Title: Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management
Center/Program Area: Extension Center for Agriculture, Food, and
Natural Resource Sciences
Application Deadline: January 15, 2016 initial application review;
Position will remain open until filled
Location: Extension Regional Office in Northwestern Minnesota
ABOUT EXTENSION
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. The mission of University of Minnesota Extension is: “Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.”
LOCATION OF POSITION
Extension Educator, Agricultural Business Management (ABM) position will be housed at the Extension Regional Office in Northwestern Minnesota. Even though the position will be located at specific regional office, the position serves a statewide programming area rather than a single region.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Extension Educator, ABM brings in-depth expertise to cutting-edge issues, applying his or her expertise to the programs and priorities of the Center for Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences within University of Minnesota Extension. The Educator is an integral part of the ABM team working with a wide Extension audience on educational topics such as risk management, financial management, strategic management, market planning, human resource management, business transfer and estate planning, resource acquisition, and policy impacts on Minnesota’s agricultural sector.
The Extension Educator employs appropriate educational program delivery systems including face-to-face presentations, technology-based methods, seminars, workshops, non-credit courses, and/or train-the-trainer approaches to educate farmers and other agricultural professionals. The Extension Educator is responsible for program development and delivery in cooperation with other ABM team members, campus-based faculty and partners in the agricultural industry.
Attention to diversity, use of scholarly scientific research, effective partnership development, use of technology and continuing professional development are important to successful job performance. The Extension Educator may occasionally work in collaboration with University faculty and graduate students on applied research. This position is accountable to the Program Leader(s) in Agricultural Business Management for program direction, performance evaluation and personnel actions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
· Develop and deliver a high quality, outcome focused Extension educational program for farmers, agricultural professionals, and other agricultural and rural businesses
· Work on interdisciplinary teams, utilize existing expertise at the University, to analyze business management strategies for farmers and other agricultural and rural businesses
· Conduct market research, design, develop, deliver/implement, market, and evaluate educational programs based on scholarly/scientific theory and research and appropriate to their audiences in conjunction with ABM and other Extension teams
· Work with and develop programs for new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences
· Develop and maintain effective state, regional, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs
· Use appropriate technology for communication, locating information and resources, program design, program delivery, and reporting
· Assume program leadership on specific programs, projects, or priorities, as agreed to by the Program Leader(s).
· Assume program support functions such as public relations, organizational marketing, technology applications, or others in collaboration with Program Leader(s), program team members, Center for Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences leadership and Regional Director(s)
· Collaborate with campus based faculty in conducting scholarly research
· Continue professional development in scholarship, program development and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study and/or other appropriate means.
· Participate and succeed in progress regarding professional performance including the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion
· Make contributions to the six promotion categories in Extension academic rank criteria, program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program management and service
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Education:
· Master’s degree at time of appointment in agricultural economics, agricultural business, finance, accounting, or related discipline
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
· Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
· Technology-enhanced communication and teaching skills
· Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, program participants and industry groups)
· Knowledge of and ability to explain farm business management concepts and tools including, but not limited to: risk management, financial management, strategic management, market planning, human resource management, business transfer and estate planning, resource acquisition, and policy impacts on Minnesota’s agricultural sector
Preferred
Experience:
· Three or more years’ experience in a field related to the position
· Experience designing, delivering and evaluating educational programs in agricultural business management
· Experience with varied and diverse clientele and audiences
· Experience designing, conducting, and/or providing an essential role in research projects
· Experience using technology in educational programming
· Experience and/or academic specialization related to farming and other agricultural and rural businesses
BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT
1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is expected and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. (Must provide own means for traveling throughout the state and legally required vehicle insurance.)
5. Salary commensurate with education and experience.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS POSITION
Contact Kevin Klair, Search Committee Chair, Program Leader and Extension Professor,
TO APPLY
Job Opening ID: 306009
Please apply online: http://www.extension.umn.edu/about/employment/
Include the following attachments with your online application:
1. Letter of application
2. Resume or vita
3. List of three professional references with complete phone and email contact information.
4. Transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the application stage).
Instructions for how to submit your transcript(s) and the names and contact information are online at:
www.umn.edu/ohr/
Click on Employment
Click on “Using the Job Application System” (5th bullet on the left hand side of the screen)
Click on “My Activity” under “Application Activities”
First apply online and submit your cover letter and resume.
After you apply online on top of the screen you will see “My Activities”. Click on “My Activities” and attach your transcripts and names and contact information for three related professional references.
For questions about applying online, contact:
Naaz Babvani
Extension Human Resources
260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Ave.
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
Telephone: 612-624-3717
Fax: 612-624-7749
Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.
University of Minnesota Extension shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.