Extension Educator-Fixed

About the role

This position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in annual and perennial forage systems. It involves identifying, developing, conducting, and evaluating innovative forage system educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative forage system educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing Michigan farmers.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the AABI.
• Understand and support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching all populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences.
• Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.
• Serve as an information resource for clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the AABI and work teams.
• Author, produce, and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
• Other duties or projects assigned by the Institute Director.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to crops science, soil science with an emphasis on forage production and management or related field must be earned by date of hire.
• Familiarity with the sustainable production and management of forage systems to produce high-quality forages for harvest and/or grazing.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a 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, and other differences.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, 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.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities, and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development over the past five years related to cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Qualifications

• 3-years’ experience in Extension program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred).
• 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, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities, and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development over the past five years related to cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

$56,100/year, commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

N/A

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding. Review of Applications Begins On 05/22/2026. Website: https://youtu.be/KjG34cLt9a8. MSU Statement: Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.