Indigenous Food Sovereignty Outreach Specialist

Job Summary:
Based at the Extension Community Food Systems Program, the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Outreach Specialist will lead the strategic development of direct education and programming, foster and maintain key external partnerships, and work with Extension colleagues to identify and adapt existing agricultural and food systems development resources for Tribal audiences. With initial funding from the Wisconsin Rural Partnership Initiative and a USDA grant, this position will also involve project-specific outreach in support of two projects: Connecting Cultural Values and Indigenous Research Towards Food System Resilience Project and Wisconsin's Tribal Sugaring Network (Maple Syrup Program).

Priority roles for this position include:

1. Building trusting relationships with Tribal governments and organizations that honor sovereignty and tribal communication and research protocols;
2. Developing and maintaining partnerships with Tribal colleges, agencies, and organizations leading food systems development and knowledge mobilization in Tribal communities, e.g., Intertribal Ag Council, WI Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, Great Lakes Indigenous Law Center, and the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center;
3. Facilitating intertribal information exchange and collaboration through field days, summits, and/or joint projects and programs that are representative of Tribal communities' holistic approach to food sovereignty;
4. Maintaining awareness of emerging Indigenous food sovereignty projects and work through research, communication, and participation at local and national gatherings and conferences; and
5. Providing project-specific coordination and outreach to Tribal communities and partners for the Connecting Cultural Values & Indigenous Research Towards Food System Resilience Project and to Wisconsin's Tribal Sugaring Network.

Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI but the position can be located elsewhere in Wisconsin depending on programmatic needs, successful candidate's preferences, and availability of suitable space.

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization. (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/) As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.
Responsibilities: Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.

• 20% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
• 25% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
• 10% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
• 15% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
• 10% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
• 20% Works collaboratively across the project teams and supports project management, logistics, communication, coordination, evaluation, and reporting

Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Required
Bachelor's Degree
Qualifications:
Required:
- Education, training and/or experience related to Indigenous agriculture or food systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing or supporting outreach programs that may include assessing audience needs, implementing in person and online educational trainings or outreach events, and evaluating impact.
- Demonstrated ability to set priorities, meet objectives, and accomplish goals with limited direct supervision.
- Strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting.
- Understanding of and experience working with Native Nations communities.

Preferred:
- Three or more years of relevant professional experience.
- Familiarity with Indigenous food systems, sustainable agriculture, farming, forestry, and/or wild harvest.
- Knowledge of, connections with, or deep personal or professional experience with Tribal communities or organizations in the Midwest or Great Lakes region.
- In depth knowledge of tribal enrollment, tribal government, and the complexities associated with indigenous identity.
Work Type:
Full or Part Time: 80% - 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Terminal, 24 month appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding
Salary:
Minimum $58,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).
Additional Information:
This is a 2-year position but may be extended if additional funding is available.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
How to Apply:
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Resume
- Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.

The Division of Extension invites applications from those with expertise, cultural knowledge, and passion for working with Native American communities.
Contact:
Lindsey Farnsworth
lindsey.day.farnsworth@wisc.edu
608-890-2433
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Outreach Specialist(OE009)
Department(s):
A47-EXTENSION/ANRCD/COMM/CFS/COMM FOOD S
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Terminal
Job Number:
303769-AS