Manager, Center for Urban Smart Agriculture

Manager, Center for Urban Smart Agriculture

Location: Phoenix, United States

req Id: 27581

Job Description:

Posting Number: req27581

Department: Ctr Urban Smart Agriculture

Address4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85040 USA

Position Highlights

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. 

Duties & Responsibilities

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Agriculture and Extension

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade10

Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level: M2

Job Family: Extension

Job Function: Agriculture & Extension

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.