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The Taste NY Adirondacks Welcome Center, operated by CCE of Saratoga County in partnership with Cornell University, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Empire State Development, promotes New York’s food and beverage producers, regional tourism, and local history.

The Welcome Center Manager oversees all Center operations, fostering a welcoming environment for staff and visitors. The Manager builds strong, collaborative relationships with vendors, state agencies, Cornell University, and other CCE associations.

Key responsibilities include leading and motivating staff, promoting New York State farmers and producers through informal education and outreach, ensuring excellent customer service, driving sales, minimizing losses, and maintaining a visually distinctive, well-kept store.

This is an on-site position requiring flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure proper staffing and supervision.

Application Instructions

In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).

Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected].

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) for additional guidance.

All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Apply By

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on November 21, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree plus experience relevant to the role of the position.

+ Experience relevant to the role of the position.

+ Ability to effectively manage an informal, educational-based retail environment, ensuring positive public and customer service experiences.

+ Travel Requirements: Ability to meet regular travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license and ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.

+ Ability to constantly work flexible hours related to the Market schedule, including early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays.

+ Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully.

+ Ability to use windows-based software, QuickBooks, internet, and Microsoft Office Suite.

+ Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks

+ Work Environment: In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works constantly in a retail setting. This position frequently maneuvers around the sales floor, stockroom, and office. This position frequently operates point of sale registers, office computer, and other equipment. This position frequently lifts, moves and/or transports products, supplies and equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Experience with retail environments, managing vendor and/or governmental relationships, agriculture, and agri-tourism.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 20%

+ Serve as a subject matter resource, responding to questions and inquiries.

+ Provide education, training, and certification guidance for farmers and producers interested in marketing their products through Taste NY.

+ Offer periodic public education programs in support of the Taste NY mission.

+ Implement strategies to strengthen agribusiness performance and promote best practices in management and marketing.

+ Represent CCE Saratoga and Taste NY at outreach events, meetings, and with community and industry stakeholders.

+ Evaluate the TNY Adirondacks Welcome Center program and make recommendations for improvements.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction and Management - 65%

+ Oversee all aspects of Center operations, including budgeting, staffing, inventory, sales, marketing, and facility maintenance.

+ Recruit, train, and supervise staff; set schedules, ensure coverage, and foster a positive, team-oriented work environment.

+ Build and strengthen relationships with farmers, producers, public officials, Cornell staff, agencies, vendors, and community leaders to advance Taste NY goals.

+ Ensure the Center promotes and markets New York State’s farmers and producers through engaging displays, educational programs, and customer outreach.

+ Maintain a visually appealing, well-organized store that meets contract requirements and regulatory standards.

+ Manage vendor relations, product sourcing, and quality assurance to ensure consistent, high-quality New York–made offerings.

+ Monitor finances, records, and permits; ensure compliance with all CCE, Cornell, and NYS policies.

+ Promote agritourism through marketing materials, events, and informational displays.

+ Resolve operational issues and conflicts promptly and in alignment with organizational policies.

Coordination/Operation – 10%

+ Track and analyze data on sales, cash flow, seasonal trends, and promotions.

+ Prepare and submit required reports, records, and documentation to AGM and other partners on schedule.

+ Promote public awareness through impact statements, social media, website updates, reports, and news releases.

Professional Improvement – 5%

+ In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

+ Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

+ Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

+ Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

+ Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

+ Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

+ Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

Position Details

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation paid in the range of $63,000 - $65,000 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

+ Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave

+ Paid Holidays

+ NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)

+ NYS Retirement (NYSERS)

+ Long-Term Disability Insurance

+ Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

+ Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Voluntary Term Life Insurance

+ Personal Accidental Insurance

+ Legal Plan Insurance

+ Long Term Care Insurance

+ Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

+ Pet Insurance

+ New York’s College Savings Program

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503.

https://ccesaratoga.org/

Job Title:

Association Program Manager

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jim McNaughton

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.