HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center - Program Specialist

The HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center - Program Specialist is primarily responsible for the day-to-day administrative operations of the HBCU Agriculture Business Innovation Center housed within the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics & Agriscience Education.

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is ranked #1 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences ( CAES) at NC A&T is the largest college of Agriculture among HBCUs and top producer of African Americans with degrees in Agriculture and the second national supplier of minority admits in Veterinary Medicine. CAES has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology across its four academic departments: Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; Department of Animal Sciences; Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students are offered many opportunities for classroom learning, research, and fieldwork. In addition, the college's research and experiential learning are strengthened by non-academic units, including the University farm and the center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies at the North Carolina Research campus. Through its Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension Programs, CAES conducts research on issues of national importance and provides research-based extension training and services to citizens, communities, and industry partners across the state of North Carolina.

The Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education's faculty consists of core faculty, affiliated graduate faculty members, research associates, and part-time instructors. The Department offers two undergraduate degrees, a B.S. in Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Agribusiness and Food Industry Management) and a B.S. in Agricultural Education with two concentration areas in Agricultural Professional Service and Secondary Education. The BS in Agricultural Education has been nationally recognized as 2nd in the nation for affordable online programs by AffordableSchools.net and is one of the earliest integrators of educational technologies. The Department also offers a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Environmental Systems (Agribusiness and Food Industry Management) and a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education with two concentration areas in Professional Licensure and Professional Service. The Department is also uniquely positioned to facilitate research and outreach programming through its international agricultural education and outreach programming, which has sent several faculty, students, and staff abroad to countries such as Canada, Belize, China, and Africa through USDA sponsored projects. The Department also houses an International Trade Center and an Applied Survey Laboratory, which facilitate research and outreach activities for small businesses and small farm operations throughout the state of North Carolina and qualitative and quantitative research analyses, respectively. Ultimately, we seek applicants to contribute to the fulfillment of the Department's vision, which is to uphold the land-grant mission by preparing North Carolinians and the greater global community with an education in agribusiness, applied economics, and agricultural education, a capacity to conduct and/or interpret interdisciplinary research involving agricultural and social sciences, and an ability to engage, build, and strengthen farming/rural and urban communities.

The HBCU Agriculture Innovation Center (ABIC) serves as an administrative hub with the primary intent to increase the number of successful agricultural agribusinesses by providing technical assistance through collaborative efforts across HBCUs along with partnering 1890 land-grant institutions - Alabama A&M University, Kentucky State University, and West Virginia State University. The HBCU ABIC was developed to serve socially disadvantaged populations.

Knowledge of federal, state, and philanthropic funding program policies and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply a variety of interrelated policies, procedures, and programs for clients and to address clients' non-routine issues. Knowledge of new theories, trends, laws or precedents demonstrated by recommending and implementing improvements or necessary changes to policies, procedures and/or programs.

Ability to administer and/or manage a program with established guidelines and standards in its entirety or to administer several components of a multi-faceted program. Ability to ensure program/project accountability. Ability to define scope, goals, tasks, deliverables, timelines, tools, and resources. Ability to assess the needs of the work unit or project. Ability to determine any gaps, and recommend changes in procedures, workflow and work assignments to improve efficiency and effectiveness in performance of individuals and the work unit as a whole. Ability to develop and monitor program/project databases, schedules and reports. Ability to ensure accuracy of data and compliance with program standards. Ability to perform professional program administrative duties, including technical decisions. Ability to collaborate in the development and completion of grants and contracts. Ability to administer pre- and post-award agreements. Ability to prepare related reports as required.

Ability to maintain and enhance professional relationships to increase credibility for building support and reaching consensus when explaining and interpreting program policies and procedures within assigned area(s). Ability to convey sensitive information or decisions to clients. Ability to work toward mutual resolutions that are in the best interests of the organization and across organizational lines.

Ability to maintain and enhance professional relationships to increase credibility for building support and reaching consensus when explaining and interpreting program policies and procedures within assigned area(s). Ability to convey sensitive information or decisions to clients. Ability to work toward mutual resolutions that are in the best interests of the organization and across organizational lines.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;