About Northeast SARE:
The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and is administered by the University of Vermont. Northeast SARE offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. SARE's Nationwide mission is to advance, to the whole of American agriculture, innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life by investing in groundbreaking research and education.
Position Description:
Provide leadership and coordination for recruitment, review, award and implementation of research and outreach projects funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program.
Synthesize data and results of the Farmer Grant program for disseminating to appropriate government agencies and other audiences. Oversee, communicate, and implement multiple activities, events, and procedures to ensure effective function of grant programs within Northeast SARE, such as solicitation of proposals, proposal review panels, strategic planning, awarded project management, and liaison to research, administration, and educational partners. Cultivate and manage relationships with potential grant applicants, grantees, federal and state partners, and internal and external research partners. Coordinate operational aspects of Northeast SARE Farmer Grant program including call for proposals, review team orientation and proposal evaluation, development of ranked lists of proposals, review of project budges, issuing of project awards, review and approval of research project reports. Assure projects are awarded and managed in compliance with university and USDA policies and procedures.
Primary Responsibilities:
Cultivate positive relationships to promote programs to people and organizations in diverse communities.
Use SARE’s on-line grant management system to process applications, proposal reviews, and project reporting.
Compile and analyze review team results and recommendations.
Synthesize reviewer comments on proposals; provide feedback to all applicants.
Review the budgets of approved proposals to make sure expenses are allowable.
Work with staff to finalize awards for contracting.
Support project leaders with reporting; review and approve all project reports.
Make occasional site visits to funded projects.
Promote the grant program by sharing project experiences and impacts.
Support grant program evaluation.
Support other grant program operations as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree two to four years of relevant experience required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
Ability to oversee budgets and provide rigorous programmatic oversight.
Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
Ability to manage data and produce reports.
Ability to use independent judgment, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, work with a team, and coordinate projects.
Proficiency or ability to learn and use grant program software, spreadsheets, word processing. Strong knowledge of EXCEL required. Experience with Microsoft Office is a plus.
Ability to meet the occasional travel requirements associated with the position.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends especially during peak periods of grant administration activity.
Starting Salary Range & Benefits:
$56,000 - $64,000, depending on candidate experience.
This is a 12-month, 1.0 FTE exempt position, with a robust benefits package. Learn more about the University of Vermont’s benefits package here, www.uvm.edu/human-resources/benefits. This position is eligible for full time telework in accordance with the university telecommuting policy.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted using the UVM jobs web site, www.uvmjobs.com/postings/search, see position #00025759. To apply, please submit the following: A resume
A cover letter describing your motivation for applying for this position, and your relevant experience and skills
Three professional references
The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any category legally protected by federal or state law.
Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.
Job Open Date: 09/09/2026
