Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Working Title:        Extension Educator, Leadership & Civic Engagement – Southeast MN

Classification:       Assistant Extension Professor (9623), Academic Professional and Admin

Program Area:       Community Vitality (CV)/Leadership and Civic Engagement (LCE)

Office Location:    Rochester, MN (some optional hybrid work)

Estimated Salary: $60,000 – $70,000, DOQ

Reports to:             LCE Program Leader, Community Vitality

Initial Deadline:     March 27, 2023

ABOUT COMMUNITY VITALITY

The Center for Community Vitality makes a difference by engaging Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of their communities. Faculty and staff of the center specialize in, Community Economics (CE), Leadership and Civic Engagement (LCE) and Tourism. See more about the Center for Community Vitality at: https://extension.umn.edu/community-development 

LCE programs and applied research help communities strengthen social capital, develop and strengthen capacity for local leadership, civic engagement and productive public discussion, collaboration and decision-making related to the public good. Learn more about the work of the leadership and civic engagement program at: https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/leadership-and-civic-engagement  

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Extension educators meet program area outcome and impact goals through education, outreach, applied scholarship and by leveraging University of Minnesota resources for and with communities. LCE educators use applied research and research-informed program strategies and information to help communities build and enhance their leadership capacities and productively engage others to make informed decisions and take collective actions to effectively address public issues.

As a scholar-practitioner, the educator is responsible for equitable and inclusive program development, delivery and evaluation; use of scholarly/scientific research; contracting and establishing effective partnerships; utilizing technology and continuing their professional development. The educator develops partnerships and works with organizations to sponsor local programming. These program sponsors support programs by providing financial support, informing the program design, participating in program activities and implementing community initiatives that result from programming. Candidates with professional or lived experience in engaging diverse constituencies in their scholarship are especially encouraged to apply.  

The educator reports to the Program Leader for Leadership and Civic Engagement (LCE) and will collaborate with other educator colleagues, campus faculty and Extension’s Central Regional Directors.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

To meet the mission of Extension and the Center for Community Vitality, the Leadership and Civic Education Extension Educator will:

Deliver Educational Programming (50%):

• Design, deliver, market and evaluate educational programs, using strategies appropriate for the adult learner and in collaboration with community. Work with team members to:
  • Assess and understand the educational needs of the audience for each programming effort.
  • Design instructional processes and strategies with clear links between learning objectives and course content; Create learning activities and strategies in a logical sequence to support the deepening of learners’ knowledge and skills.
  • Develop educational content and resources based in research and using a variety of methods.
  • Implement educational programming that focuses on participant engagement and generative learning.
  • Evaluate programming for continuous improvement.
• Design, adapt and deliver leadership and civic engagement programming that addresses local, regional and statewide needs.  
  • An emphasis for this position will include working with elected officials and community members to develop and deliver program resources that address issues including climate change, workforce development and  creating inclusive engagement strategies.
• Appropriately use technology to communicate, locate information, design and deliver education, evaluate, and report on program activities.
• Ensure an inclusive approach to all programming, including but not limited to making sure Extension programs, facilities, and committees are accessible to new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences.
• Provide program leadership, education and management for programs as designated and appropriate.
• Deliver educational programming in both a virtual and in-person context.

Enhance Scholarship (15%):

• Use best practices and inclusive research practices to measure, inform, evaluate and strengthen leadership and civic engagement processes. 
• Engage in scholarship that enhances our understanding about the practice of leadership and civic education.
• Create practical knowledge that can impact real-life issues in Minnesota communities.
• Share research and new practical knowledge through academic journals, professional papers, posters, conferences and other forums.
• Demonstrate progress on promotion criteria associated with Extension’s promotion system. 
• Continue professional development in inclusive leadership and program development, and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study, or other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

Conduct Outreach (25%):

• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, university and statewide networks and collaborations that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Initiate community partnerships that support new or strengthened community engagement initiatives (e.g., outreach to new communities, agencies and rural populations) and helps communities build equitable, inclusive and welcoming communities.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work climate and facilitates effective teamwork with LCE and Center colleagues, regional office colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and partners.
• Represent Extension through service on community and/or professional boards that are congruent with the area of expertise and professional goals. This includes civic groups, joint Extension-agency project committees and other committees and task forces.

Administer Programs and Staff Development (10%):

• Assume program support functions as needed, such as contract and/or fiscal management, data-management, public relations and marketing with Center leaders and Regional Directors.
• Secure funds and resources to support educational programs through fee for service, third party reimbursement, grants, and other means.
• Actively participate in staff development and program team activities within the LCE program area, the Center for Community Vitality and Extension.
• Collaborate with the Program Leader to establish, evaluate and report on annual work goals, activities, impacts and outcomes that align with program area priorities.
• Manage professional performance systems, including annual performance review, and professional plans of work.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree at the time of appointment in fields such as community development, leadership development or studies (personal and/or community), education, counseling or clinical psychology; and/or in public or civic engagement, public policy/urban planning, community studies, sociology, communication, community economics, adult learning or a closely related field.
• One year of experience in a community development related field. Relevant settings for this experience might come from higher education, adult education, Extension, state/regional/local government or development agencies, community or interest-based organizations and/or foundations.
• Professional experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working in diverse settings with diverse populations.
• Experience conducting outreach and forming coalitions including experience with communities.
• The ability to apply research to educational program design, delivery and evaluation.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of educational technology and on-line learning platforms.
• Experience in group facilitation or individual coaching skills with adults.
• Evidence of ability to use technology and social media for communication, data collection and analysis, program delivery and reporting.
• Evidence of ability to implement and meet administrative responsibilities necessary for effective project, budget, grants and program management and implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in working with individuals, organizations and communities, especially with audiences from a variety of cultural, ethnic, language or literacy backgrounds.
• Three years of related experience post-bachelor’s degree in a community development context. Relevant settings for this experience might come from higher education, adult education, Extension, tribal/state/regional/local government or American Indian agencies, community or interest-based organizations and/or foundations.
• Experience in the development of curriculum or adult education materials, adult pedagogy or similar areas in an adult, non-credit educational environment.
• Training and experience in research ethics including how research has negatively impacted underrepresented communities.
• Professional or lived experience in engaging diverse constituencies.
• Experience with best practices in on-line educational design and delivery
• Experience applying research to positively address community problems.
• Commitment to professional development.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. 
• 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. 
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and work on computer. Experience with Microsoft and Google Suites. 
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Travel required to communities within 100 miles frequently. 
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, and overnight stays.

LOCATION OF POSITION

This Leadership and Civic Engagement Extension Educator will be based in the Regional Extension offices in Rochester, Minnesota and will have primary responsibilities within the surrounding communities and additional responsibilities to assist with programming in the broader region and the Native Nations that share Geography with MN. The educator also serves as a member of a statewide program team that serves the entire state of Minnesota. Some clerical, technology and other support will be provided by support staff in regional Extension offices, under the supervision of the office’s Regional Director Team.  

ABOUT EXTENSION

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 https://extension.umn.edu/