Executive Program Assistant & Human Resources

About the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Innovation, Demonstration, Education and Advocacy: IDEA.

Since 1965, the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture has been a leader in advancing sustainable farming and ranching practices throughout Oklahoma.

Through innovation, the Kerr Center explores new ideas and practical solutions that help farmers and ranchers improve productivity while protecting natural resources.

On its 4,000-acre ranch near Poteau, Oklahoma, the Kerr Center puts these ideas into practice through hands-on demonstration projects focused on horticulture, livestock management, and natural resource conservation.

Education remains at the heart of the Kerr Center's mission. Through workshops, field days, publications, online resources, and other outreach efforts, the Kerr Center shares research-based knowledge and practical techniques with farmers, ranchers, landowners, and communities.

As an advocate for sustainable agriculture, the Kerr Center supports Oklahoma's agricultural producers, strengthens rural communities, and promotes a healthy, resilient food system for future generations.

The Position

This position provides executive and administrative support for educational programs, manages human resources responsibilities, and assists with office operations. This position reports to the President of the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

Skills and Qualifications

· Strong organizational and critical thinking skills.

· Professional verbal and written communication skills.

· Proficiency with Windows and macOS operating systems and common office applications.

· Ability to communicate with diverse audiences, including professors and sustainable agriculture practitioners, with fairness, tact and diplomacy.

· Ability to anticipate program needs, take initiative, and track and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.

Executive Program Assistant

Assist the President with educational program activities, including the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program (SARE-PDP). Program information: southern.sare.org

· Provide administrative support, including drafting correspondence and reports.

· Plan and facilitate meetings, farm tours, and workshops; arrange travel.

· Review budgets and required grant proposals.

· Maintain current contract files for program grants and track grant and reporting deadlines.

· Serve as a liaison between the state PDP representatives and the University of Georgia.

· Travel to two meetings per year.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Human Resources

· Personnel: Guide staffing plans and employee training; assist supervisors with employee needs; develop hiring strategies; and support interviewing, hiring, performance evaluations, and terminations. Maintain personnel records and ensure the employee handbook is current and followed throughout the organization.

· Compensation and benefits: Oversee compensation and benefits in accordance with the employee handbook, maintain records, and coordinate employee insurance renewals. Complete annual retirement plan compliance requirements and participate in quarterly meetings of the retirement plan review committee.

· Compliance: Maintain personnel procedures and records to support compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, including those related to the Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), HIPAA, and workers’ compensation.

Office Support

· Participate in cross-training so others can provide coverage in an emergency.

· Serve as backup for accounting and technology support.

Additional Skills Considered an Asset: Advanced computer skills, and experience providing technology support and performing routine office equipment maintenance are a plus.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. The employer reserves the right to modify the duties or requirements of the position as needed.

Join the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture and become part of a team dedicated to advancing sustainable farming and ranching practices. This paid position offers an opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and contribute to meaningful work that supports agricultural education, natural resource conservation, and rural communities across Oklahoma.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person