General Information: The Executive Director for the Louisiana Agriculture Education Program/FFA plays a pivotal role in the advancement of agriculture education with the state's public and private grade school sector. This position is integrated into the upper management team of the LSU AgCenter’s Youth Development Program and will work directly with the Associate Director and Youth Development Director in providing statewide management and leadership for the Louisiana FFA Association. This position will serve the 210 FFA chapters, 300+ agricultural education teachers and more than 13,000 members of the Louisiana FFA Association. This position will work extensively to develop and enhance the organizations’ budgets, goals, communication strategies, professional development opportunities, credentialing, recruitment participation strategies, promotional events, and communication with Louisiana FFA Advisors and members. The position will be domiciled in East Baton Rouge Parish, Baton Rouge, LA.

Lines of Authority:  This position reports directly to the Associate Director for Youth Development within the LSU AgCenter.  The position will directly supervise the Louisiana FFA Executive Secretary as well as work collaboratively with the Louisiana FFA Foundation to supervise the Executive Director of the Louisiana FFA Foundation. 

General Duties:

• Provide Leadership and Coordination for Agricultural Education: Lead and oversee all aspects of agricultural education in Louisiana, ensuring alignment with state and national standards and promoting excellence in agricultural learning, including working with Louisiana Department of Education and the Agricultural Education Commission. 

• Serve as the Leader of Louisiana Team Ag Ed: Act as the primary leader and representative for Louisiana Team Ag Ed, facilitating collaboration among educators, stakeholders, and industry partners to advance agricultural education statewide.

• Lead State Agricultural Education Staff: Manage, support, and guide the state agricultural education staff, fostering a team environment that enhances professional growth and program effectiveness.

• Develop and Maintain Effective Working Relationships: Establish and nurture productive relationships with local, state, and national agencies and organizations, promoting partnerships that benefit Louisiana FFA and agricultural education.

• Ensure Quality Student Experiences: Provide leadership to ensure that students receive high-quality educational experiences, including classroom and laboratory activities, work-based learning opportunities, school/college credits and credentials, and leadership development programs.

• Monitor Chapters for Program Compliance: Oversee and ensure that all Louisiana FFA chapters adhere to state and national guidelines, maintaining program integrity and compliance with established standards.

Qualification Requirements: We are seeking a highly qualified Agriculture Education Leader. The ideal candidate will possess an M.S. in agriculture, agriculture education, education, or a related field, with a Ph.D. preferred. A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in agriculture education, FFA programs, or youth development is required. Applicants must have a strong working knowledge of agriculture education programs delivered through grade schools, professional development for teachers, school credentialing, as well as the FFA program and its management. The ability to lead and manage others and adapt to new work situations is essential. Candidates must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills and possess excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work effectively in a team environment with both professional and lay groups is extremely important. Strong organizational skills are also essential for this role.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.  Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Application Deadline:  July 15, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is identified.  The interview process will start in July 2024.

Date Available:  Upon completion of the selection process.           

Application Procedure:  Must apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU  (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a letter of application and vita, résumé, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.  Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Todd Tarifa

Department Head, 4-H Youth Development

Search Committee Chair

169A Knapp Hall

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Phone:  225-578-2196

Email:  tatarifa@agcenter.lsu.edu

Website: www.lsuagcenter.com 

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.