Position SummaryThe Michigan State University (MSU) Center for Regional Food Systems within the Department of Community Sustainability is seeking a full-time Michigan Food and Farm Network Specialist for the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center (GLM-RFBC). This position is classified as Academic Specialist -- Outreach.

　　The Michigan Food and Farm Network Specialist will provide Michigan-based network coordination, outreach, and equitable business and technical assistance for the new GLM-RFBC. The GLM-RFBC is a large, 5-year federally funded project with regional partners that will offer extensive technical assistance and a grant program for farmers and food business entrepreneurs, prioritizing those who have been historically marginalized. As part of the farm and food business development team at CRFS, this position will build on existing initiatives and work toward the goal of creating a strong, equitable, and sustainable networked food ecosystem in partnership with local and regional organizations across the state.

　　The Michigan Food and Farm Network Specialist will coordinate food and farm outreach and networking activities through partnerships across the state of Michigan, including:

　　Developing additional equitable business and technical assistance programming and a Michigan-based network to support and meet the needs of food and farm businesses, primarily in communities of color;Regularly communicating assistance opportunities with entrepreneurs and needs back to the GLM-RFBC partners and CRFS project leadership team;Working one-on-one with farmers and food business entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, Latine, and entrepreneurs of color, to provide the support they need and/or connections to learning opportunities, resources, and financing;Developing and supporting strong partnerships with key partners and other network coordinators in the region;Contributing to relationship-building and connectivity among and across technical assistance providers in Michigan, including municipalities, financial institutions, state agencies, non-profit organizations, consultants, and MSU, including through site visits and follow up with specific groups;Developing and implementing capacity building opportunities (virtual and in-person training) to increase skills and knowledge related to farm and food businesses in Michigan and for the GLM-RFBC and its partners, as needed;Supporting the Business Builder Grant Program Manager and the grant-making process for Michigan-based food and farm businesses, including disbursement of funds and provision of technical assistance to entrepreneurs and disbursement of funds to TA providers;Gathering and recording data about activities conducted;Interpreting, synthesizing, and sharing about activities through public reports, presentations, and other outreach materials and methods and contributing to project reports, work plans, and other deliverables;Participating in GLM-RFBC and CRFS farm and food business team meetings as needed;Actively developing, managing, and nurturing working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and listening to, respecting, and responding to community voices and needs;Regularly communicating activities with GLM-RFBC partners and CRFS and ensuring activities accurately reflect partnerships, goals, and values; andPerforming other duties related to this role not explicitly stated above.Expectations for CRFS academic specialists

　　Contribute to relationship-building and regularly convene and/or collaborate with CRFS staff and state, regional, national partners virtually and in person;

　　Engage with relevant networks led by CRFS and/or partners a