Extension Educator-Fixed

About the role

The MSU Extension (MSUE) District 13 Director supports the counties of Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren. The role involves developing, maintaining, and coordinating relationships with local partners, providing oversight and mentoring to Extension educators and support staff, and employing entrepreneurial efforts to secure resources.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and coordinate relationships between MSU Extension and local partners including county commissioners, administrators, and leaders; industry; human service agencies; agribusiness; youth-serving agencies; and state and federal government representatives.
• Encourage and support staff in development of requests for special funding contracts and grants and developing proposals that enhance Extension's mission and programs.
• Understand and support MSU Extension's efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations.
• Conduct monthly engagement meetings with staff at each county office.
• Work in partnership as a shared leader with the appropriate MSUE Institute Director regarding programming and personnel matters, including the hiring process, recruitment, and performance reviews.
• Contribute to program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Provide guidance and support to staff in the implementation and compliance of MSU policies and procedures.
• Prepare and submit cohesive reports as required for internal and external purposes.
• Work with all offices and staff in the district to assure compliance for Civil Rights, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, and the American with Disabilities Act in employment, program availability and participation, and facilities.
• Engage in areas of philanthropy working in coordination with the MSU Extension Director's office and engaging the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources development, when appropriate.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with union contracts and institutional policies while supporting day-to-day operations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the ability to listen effectively.
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships with community partners, resource development, and budget management.
• Effective and demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with community and political leaders, as well as campus-based administrators, faculty, and staff.
• Sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to carry out all functions of staff management in a hybrid work environment.
• Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
• Ability to work effectively in a unionized environment, including interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to work independently without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Participation in stakeholder meetings, including occasional meetings that fall outside of traditional working hours.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Qualtrics, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-years of Extension system experience, including administrative responsibilities (extensive experience in similar high-level administrative role, including resource development and procurement, staff supervision and collaborative leadership may be considered in lieu of Extension system experience).
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of MSU Extension programs and services.
• Experience in budget management and resource development.
• Leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Ability to work in a unionized environment.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and community outreach.
• Understanding of Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Benefits

Details on benefits are not specified in the job posting.

Pay

Starting salary commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.

Website

https://youtu.be/R58m2-um5Mg?si=Qra8RMsPySKEGpZF