About us

The Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC) supports farmers and value-added producers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia by providing access to training, consulting, and capital. We aim to help producers grow their businesses, from the idea stage to scaling operations.

Scope of Work:

The Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC) supports farmers and value-added producers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia by providing access to training, consulting, and capital. We aim to help producers grow their businesses, from the idea stage to scaling operations. The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing CAIC's various educational and growth programs for agricultural producers. This role includes program development, implementation, and evaluation to ensure the programs meet the needs of participants and achieve organizational goals.

Deliverables:

1. Program Development and Implementation:

• Coordinate with CAIC's program instructors, advisors, mentors, and business consultants to deliver CAIC’s Producers Startup Program, Developing Value-Added Products Program, Emerging Business Program, Producers Growth Program, Grant Writing Service, Business Services Umbrella Program, and any other program or initiative that is mutually agreed upon on the strategic plan. (Ongoing)
• Oversee implementation of the successful delivery of the above programs and ensure that target measures are being met, program data collected, and program proofs being captured for bi-annual reports. (Ongoing)
• Communicate with program instructors, advisors, mentors, and consultants through regular meetings and check-ins. (Weekly, Monthly)
• Schedule and organize webinars, workshops, and in-person events. (As Needed)
• Advise what programs in CAIC's portfolio should continue operating and which ones should be discontinued, based on client feedback and program performance. (Ongoing)

2. Participant Management:

• Work with the Program Recruitment Specialist, CAIC Director, and program instructors to set enrollment and participation goals, and develop and implement strategies to achieve them. (Ongoing)
• Prepare monthly reports of enrollment to be filled by the Program Recruitment Specialist with participant data. (Monthly)
• Collaborate with the administrative team, to ensure that CAIC provides accurate and ongoing technical support and guidance to participants during their time with our organization. (Ongoing)
• Identify program participants who are potential candidates for other CAIC business services or programs. Maintain relationships and engagement with them to encourage their participation in additional services and programs. (Ongoing)

3. Program Evaluation:

• Gather feedback from program participants and make necessary adjustments with instructors, advisors, mentors, and business consultants to improve program quality. Emphasize ongoing improvements to program quality and participant impact. (Ongoing)
• Based on USDA AIC grant agreement, develop program assessment evaluation tools and reporting mechanisms as well as a schedule for data entry and report development. (2nd/3rd Quarter 2024)
• Train program instructors, advisors, mentors, and business consultants in technical data collection and program assessment tools and schedules. (2nd/3rd Quarter 2024)
• Set deadlines for data input by them, and ensure data collection input dates are met - supporting those who may require additional digital support (if necessary) (2nd/3rd Quarter 2024)
• Work with CAIC’s program partner, SERCAP, to identify and collect business service and financial assistance outcome metrics on an agreed-upon schedule. (Ongoing)
• Prepare monthly participant and program outcome reports, assess and share their effectiveness with Program Director, instructors, advisors, mentors, and business consultants, and make adequate changes as needed to address deficiencies to ensure overall goals are achieved. (Monthly)
• Develop multi-year (longitudinal) qualitative and quantitative participant assessment tools to track revenue and business growth over time, and conduct annual, required USDA assessment via interviews and surveys of program participants. (2nd/3rd Quarter 2024)
• Collect and assess above data and prepare bi-annual reports for the USDA AIC grant with updates of the program accomplishments and metrics - including program proofs. (3rd Quarter 2024, 1st/3rd Quarters 2025 and 2026)

4. Resource Management:

• Working with CAIC Director, identify, develop and manage new and ongoing relationships with partners. (Ongoing)
• Oversee the allocation of grant funds and other resources to programs, develop yearly budgets for the program success. (Ongoing, 3rd Quarter 2024)
• Work with CAIC Director to develop strategic plan for CAIC that identifies future market opportunities and builds on current success to ensure the center’s financial sustainability post USDA funding. (3rd Q 2024)

5. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent CAIC at relevant industry events and conferences. (Ongoing)

Skills:

• Demonstrated organizational leadership and team-building skills.
• Fluency in multi-tiered project management, including use of digital cloud based management tools.
• Portfolio of internal and external communications, including program evaluation reports, available to submit upon request.
• Ability to conduct market research and develop strategic plans.
• Experience developing and managing budgets in excess of $100,000 annually.
• Familiarity with the agricultural sector and value-added production is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with an emphasis on Excel, fluency in metrics analysis and digital programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agricultural Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, preferably in a nonprofit or agricultural setting.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Why do you think you are a good fit for the Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center?
• How soon are you able to start this role?
• Do you have any experience as operations manager? How many years of experience?

Work Location: Remote