Executive Director (Freewoods Farms)

Published: Published 2 days ago

Salary: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 Annually
Location : Horry County, SC
Job Type: Temporary Grant - Full-Time
Job Number: 195157
Agency: South Carolina State University
Division: Office of 1890 Research & Extension Programs
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 6/30/2027 11:59 PM Eastern
Residency Requirement: Yes
Residency Requirement (specifics):: Applicants must live in the region that they serve.
Class Code:: UP03
Position Number:: PSA050
Normal Work Schedule:: Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Normal Work Schedule (Other):: Able to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed
Pay Grade: Band 5
EEO Statement: Equal Opportunity Employer
Agency Specific Application Procedures:: Applicants must submit a completed state application, resume/CV, and copies of all relevant transcripts. Transcripts may be unofficial for application purposes.
Veteran Preference Statement: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

Job Responsibilities

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.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

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.

Preferred 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.

Additional Comments
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.

Benefits for State Employees
The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits
Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits
State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits
State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.
01

Do you have a master's degree in Agribusiness, Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Agritourism, Agricultural Economics, Farm Management, Marketing, Natural Resources, or a closely related field?

02

Do you have three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in farm management, agricultural operations, agritourism, agricultural education, Extension programming, or related fields.

03

How many years of experience do you have managing agricultural operations or farm enterprises?

Less than 3 years
3 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
More than 10 years

04

How many years of experience do you have leading and supervising employees, interns, volunteers, or seasonal staff?

Less than 3 years
3 to 5 years
6 to 10 years
More than 10 years

05

Describe your experience leading an agricultural operation, educational farm, agritourism facility, nonprofit organization, or related enterprise.
06

Which of the following areas do you have professional experience managing? (Select all that apply.)

Crop Production
Livestock Management
Greenhouse Operations
Forestry/Natural Resources
Agritourism Operations
Educational/Demonstration Farms
Farm Equipment & Facilities Management
None of the Above

07

Provide an example of a strategic initiative you implemented that improved operations, increased revenue, expanded programming, or enhanced community impact.
08

Describe your experience generating revenue through agritourism, educational programming, sponsorships, fundraising activities, grants, partnerships, or facility rentals.
09

Have you successfully secured external funding, grants, sponsorships, or donations for an organization?

10

If yes, approximately what amount of funding have you secured during your career?

Under $50,000
$50,000 - $249,999
$250,000 - $499,999
$500,000 or more

11

Describe your experience developing partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, donors, or agricultural stakeholders.
12

Please provide an example of a public-facing program, event, educational initiative, or community outreach effort that you successfully led.
13

This position serves as the public face of Freewoods Farm and regularly engages with community leaders, elected officials, donors, sponsors, and university leadership. Please describe your experience representing an organization in these settings.
14

Why are you interested in leading Freewoods Farm, and how would you position the farm for growth and sustainability over the next five years?
15

13. Are you willing and able to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed?

16

Are you able to travel throughout South Carolina for meetings, events, programming, and partnership development activities?

17

Are you willing to reside within the region you are hired to serve as a condition of employment?

18

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Required Question