Extension Specialist and Program Director, Rural Leadership North Dakota

Position Information

Position Description & Details:

The Extension Specialist and Program Director, Rural Leadership North Dakota, is a 12-month, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position located in Fargo, North Dakota, with responsibilities statewide. The specialist/director is a member of a statewide Extension Family and Community Wellness team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education.

Responsibilities:

The position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for the coordination of the Rural Leadership North Dakota program, focusing on transformational educational programs and connecting participants to viable community projects.
• Coordinate community-based RLND seminars and targeted interventions to improve expanded leadership and civic engagement outcomes.
• Develop, implement and evaluate a continuum of educational programs and initiatives for RLND and other leadership and civic engagement work that:
  • are appropriate and effective to attract new and diverse audiences;
  • are based in scholarly and scientific theory and research;
  • incorporate high-level teaching skills for optimal audience engagement and impact;
  • incorporate policy, systems and environmental changes;
  • communicate results through effective and creative evaluation and reporting to appropriate stakeholders; and
  • utilize appropriate technology
• Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholder groups (e.g., RLND Advisory Council, state and regional agencies, government officials, city planners, community groups, for-profits and non-profits, and community members) to:
  • obtain a wide range of feedback on planning and programmatic efforts for RLND;
  • identify place-based solutions that are responsive to leadership and civic engagement-related issues;
  • foster policy, systems and environmental changes to support strong community environments.
• Contribute to research and scholarship in leadership and civic engagement.
• Be willing to travel, this position requires a fair amount of travel (in state, national, international). Over an 18-month program, RLND participants take 7 in-state trips, 2 national trips and 1 international trip.

The responsibilities of this position will also include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read and abide by all the rules and regulations for faculty at NDSU as outlined in the NDSU Policy Manual.
• Secure extramural funding to support RLND or other leadership and civic engagement Extension programming.
• Contribute to a positive work environment through cooperation, collaboration and teamwork with others by developing and maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, faculty, staff, and clientele.
• Participate in local, regional and national professional associations whenever possible.
• Participate in program planning and training efforts as required.
• Assure compliance with equal opportunity policies.
• Provide assistance in the development and enhancement of leadership and civic engagement related programming for youth.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree, by start date, in a discipline related to the responsibilities of the position.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusiveness.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.

Effective interpersonal skills, including ability to interact and collaborate effectively with a diversity of colleagues.

Organizational management skills including the ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment, work flexible and extended hours.

Manage time and resources (including grant writing) to efficiently accomplish the duties of the position.

Basic computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications:

Extension work experience.

Leadership development experience.

Experience designing and delivering educational programs.

An established record of external funding.

Applicant Materials Required:

Cover letter addressing each of the minimum and preferred qualifications, curriculum vitae, professional references, and unofficial transcript.

Screening will begin 7/12/21

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that we gather at NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com's top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall.

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

With energy and momentum, North Dakota State University addresses the needs and aspirations of people in a changing world by building on our land-grant foundation.

Additional Information

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.