SARE Grant Program Admin – Farmer Grant
Posting Summary
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 all 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.
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, http://www.uvm.edu/human-resources/benefits.
This position is eligible for full-time telework in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, with physical space available in the South Burlington Extension office if desired.
Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- A Bachelors degree in a field relevant to sustainable agriculture or business administration, and two to four years of relevant experience is required.
- Significant relevant experience should be in an agricultural environment or a related field.
- Familiarity with principles and practices of sustainable agricultural research required.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of audiences.
- Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize data, meet deadlines, and coordinate projects.
Desirable Qualifications
- Master’s degree is preferred.
- Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and statistical analyses is desirable.
- Experience applying for and managing research grants is desirable.
Anticipated Pay Range
$56,000 – $64,000 annually
Other Information
Special Conditions
A probationary period may be required, Contingent on continued funding, Travel to and from worksites required, This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, This position is eligible for full-time telework in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position
FLSA
Exempt
Union Position
Yes, UVMSU
Job Location
Location listed in Advertising Copy or Other Information
Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)
6/25/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Department
Ext – SARE/50056
Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE
37.5
Term (months per year)
12
For full job description and to apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7229985
The University of Vermont is a complex community that is strengthened by the richness of our diverse voices and perspectives. Guided by Our Common Ground values and its Green, Gold, and Bold strategic plan, UVM focuses on building pathways to opportunity, strengthening partnerships, and supporting meaningful engagement across campus and with the communities it serves. As an employer, UVM invests in people, practices, and systems that foster collaboration, growth, and well‑being. Together, these commitments support a workplace where people can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and contribute to UVM’s ongoing work in Vermont and beyond.
