Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Working Title:                  Extension Educator, Family Resiliency

Appointment:                   Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Professional & Administrative

Extension Area:               Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing

Office Location:               Rochester Regional Office; Hybrid work options available

Application Deadline:   August 16, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The constantly changing economic landscape and how families living with poverty fare in their everyday lives is a critical issue addressed by the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing (FHW). This Extension Educator will partner with Family Social Science Extension Faculty to understand families experiencing social and economic disparities, and discrimination and, in turn, co-create educational programs for families and organizations that support family resiliency.  FHW education incorporates direct education with policy, systems & environmental (PSE) changes.  FHW is committed to building resource management skills and knowledge of individuals and communities to thrive and evolve in all stages of life and circumstance.

This Family Resiliency Extension Educator position will help accomplish the above initiatives statewide. The person in this position will provide education, forge new relationships and partnerships, train other organizations, support and collaborate with stakeholders, and engage and educate public policy makers.  Extension educators are part of an Extension promotion track and are expected to continue professional development in scholarship and/or the corresponding research-based area of expertise, report on annual activities and impacts, and develop an annual professional plan of work.

The person in this position will report to the Program Leader for Family Resiliency.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership, Teaching, and Program Management (50%)

• Design, develop, deliver, implement, and evaluate a continuum of family resiliency programs and initiatives that:
  • Attract new and diverse audiences historically underserved by Extension.
  • Are appropriate and effective for diverse internal and external audiences.
  • Are based in scholarly and scientific theory and research.
  • Exhibit high-level teaching skills for optimal audience engagement and impact.
  • Integrate the levels of the Spectrum of Prevention and public health approaches for greatest impact.
• Provide education and ongoing technical assistance with community partners statewide and nationally.
• Provide program leadership on statewide or national programs, projects, or priorities as assigned for the development of educational programs using innovative educational methods.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with other Extension personnel regionally and statewide to enhance program delivery.

Public Engagement and Relationship Development (30%)

• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholder groups, including families and program participants to Identify and co-create place-based solutions that are responsive to family resource management issues.
• Represent UMN Extension and the University with federal, state, Tribal, and local agencies, or partnerships.

Research and Scholarship (20%)

• Use engaged models to explore effective program processes, activities, and outcomes.
• Contribute to the field through dissemination of knowledge gained through applied research, program evaluation, or innovative program implementation.
• Seek external resources to improve, expand, and support new, innovative program models or approaches to meet community needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in Human Development or a closely related discipline at time of application.
• Demonstrated experience with applying or integrating research-based knowledge into program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Worked with families experiencing poverty, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), hunger, substance use, immigration, incarceration and/or historical trauma.
• Ability to work effectively and collaborate with people from various cultural backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
• Ability to implement innovative public health approaches to promote policies, systems, and environmental changes.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing, building, and sustaining partnerships with community organizations, local and state networks and coalitions, and state and government agencies.
• Experience in conducting basic qualitative or quantitative research to be able to translate and communicate to key stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of using technology for teaching, communication, information-gathering, program delivery, and/or reporting.

Preferred Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to integrate trauma informed approaches and principles into research and practice.
• Experience with resource development, including demonstrated success in writing, securing, managing, and implementing grants and contracts.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent travel within Minnesota and infrequent travel outside Minnesota.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work with some possible overnight stays, to meet the special needs of programs.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Must be able to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs depending on project needs.
• Must be able to work in a variety of environments that may include occasional indoor and outdoor spaces.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

APPOINTMENT/SALARY/BENEFITS

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
3. University of Minnesota full time appointment and benefits. Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the professional experience and qualifications. The estimated salary range is $58,000 – $65,000.
6. This is not a 100% remote position.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT AND EXTENSION

The Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing helps families make informed decisions leading to better health, financial security, and wellbeing. We accomplish this by developing, delivering and evaluating  credible, relevant and research-based education; working closely with others across Minnesota to build the  strengths of individuals and families of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds; conducting and collaborating  on research projects; recruiting and retaining expert faculty and staff passionate about families and their  success; increasing the understanding of our work among key stakeholders; securing resources to sustain  and grow programs that meet emerging needs and support strategic priorities. The department’s programs currently focus on family relations, family resource management, and health and nutrition, with special effort in the areas of families in transition, building healthy and strong families, and preparing for an aging Minnesota.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/about-extension/careers    Job Opening ID: 356689

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button   and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
   • Personalized views and experiences
   • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
   • If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
   • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Mary Jo Katras, Program Leader, Family Resiliency, mkatras@umn.edu.

 For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

DIVERSITY

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.