Program Manager - Agriculture Future of America (AFA)

Full-Time • Kansas, City, MO

Program Manager Summary 

As the Program Manager, you will exercise significant discretion and independent judgment in managing competency (soft skill) development program design and execution. You will oversee event-related operations, focusing on continuous professional competency development programs and initiatives. 

Your Primary Functions 

• Design and manage our annual Leaders Conference, the core competency development program, utilizing project management practices 

• Support and/or lead additional programs to advance competency development alongside industry knowledge and exposure 

• Manage assigned program budgets with accurate tracking, and oversee future budget development 

• Clearly articulate assigned program needs and benefits to key stakeholders in written and verbal form 

• Oversee staff preparation and engagement for competency development programs, ensuring quality customer service and coordinating staffing roles & responsibilities 

• Collaborate with marketing and communications on promotional tactics to expand program awareness and increase applications  

• Engage and train student leaders in programmatic planning and onsite support for assigned competency programs 

• Support our participants and volunteers through coaching, mentoring and networking 

• Assess and analyze program quality and implement improvements 

• Maintain program resources (i.e.  documents and records) as required  

• Provide onsite support and leadership to specified programs and related events 

• Review program inquiries and direct responses 

• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of our programs 

• Participate in other duties to support the management and general business operations of the organization as needed 

Competencies 

• Commitment to the AFA’s mission 

• Self-confidence, creativity, imagination, attention to detail and an entrepreneurial attitude toward program design 

• Commitment to creating high quality experiences  

• Organizational and project management skills to carry out projects to conclusion with drive, enthusiasm, and a proactive attitude 

• Ability to manage a variety of tasks and work under pressure while still meeting deadlines 

• Highly motivated and personal accountability 

• Strong work ethic and a self-starter 

• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions through problem-solving 

• Ability to work with a broad demographic of ages, professions, and educational levels 

• Strong IT skills with interest and ability to work on a variety of programs and platforms 

Required Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture education or related program, OR a combination of college-level course work and training with 2-5 years experience in formal or informal education program planning, learning assessment, operations, and/or in education training or equivalent experience 

• Efficiency and experience in office programs such as word processing and data management programs, including spreadsheet reports and graphics 

• Above average oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills and proofreading  

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Background or experience in the agriculture industry, educational assessments, youth programs and/or career development 

• Master’s degree in an agriculture program and/or experience in agriculture-related industry is welcome  

• Experience working with and managing volunteers 

• Experience with design programs such as Canva for creation of program resources and visuals  

• Understanding of nonprofit business 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position has indirect supervision of other internal staff. 

Work Environment 

This job operates primarily in a professional office environment.  

Physical Demands 

While performing the duties of this job, and subject to request for reasonable accommodations, you would be required to constantly operate a computer and other office equipment as needed (i.e. phone, copier/scanner, etc.).  You must also be able to remain in a stationary position most of the day and to exchange information with internal and external constituents regularly.  Occasionally, you may be required to move or position equipment weighing 5-10 pounds. 

Position Type/Regular Hours of Work 

This is a full-time position at our primary office, and regular hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position will be expected to work some evenings and weekends as needed. 

Travel 

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel to partner location or AFA events or throughout the year and on weekends is expected.  With the exception of staffing AFA scheduled programs, travel to achieve other program goals is flexible to the employee’s availability. Travel is estimated at 15% or less.  

Learn more and apply here.