The Education and Outreach Manager for the American Meat Science Association (AMSA) will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other staff members, to oversee the development and implementation of AMSA projects and programs contributing to the successful execution of AMSA’s Strategic Plan. This position will support the effort to identify and design programs and products to meet member and industry needs; publicize meat science opportunities; and disseminate critical scientific information to a broad range of constituents. This will specifically include managing the creation and execution of a growing number of diverse educational and outreach initiatives focused on supporting our members and sustaining partners.
Job Functions
•Development and management of educational materials, online programs, and training events.
o PORK 101; SALUMI 101; POULTRY 101/201 o Online educational modules/materials and learning management suite. o Employ the latest interactive tools and techniques for communication and dissemination of materials. o iCEV certifications and assistance with the development of new certifications o Explore the re-establishment of NLMB style materials, retail meat, meat science curriculum. o Support for development of resources for AMSA members and the USDA TAPs program.
• Outreach Efforts
o Identify educational institutions and the primary meat science contacts to develop a close working relationship that promotes meat science at the secondary, Jr. College and University levels as well as assisting in efforts to preserve meat science programs and coursework. ? Maintain the database of all educational institutions, advisors and programs. o Support AMSA relationship with MANRRS, 4H, FFA and other programs. o Represent AMSA at workshops, conferences, and on committees to advance outreach partnerships and opportunities. o Create outreach materials for high school, post-secondary and manage presentations by staff and others to achieve a targeted number per year. o Coordinate the AMSA Academic Advisement and Extension Committees.
• Communication
o Execute communication strategy in collaboration with the Scientific Communication Resource Officer including the content calendar, newsletter, and its delivery. o Provide communications and messaging to target audiences including, but not limited to, members, sustaining partners, trade associations, scientists, and students.
• Grant Support and Facilitation
o Increase support for AMSA initiatives through external funding sources (i.e., government grants, non-profit foundations, corporate and individual donations) by: ? Identifying grant opportunities and completing applications ? Managing an external business relationship with grant specialists
Minimum Qualifications: Education: B.S. or M.S. in Ag. Education, Ag Communications, or closely related field combined with relevant experience. Ideally the candidate would have some formal training in both meat science and educational program delivery, as well as experience with communication and business management.
Experience: • Candidate should have a minimum of three years of experience creating and implementing and managing education and/or outreach programs in an agricultural related field. • Proven organizational and project management skills including the ability to manage a diverse array of projects/tasks. Multitasking is a critical skill to accomplish a variety of goals with varying timelines, budgets, and staffing resources. • Significant communication experience. • Advanced computer skills with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and ideally experience with Adobe and design programs. • Programs for development of educational and communications materials such as Canva, ConstantContact, Social Media, Articulate, and others.
Key Attributes: • A passion for meat science and animal agriculture. • Maturity, confidence, and a strong work ethic. • Must be a high energy, motivated individual who is task and goal-oriented, creative, and self-directed. • A strong team player willing to work collaboratively and frequently as part of a group. • Communication skills, persuasiveness, and poise in public speaking. • Enjoys interacting with people with a customer service mentality. Does whatever it takes. • A desire and interest to broaden existing knowledge and to continually learn new ideas and concepts. • Organized and proactive approach to work. • Accessible and able to perform at a high level from a distance, on calls, by email, and electronically.
Flexible location; ideally near a major airport. Must have access to reliable, high-speed internet. Approximately 25% travel time which could increase.
Contact: Collette Kaster, CEO ckaster@meatscience.org; 660-748-5602
The American Meat Science Association is the professional scientific society for individuals who create and apply science to efficiently provide safe and high quality meat. Headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, AMSA fosters communication and collaboration among its global membership. Key programs include the Reciprocal Meat Conference, Meat Judging and other student education initiatives, and publications.