Executive Director (Freewoods Farms)

Posting number: 195157

Department: South Carolina State University

Division: Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs

Job classification: Director

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Administration, Community Services, Planning and Development, Management, Agriculture, Executive Management, Development/Fundraising, Community and Social Services, Horticulture

Summary

SC State Public Service and Agricultural Mission: SC State 1890 Research and Extension innovates and educates to elevate the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all South Carolinians.

South Carolina State University's 1890 Research & Extension Program seeks a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Director of Freewoods Farm, a historic demonstration farm and educational destination serving communities throughout South Carolina.

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community engagement for Freewoods Farm while advancing the University's mission of agricultural education, sustainable farming, research, outreach, and economic development. This unique opportunity is ideal for a results-oriented professional who combines agricultural expertise with leadership, business acumen, workforce development, public engagement, and a passion for serving diverse communities.

The successful candidate will lead farm operations, educational programming, agritourism initiatives, partnerships, volunteer engagement, and revenue-generating opportunities that position Freewoods Farm as a premier agricultural learning center and community asset. This position is located at 9515 Freewoods Road, Myrtle Beach SC 29588. 

Job Responsibilities for the Executive Director

Strategic Leadership & Farm Management

• Provide overall leadership and direction for Freewoods Farm operations.
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategic plans aligned with University and Extension priorities.
• Establish measurable goals to expand educational programming, community impact, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, university, and safety regulations.

Agricultural Operations

• Direct crop, livestock, greenhouse, forestry, and vegetable production activities.
• Oversee land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, integrated pest management, harvesting, and production schedules.
• Manage farm equipment, facilities, infrastructure, and property maintenance.
• Monitor production performance and implement best management practices to maximize yield, quality, and sustainability.

Business Development & Revenue Generation

• Identify and develop revenue-generating opportunities through agritourism, special events, educational programs, facility rentals, farm products, sponsorships, grants, and partnerships.
• Build relationships with community organizations, agricultural businesses, government agencies, donors, and stakeholders.
• Assist with fundraising and grant development activities that support farm growth and innovation.

Community Engagement & Educational Outreach

• Serve as the public face of Freewoods Farm.
• Develop programming that engages youth, families, schools, veterans, agricultural producers, community groups, and visitors.
• Collaborate with Extension educators, researchers, faculty, and community partners to deliver educational experiences and demonstrations.
• Represent Freewoods Farm at local, regional, and statewide events.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, interns, volunteers, and seasonal workers.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, teamwork, and exceptional customer service.
• Promote workforce development opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.

Research & Extension Support

• Support research demonstrations and Extension programming by implementing project protocols and coordinating with university personnel.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and communicate program outcomes to stakeholders and funding agencies.
• Assist with statewide Extension initiatives as needed.

Examples of duties

• Master's degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Agritourism, Agricultural Economics, Farm Management, Marketing, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.

Additional Requirements

• Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in farm management, agricultural operations, agritourism, agricultural education, Extension programming, or related fields.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience.
• Experience managing budgets, programs, projects, or agricultural enterprises.
• Able to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.
• Valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of leadership experience in agriculture, agritourism, Extension, nonprofit, or educational farm operations.
• Experience securing grants, sponsorships, or external funding.
• Experience with community engagement and public programming.
• Experience with specialty crops, greenhouse management, or educational demonstration farms.
• Knowledge of the Land-Grant University System and Cooperative Extension mission.

Supplemental information

Post Hire, employee must:

• Be able to use good judgment in making decisions.
• Collaborative approach with a proven ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization.
• Be dependable in planning, implementing, and reporting activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.

Work Environment:

• Individuals will work with staff, Program Leaders and other Extension Administrators in short-term and long-term planning to develop statewide initiative plans.
• Program needs and priorities will include regional state and federal commitments. 
• The individual will provide leadership resulting in successful operations with regional stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Position may involve occasional bending, moving, lifting, and carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

 Travel Requirements: 

• Frequent travel within the region. Overnight in-state and out-of-state travel are required

Application Requirements/Special Instructions:

• Applicants must submit a completed state application, resume/CV, and copies of all relevant transcripts.
• Transcripts may be unofficial for application purposes; however, official transcripts will be required prior to employment.
• Applicants should ensure that all education and experience related to the minimum and preferred qualifications are clearly reflected in the application materials.
• Selected candidates may be required to participate in interviews and provide professional references.
• Incomplete applications, including those missing requested documents, may not be considered.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required pre-employment screenings in accordance with agency and university policies.