibilities for field work, travel and independent operation at a professional level.  The Executive Director will represent and conduct the business of the Council in a professional manner.  The Executive Director is responsible and reports directly to the Chair of the Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council.  Responsibilities include program development and implementation, strategic planning, public relations, administration of the Council and fundraising.

The successful applicant must be well organized, detail-oriented, and able to complete projects in a timely and professional manner. S/he must be a self-starter, must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a customer service orientation, and work well as a member of a team.  The individual must also be able to work independently, prioritize work, and manage several projects simultaneously.
 

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop an annual Plan of Work.
• Conduct all business operations of the Council including submission of an annual budget, website and database management, facilitation of quarterly meetings, reports to the Council and other duties as directed by the Council.
• Administer and evaluate annual grant program and recognition programs including teacher of the year.
• Develop and distribute a program annual report.
• Develop and conduct fundraising strategies to cultivate and solicit support from the potential donors, public agencies, corporations, foundations and individuals. Obtain grants and other funding.
• Develop and conduct Agricultural License Plate promotion campaigns.
• Conduct on-going marketing activities including, but not limited to: Newsletter and press releases Initiate and coordinate public relation activities and media opportunities to enhance the image of the Council and the attainment of its objectives. Serve as state contact on National AITC Consortium, and act as liaison to other state AITC programs.
• Maintain professional competence through study, participation in professional activities and the application of knowledge and skills on the job.
• Research and develop new program ideas for submission to the Council.
• Develop and implement agricultural education programs as directed by the Council.
• Collaborate with and assist in the coordination of programming between MAITC and any other agencies or agricultural professionals with similar missions as MAITC to avoid duplication of effort and assure positive working relationships among those providing school programs and resources.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with Maine Department of Agriculture, Maine Department of Education, Natural Resource Conservation Districts, extension professionals, agricultural organizations, school administrations, and others serving agricultural education.
• Identify and develop a core of volunteers and cooperators.
• Facilitate and provide leadership in the development, coordination, and evaluation of curricular and instructional materials, teacher in-service and curriculum implementation for agricultural literacy programming that meets Maine Academic standards.
• Arrange and present in-service education programs and workshops for educators, youths, and volunteers.  Assist with professional development programming for Maine teachers of agricultural concepts by organizing and developing AITC in-service courses and pre-service courses that meet Maine State Standards.

• Proven self-starter
• Bachelors degree in education, agriculture or related major
• Teaching skills and experience
• Background in Maine public education
• Knowledge of current trends in education, including familiarity with Maine Learning Standards
• Knowledge and understanding of agriculture, agricultural literacy, and food system concepts
• Ability to Oversee curriculum review and evaluation
• Proven ability to develop and deliver training to educators and students
• Aptitude, skills, and experience with standard computer software including: word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentation software (PowerPoint), graphics and desktop publishing software, and accounting software
• Proficient in the use of internet and email
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with effective presentation skills
• Ability to manage growth, development and implementation of a major high-profile program with multiple responsibilities
• Ability to work with a team to accomplish tasks and demonstrated effectiveness in supporting a team approach
• Ability to work with diverse audiences
• Valid Maine Driver’s license
• Willingness and ability to travel and work later afternoon and or some evening and week-end hours
• Demonstrated ability to write proposals and secure grants
• Ability to lift 45 pounds

Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Council
Lauchlin Titus, Chairman
1063 Main Street
Vassalboro, ME 04989
(207) 873-2108