Position Information
Position Information
Working Title Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Rural
Prosperity Nebraska (Washington County)
Department NE Ext Engagement Zone 8-12357
Requisition Number F230070
Posting Open Date 04/18/2023
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all
application materials before review date) 10/05/2023
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
Overview
Based in Blair, NE, the incumbent serves Washington, Dodge, Saunders, Burt,
Sarpy, and Douglas Counties. Communities across Nebraska can create
opportunities to thrive with effective leadership and people. Nebraska
Extension's role is to catalyze these opportunities with communities who
demonstrate readiness and willingness. Core to this role is the ability to
conduct community outreach, visitation and engagement with community leaders
and residents. Expected outcomes include: 1) a community engagement strategy
based on lasting and trusted relationships implemented with communities and
leaders, 2) identification and training of community leaders and
organizations prepared to facilitate locally driven strategies and solutions,
and 3) identifying development needs and opportunities.
This Rural Prosperity Nebraska Educator will contribute to the integrated
(extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR as an
effective scholar and citizen. Nebraska Extension is an organization that
values excellence. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you are
expected to create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on
critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives.
Incumbent will have interest, experience, and expertise in one or more of the
following mission areas:
People Attraction, Development and Retention - In many Nebraska
communities, chronic and severe depopulation of younger generations is a
major development threat, as well as an opportunity.
Quality of Life Placemaking - Central to community prosperity is
quality of life placemaking. Placemaking is the art and science of helping
communities understand their genuine place assets and developing smart
placemaking strategies.
Entrepreneur-Focused Development – Economic diversification (both
within and beyond agriculture) is foundational to community prosperity
across Nebraska but particularly in farm- and ranch-dependent communities.
Our central pathway to a more diverse economy is community-centered
entrepreneur-led economic development.
Leadership and Organizational Development – Community (particularly
non-metro community) capacity building (e.g., leadership and
organizational development, visioning, strategic planning, etc.).
Regional Food Systems – Fostering and strengthening local food
systems. Work with communities across the State to embark on building a
food system that meets the needs of everyone.
Nebraska Extension Educators are committed to engaging with community
partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways
that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g.,
race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska
Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational
research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.
PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)
Develops a close and defined working relationship with the RPN program
leader and Engagement Zone Coordinator(s). Develops a plan to leverage
your stakeholder reach and engagement within and beyond your RPN
Accountability Region.
Completes mapping of all your communities within your region and the major
community economic development players.
Uses your networks to identify transactional assistance opportunities to
connect them to resources both within our Team and externally (e.g.,
Extension, University and outside the University).
A priority responsibility is serving Nebraska communities in a community
coaching capacity. Community coaching is a form of community engagement
to help communities identify their development priorities and network
communities to assistance and resources relevant to their development
efforts.
Uses innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies to design,
develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust statewide Extension
education program in rural prosperity.
Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with Extension
professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest
research-based information.
Works with both University and non-University resources to help rural
communities network to achieve optimal assistance in their quest for
greater prosperity.
Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and
partnerships to leverage the Extension educational program's resource base
and reach.
Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be
applied to educational programming.
Practices effective Extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments,
identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at
professional meetings and in professional publications.
Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain
professional expertise specific to community vitality and Extension
pedagogy.
ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)
Serves in, contributes to, or supports the specific Lead Educator roles as
described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document
found at https: // myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-
description as determined in partnership with the supervisor(s).
Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension
professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust
Nebraska Extension presence by
Cooperating with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension's educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
Cultivating a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
Supporting engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other
special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit,
college/division, institute, and/or university level.
Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy
and have a valid driver's license.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a
sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources
(IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research,
Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms
of diversity. Consistent with the University's N2025 Strategic Plan, we
see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-
being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency
sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g.,
H-1B) for the successful candidate.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified
applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national
origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or
political affiliation. See https: // www. unl.edu/equity/notice-
nondiscrimination.
Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Organizational or Community Development; Economics;
Leadership Studies; Community or Regional Planning; Education; Rural
Sociology; Entrepreneurship; Business Administration; Landscape
Architecture; Planning with a focus on community-based, regional, urban,
environmental, and/or infrastructure; or a closely related field
(extension instructor) OR Master's degree in Organizational or
Community Development; Economics; Leadership Studies; Community or
Regional Planning; Education; Rural Sociology; Entrepreneurship; Business
Administration; Landscape Architecture; Planning with a focus on
community-based, regional, urban, environmental and/or infrastructure; or
a closely related field (extension educator).
Successful experience teaching adults in a formal or non-formal setting.
Demonstrated ability to communicate in writing, verbally, and/or online.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish
individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or
community activities.
Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career,
and/or community activities.
Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a
commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted
programming to assistant underserved audiences.
Demonstrated ability to network effectively with businesses and/or
community leaders.
Familiarity with rural communities in Nebraska.
Understanding of, or experience with, developing and delivering
educational programs focused on rural prosperity Nebraska priority issues.
Expertise and/or experience in placemaking or leadership work.
Work Location (City, State) Blair, NE
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the
following documents:
A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as “Curriculum Vitae”).
Contact information for three professional references.
In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental
question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in diverse
teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive
environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See
https: // ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in
writing this statement.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Marci Sturek
[email protected]
Job Category Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Category (old) Faculty Non-Tenure Leading
Job Type 12 Month (Faculty Only)
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date
Appointment End Date
Organizational Location Default Location
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk ().
Provide a statement describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters.
(Open Ended Question)
Describe any approaches to teaching that you have practiced, including traditional classroom, webinars, YouTube videos, podcasts, or other uses of media.
(Open Ended Question)
How have you demonstrated that you are an effective team player?
(Open Ended Question)
Describe how you would develop, deliver, and evaluate an extension program for a rural prosperity issue of your choice.
(Open Ended Question)
Describe your experiences working with organizations, businesses, agencies, or individuals in rural prosperity related activities within the past five years.
(Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
Required Documents
Letter of Interest
Curriculum Vitae
List of References
Optional Documents
