Position Information
Position Information
Working Title Open Rank Extension Educator - Rural Prosperity Nebraska
(Lincoln County)
Department Cooperative Ext Division-0788
Requisition Number F220226
Posting Open Date 11/22/2022
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all
application materials before review date) 03/01/2023
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
Based in North Platte, NE, the incumbent serves Arthur, McPherson, Logan,
Lincoln, Perkins, and Keith Counties. Communities across Nebraska can create
opportunities to thrive with effective leadership and an engaged citizenry.
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.
Rural Prosperity Nebraska Educator (approximately 80%)
Develop a close and defined working relationship with the RPN program leader and Engagement Zone Coordinator(s). Develop a plan to leverage your stakeholder reach and engagement within and beyond your RPN Accountability Region.
Complete mapping of all your communities within your region and the major community economic development players.
Use 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 primary technology employed by our team in working with Nebraska communities is community coaching. 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.
Use innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies to design, develop, deliver and evaluate programs for a robust statewide Extension education program in rural prosperity.
Work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with Extension professionals and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
Work with both University and non-University resources to help rural communities network to achieve optimal assistance in their quest for greater prosperity.
Use entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the Extension educational program's resource base and reach.
Partner with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
Practice effective Extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
Develop a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise specific to community vitality and Extension pedagogy.
Organizational Citizenship/Lead Educator Role (approximately 20%):
This position will serve in, contribute to, or support the Lead Educator role.
This position will coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other
Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a
robust Nebraska Extension presence. In this position the extension educator
will:
Serve in 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).
Cooperate with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote
Extension's educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
Cultivate a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community
members that builds positive relationships between the University and the
community.
Support engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension
Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
Understand and adhere to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will be expected to
accept 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.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered 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
Master's degree required; one 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
closely related field. Master's degree must be completed by start date
Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e. publications, writing,
presentations, web, and social media).
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.
Demonstrated ability to network with business and community leaders.
Expertise and/or experience in placemaking or leadership work.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary
How to Apply
Click “Apply to 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.
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
Jodi Mackin, 402-469-0273, [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
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 your teaching experiences.
(Open Ended Question)
How have you demonstrated that you are an effective team player?
(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
