Dairy Business Mentor

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a Dairy Business Mentor to support a growing innovative unit on the UW-Madison campus. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Babcock Hall, CDR is the largest dairy foods research program in the US. The Center has over 60 full-time staff, supports graduate and undergraduate research, and provides technical and training support services to hundreds of dairy producers and processers around the globe. CDR is home to the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (https://dbia.wisc.edu/). In partnership with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, the DBIA administers programs providing technical assistance as well as grants to dairy farms and businesses in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

The CDR is currently seeking two (2) Dairy Business Mentors to provide mentorship and outreach to the dairy industry, specifically DBIA grant recipients, to help them accelerate their business growth. This role is responsible for reaching out to DBIA grant recipients, understanding their specific needs in terms of business acceleration, and providing advice and resources to support those needs including financial management, human resources, leadership, operations, business expansion, growth opportunities, diversification planning, etc.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience at a management or executive level in the dairy industry. They will have played a key role in dairy plant operations including financial management, human resources, market strategies, and/or expansion projects. They will exhibit a consultative approach to developing relationships and have deep knowledge of the Wisconsin dairy landscape and its key stakeholders. This is a part time remote role that includes travel to dairy producers in Wisconsin primarily, and potentially within the 11 state region.

• Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers

• Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program

• May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending

• Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement

• Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program

• Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials

• Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Center for Dairy Research - Administration

The minimum starting salary for this position is the equivelant of $80,000 annually, translating to $40,000 for a .5 FTE appointment. Final salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

* Demonstrated experience in a management or executive capacity in the dairy industry

* Experience in dairy plant operations including at least one of the following areas: financial management, human resource, market strategies, or expansion projects

Experience working as a consultant

Bachelor's degree preferred

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:

* Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

* Cover letter (required) - Refer to your related work experience

It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the qualifications identified. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Madeilene Hoffman, madeilene.hoffman@wisc.edu, 608 265 2951

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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