New

NC Farm to Early Care and Education Program Director

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

May 08, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194635EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	NC Farm to Early Care and Education Program Director
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (some evenings and weekends may be required)
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)
About the Department	North Carolina Farm to Early Care and Education (NC F2ECE) Initiative will build on the existing infrastructure of high quality childcare centers and family childcare homes, SmartStart Local Partnerships, Cooperative Extension, and existing early childhood and food systems efforts to embed locally grown foods and experiential learning experiences into NC childcare. Farm to ECE works with county-based partners to promote food-based learning, child care gardens, and to connect childcare centers and family childcare homes, and the communities that they serve with local small to midsize farms. This initiative collaborates closely with NC Farm to School programming to identify opportunities for collaboration and cross-programming. Center for Environmental Farming Systems ( CEFS) is a partnership of NC State University, NC A&T State University and the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Center for Environmental Farming Systems develops and promotes just and equitable food and farming systems that conserve natural resources, strengthen communities, improve health outcomes, and provide economic opportunities in North Carolina and beyond.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The NC F2ECE Program Director will lead, oversee, and direct, in conjunction with the project Principal Investigators, all activities of the North Carolina Farm to Early Care and Education (NC F2ECE) Initiative. The position oversees the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of all elements of the Initiative, including developing and coordinating stakeholder trainings for Extension and partner organizations, representing the Initiative in statewide networks, and overseeing implementation of the Initiative's strategic vision. The role may also coordinate programmatic elements with the NC Farm to School program, where appropriate. The Program Director serves as a key liaison to the CEFS Director, project Principal Investigators, and other statewide stakeholders, ensuring alignment of Initiative activities with project goals, Extension priorities, and broader local food systems efforts. The position will also collaborate with CEFS staff and partners on community-based local food systems work and participate in the CEFS Local Food Work Group. Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Program Leadership, Strategy, and Initiative Oversight Lead, oversee, and direct all activities of the NC Farm to Early Care and Education Initiative in collaboration with project Principal Investigators. Oversee the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of all Initiative programs and activities. Develop and implement a strategic vision for the Initiative that aligns with CEFS and Extension priorities. Coordinate programmatic elements with the NC Farm to School program where appropriate. Serve as a liaison to the CEFS Director, Principal Investigators, and other key statewide stakeholders. Facilitate project meetings and ensure alignment across partners and collaborators. Work toward creating regional collaborations with Farm to ECE teams to share ideas, successes, and lessons learned. Program Development, Training, and Stakeholder Engagement Develop, lead, and coordinate stakeholder trainings for Extension personnel and other partners across North Carolina. Recruit and train childcare advocates, childcare center directors, teachers, and cooks across the state in Farm to ECE practices. Represent the Initiative in statewide networks and partnerships related to early childhood education, agriculture, and local food systems. Develop and maintain relationships with key statewide partners and networks. Present Initiative work at conferences, workshops, and educational events statewide. Organize and oversee the annual Farm to ECE Institute, including event planning, recruitment of trainers, and coordination of program logistics. Collaborative Program Implementation and Technical Assistance Oversee implementation of the annual Farm to ECE Collaborative, including recruiting county teams and directing technical assistance to participating childcare programs. Provide training support directly to enrolled childcare programs and Extension partners. Support collaboration between local teams, Extension staff, and community partners engaged in Farm to ECE programming. Participate in the CEFS Local Food Work Group and contribute to broader community-based local food systems initiatives. Grants, Budget Management, and Program Administration Assist with and lead grant proposal development to secure funding for ongoing Initiative activities. Develop and manage project budgets and ensure responsible stewardship of program funds. Prepare programmatic reports, publications, and materials for stakeholders, funders, and partners. Support data collection, program evaluation, and reporting requirements associated with Initiative activities. Personnel Supervision and Project Coordination Supervise project fellows, interns, administrative staff, and new hires as needed. Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to support successful implementation of Initiative activities. Coordinate team communication and support project timelines and deliverables. Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Responsibilities	The position will require periodic travel across North Carolina to attend and lead stakeholder meetings, trainings, and programmatic events. While driving a vehicle is not listed as an essential function of the position, a valid North Carolina driver's license is considered necessary to perform the job effectively due to the need to travel independently to various locations across the state. Travel may involve visiting partner organizations, childcare centers, Extension offices, and community sites. In the event a qualified candidate does not possess a driver's license, the department will work with University Human Resources and the Office Equal Opportunity ( OEO) to explore reasonable accommodation options that would allow the candidate to perform the essential functions of the position.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Master's degree in relevant discipline, or Bachelor's degree, plus 5-7 years of equivalent professional related work experience.
Other Required Qualifications	Excellent organizational, interpersonal, computer, project management, presentation, and writing skills. Must possess the following skills and abilities: superior communication skills, written and verbal; project management skills; ability to manage a multi-organizational project team; ability to work independently; ability to manage others; ability to interact with a varied and varied set of community stakeholders; experience in meeting facilitation; event planning and coordination; experience with grant writing/fund development. Project management and budgeting experience, including a demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction, develop and adhere to a work-plan, and manage personnel and contracts to implement activities and achieve objectives.
Preferred Qualifications	Master's degree in a related field. 4+ years of related training and relevant experience. Must be knowledgeable of general food systems, and of North Carolina food systems in particular, and experience with policy development, public health, childcare program infrastructure and operations, and local foods procurement.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	Valid driver's license required. Valid NC driver's license within 60 days of start.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	05/08/2026
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00112045
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Department ID	111502 - Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS)
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC 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.