Extension Educator-Fixed

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization.
This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following: We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
POSITION SUMMARY As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), this position provides local and statewide educational leadership with a focus on coordination and promotion of economic development efforts in Tuscola County.
This position may also work across the counties within MSU Extension’s district 10, including Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, St.
Clair, and Tuscola on regional projects and will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of the Institute clientele.
The Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is an economic development organization servicing Tuscola County.
The Tuscola EDC is a non-profit organization that represents a partnership between county and municipal government units, education, and the business community.
For more information on Tuscola EDC, visit tuscolacountyedc.
org.
Working as the executive director of the Tuscola County EDC, you will work closely with the EDC Board of Directors to lead initiatives that identify community needs, monitor current issues, and develop effective programming related to economic development with an emphasis on addressing key economic challenges facing the region, including job creation/retention, housing, marketing the county as a positive business locale, and assisting current and future businesses and industries with business services.
You will oversee the EDC budget, including membership renewals and investments.
You will assist community members, business owners, and government officials to understand the economic, social, political, and environmental impact of economic development and promote active citizen participation in economic decision making, while acting as facilitator, convener, economic counselor, and educator to create a climate that supports business and workforce recruitment, retention, and expansion.
In this role, you will suggest means and methods for the encouragement of and assistance to industrial and commercial enterprise on locating, purchasing, constructing, reconstructing, modernizing, improving, maintaining, equipping, and expanding in Tuscola County.
Through this work, you will help to strengthen communities’ and the county's ability to work toward collaborative arrangements that facilitate economic development, and you will develop and implement annual community economic development work plans.
Additionally, you will have opportunities to work collaboratively across MSU Extension work groups and work with faculty, specialists, and educators.
You will develop an area of expertise in economic development and work with the economic development area of expertise team to share program resources, and you will be responsible for using the MSU Extension reporting system.
You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of programming based on basic and applied research and the needs of clientele.
You will be expected to maintain current economic development status data, needs, issues, and trends in the county, specifically those addressing rural communities.
Acting as a resource to staff, Extension personnel and clientele, you will disseminate research- based information through various methods, including multi-media, personal education, and written articles with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with CFEI messaging.
You will be a resource to professional staff responsible for community development, business development, grant administration, and value-added agriculture programs, bookkeeping and office management, and will assist units of local government and other organizations with grant writing and proposal development.
This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension county office or the Tuscola County EDC office.
The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.
This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.
Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities Identify, develop, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan, and are relevant to community and business interests in Tuscola County.
Collaborate and communicate with the Tuscola EDC Board of Directors and community stakeholders to identify needs of the community.
In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
Serve as an information resource to 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.
Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including educational in-service to improve technical and professional competence and effectiveness.
Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational articles.
Responsible for gathering data, writing, and interpreting reports, and working collaboratively with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts as required by MSU Extension to demonstrate effectiveness of programs and to guide future program priorities.
Create, promote, and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations amongst partner organizations in Tuscola County, MSU Extension and the Community, Food and Environment Institute.
Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in Civil Rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse 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.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director, District Director, or the EDC Board of Directors.
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 Degree Masters -Business, Public Administration, Finance Minimum Requirements Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to business, public administration, finance, economic development, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
Economic and/or community development experience.
Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Ability to demonstrate 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.
Ability to create and carry-out a project plan from development of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
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 delivery/communication technology, etc.
) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, data analysis/retrieval, and overall management.
Ability to regularly travel locally in Tuscola County, and surrounding communities, as well as occasional long-distance travel outside the assigned area, is required in order to perform duties of this position.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Desired 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).
Experience leading economic development initiatives, or an economic development organization.
Ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge of business management, business finance, financial packaging, and business development tools.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of community development tools, such as brownfield programs, Downtown Development Authorities, tax increment financing, tax credits, community development block grants and other granting programs.
Working knowledge of state and federal programs such as Michigan Economic Development Corporation Programs, Economic Development Administration and Rural Development Authority.
Experience in securing and managing grant funds and resources.
2 years of experience in coaching, training, and mentoring.
Ability to accept and delegate responsibility.
Ability to maintain close attention to detail.
Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
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.
Starting salary $56,100/year, commensurate with education and experience.
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