University of Kentucky Seeks Director, The Food Connection
Position Title 
Director, The Food Connection
Position Summary
The Director of The Food Connection serves as the administrative officer and program leader for the Food Connection. Primary roles include evaluation of UK Dining compliance with contractual local food purchasing requirements; expanding opportunities for farm-to-institution food sourcing in Kentucky.
About The Food Connection:
The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky is a national-award winning local food systems institute housed within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. We work at the forefront of public and private efforts to grow sustainable food systems, including our work with UK Dining to build farm-to- campus supply chains that support Kentucky growers and provide delicious, healthful food to our campus community and beyond. In support of the farm to campus value chain, we collaborate with on- and off-campus partners to develop farm-to-institution supply chains and promote the many values that come from vibrant regional food economies. We also bring Kentucky food and foodways to life in our beautiful Learning Kitchen through hands-on cooking classes, guest chefs, and culinary and educational events. Food Connection supported research initiatives focus on scaling-up local food production for wholesale and institutional markets, and ways to best support farmers by connecting them with consumers in direct, wholesale, and institutional supply chains. Our goal is a vibrant and sustainable Kentucky farm and food economy, and we are seeking a new Director to provide leadership to our center and our dynamic team of chefs, Extension associates, faculty, and student workers and scholars.
Responsibilities:
The Director of The Food Connection serves as the administrative officer and program leader for the Food Connection. Primary roles include evaluation of UK Dining compliance with contractual local food purchasing requirements; expanding opportunities for farm-to-institution food sourcing in Kentucky; designing and delivering reports to UK administration, the media, and stakeholders; developing and leading educational programs and events for on- and off-campus audiences; managing the unit budget; supporting the unit’s research and Extension activities; supervising employees; and managing the Food Connection’s physical facilities and equipment.
Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in food systems, agricultural economics, rural sociology, sustainable agriculture or a closely related field is preferred, though relevant work is experience is considered. The individual should demonstrate an ability to work with diverse audiences in the campus and broader community, leadership and managerial capacity, and a demonstrated enthusiasm for local and regional food systems.
Location:
University of Kentucky, Lexington Campus, Lexington, Kentucky with travel as needed. Salary and Fringe Benefits: Salary is open and competitive. This position has benefits that are detailed at http://www.uky.edu/HR/benefits/ and includes a 403(b) retirement plan as well as group health/life insurance.
The anticipated start date is December 1, 2021.
Application:
Materials are submitted online https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/359325 until November 11, 2021.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vita (resume).
Contact: Dr. Krista Jacobsen, Faculty Chair
The Food Connection, 440 Hilltop Avenue, Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-3921, krista.jacobsen@uky.edu
The University of Kentucky is an equal opportunity university. We encourage applications from women, minorities, and all interested and qualified people. The EEO Coordinator is Tim West, S-105 Agricultural Science North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546-0091.