I have had an awesome career with FCAE since July 1, 1990, though it is time to move to another chapter beyond FCAE.  I will be retiring from the FCAE coordinator position as of June 30, 2023.   

The Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education #9, the employment contractor for FCAE employees, would like to announce this job vacancy for the new FCAE State Coordinator.  This position is a great opportunity to be part of the Illinois Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education (AFNR) State Staff team.

JOB TITLE:  State Coordinator for the Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education (FCAE) project

QUALIFICATIONS: 
1. Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture or Agriculture Education.  Master’s in Agriculture Education, Educational Leadership, or related is preferred. 
2. Five (5) years or more of successful teaching experience in Agricultural Education is preferred.
3. Evidence of leadership experience at the state or national level including membership and participation in related state and/or national professional organizations.
4. Knowledge of Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) initiatives and guidelines as they pertain to agricultural education.
5. Familiarity with the components and content of “The Plan” for Illinois Agricultural Education.
6. Knowledge of budget preparation and fiscal control of project related budgets.
7. Possesses good human relations skills with the ability to communicate clearly through written and oral methods.
8. Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
9. Illinois teacher license with agricultural education certification preferred.
10. Other qualifications as deemed necessary by the Regional Superintendent.
11. Any of the above qualifications may be waived by the Regional Superintendent when necessary.

REPORTS TO:  Regional Superintendent, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE).

SUPERVISES: FCAE Program Advisors, FCAE Fiscal Manager, and other contractual, full-time, or part-time staff.

JOB GOALS: To be knowledgeable of all Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education procedures, policies, and operations. To ensure that the FCAE project maintains leading-edge efforts and people-oriented positive impacts.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

FISCAL AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT:

1. Coordinates activities of staff to meet project objectives and performance measures.

2. Prepares and submits all written documentation on a timely basis including: project proposals, budgets, budget amendments, quarterly, mid-year and final reports, personnel activity and travel reports, etc.

3. Oversees the coordination of professional development training programs for agricultural teachers.

4. Oversees the maintenance and updating of the website – www.ILAgEd.org

5. Assists with funding, continuation, and progress of the K-8 agriculture in the classroom county partnerships.

6. Works closely with agribusiness industry representatives in supporting agricultural education.

7. Assists in maintaining and recruiting agricultural education teachers.

8. Uses funds efficiently and appropriately.

9. Assists in the identification of resources for agricultural education.

10. Works independently, plans and organizes time and work flow effectively in order to maximize productivity and complete assigned projects on time and with a high degree of effectiveness.

11. Serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE). 

COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP

1. Communicates all project activities to and coordinates with ISBE, ILCAE, and ICAE, and all agricultural education stakeholders.

2. Attends all ILCAE and ICAE meetings as well as other appropriate meetings.

3. Works closely with and maintains relationships with agricultural organizations.

4. Participates in related agricultural and/or educational events to promote and inform others about agricultural education and the agricultural industry.

5. Is self-motivated and actively participates in FCAE meetings and activities.   

6. Develops and works toward individual and team goals related to the objectives and performance measures of the FCAE project. 

7. Works in harmony as a member of the FCAE team and with agricultural and educational professionals. 

OTHER:

1. Participates in professional learning opportunities such as regional, state, and national professional conferences.

2. Performs other duties as assigned by the Regional Superintendent and the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE).

3. Travel throughout the state during the day, evenings, and weekends with some overnight stays.

Salary: 12 month position. Salary will be commensurate with experience.  Benefits include: health/dental/life insurance and teachers’ retirement system (TRS) package.

Application Procedure:
Candidates should email a letter of interest, resume, transcripts (copies of transcripts are acceptable if followed by originals before hire), and contact information for three professional references who are familiar with the candidate’s qualifications and experience to:

Donna Kaufman
Assistant Regional Superintendent
Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education #9
3358 Big Pine Trail
Champaign, IL 61822
dkaufman@roe9.org

Application Deadline: Friday, January 13, 2023

The interview date is tentatively set for mid to late January, 2023, at the ROE and FCAE office in Champaign.

Start Date: July 1, 2023

For more information, contact Donna Kaufman (217) 893-3219 or Dean Dittmar at (618) 604-1622. 

The Champaign/Ford Regional Office of Education #9 is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.