Water Resources Center Education and Outreach Manager

About the Job

The University of Minnesota Water Resources Center seeks applications for an Education and Outreach Manager to oversee the design and implementation of Center-wide educational and outreach programming. The position will report directly to the WRC Director and will allow the Center to invest in new strategic priorities in undergraduate and graduate water-resources education, workforce development, science communication, and applied research.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, and implement programming for water-related undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota.

• Identify professional development needs of students and develop programming to support workforce development and skill building that will help them advance careers in water policy or management.

• Design recruitment materials, advertise programs, and review applicants.

• Lead program reporting and assist with program evaluation and administration.

• Build and maintain relationships with external partners to understand their workforce needs and serve as a liaison between partners and WRC staff and researchers to ensure educational programs are relevant and responsive.

• Develop educational materials for non-academic audiences including online publications, interactive e-learning modules, peer-to-peer extension education.

• Review and revise existing watershed specialist training curriculum and adapt online content to contemporary water resource management contexts.

• Organize and facilitate seminars, workshops and other events for university and public audiences.

• Cookordination with WRC communications, outreach, and administrative staff to ensure effective and efficient communication and administration of new initiatives and programs.

• Prepare reports, factsheets, research summaries, and white papers that synthesize findings to provide accessible information and recommendations to state and local managers, as well as other stakeholders.

• Grant writing and submission, including assisting with researching, writing, revising, and submitting proposals; develop budgets, conduct literature reviews, coordinate materials for multi-state partnerships, and work with departmental staff to complete the grant proposal submission process.

• Assist with grant management, which includes tracking project budgets, writing progress reports, ensuring project objectives (research, education and outreach) are accomplished, and setting up and attending regular meetings with team members.

• Assign project workload and directives, develop project timelines, and coordinate project plans to ensure timely completion.

• Mentor and co-supervise research assistants and students.

• Assist with other duties as needed (e.g., scheduling relevant meetings, drafting meeting minutes, purchasing, events management).

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience OR a Master's degree and 3 years of related experience.
  • Demonstrated project management experience including coordinating interdisciplinary teams, developing processes and protocols to ensure project deliverables are met, communicating project goals and objectives to diverse audiences and aligning individual contributors around common goals.
  • Past supervisory responsibilities including onboarding, training, and performance appraisal.
  • Professional experience related to natural and/or environmental resources science, policy, or management.
  • Evidence of clear and effective public communication skills, including translating scientific and technical concepts both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment with a high degree of independence.
  • Education or teaching experience including teaching assistantships, coordinating volunteers, or leading credit or non-credit student or adult education programs.

• Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in water resources science and management, environmental policy, environmental social science, sustainability, or related field.
  • Experience with water policy and management in Minnesota, including familiarity with watershed concepts, state programs and agencies, key water issues and challenges, and the perspectives of various water-related stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new concepts and skills.
  • Ability to think critically across disciplines and perspectives and to integrate and synthesize new knowledge.
  • Experience or familiarity with extension programming.
  • Strong public speaking skills and the ability to connect with multiple audiences.
  • Experience with facilitating effective workshops, meetings, and/or trainings.
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision, seek solutions to complex problems, and perform as part of a team.
  • Dependability, accuracy, and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
  • Grant-writing and grant management experience.

About the Department

About the WRC: The Water Resources Center (WRC) is an interdisciplinary unit of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and University of Minnesota Extension. One of 54 National Institutes for Water Resources, the WRC serves as Minnesota’s trusted water hub, bridging research and practice to advance water science and policy. A national leader in water research, education, and extension, the WRC’s investments in networks of researchers and practitioners has led to demonstrable impacts in evidence-based management of critical water infrastructure, drinking water, aquatic ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $69,500 to $75,750 annually ; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

How To Apply

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

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)