Working/Functional Title

Tollgate Public Program Coordinator

Position Summary

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 leadership and oversight of local programs, clients and participants, related to MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center and as part of Community, Food and Environment Institute.

MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center promotes food system awareness through exploring the sustainable, nutritional, and cultural aspects of agriculture. Our programming educates the public about food production while encouraging ethical food producers.

Year-round we provide hands-on educational opportunities for youth and their families. During the summer months, MSU Extension offers summer enrichment programming that includes 4-H day-camps for young people ages 5-19. Day camp activities are fun, safe, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities.

As a team member at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, you will oversee and ensure program/project promotion and expansion activities and assist with data gathering for impact evaluation efforts. You will work in conjunction with your supervisor, program participants and community partners to attain both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Through your supervising educator, you will work in concert with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute and/or work team(s) to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute and organization.

You will play a key role in planning and delivering educational programs at Tollgate Farm, collaborating with staff and partners to meet program objectives. You will design and facilitate public initiatives, lead events, camps, and tours, and ensure safety and inclusivity. You will also coordinate logistics, act as a point of contact for visiting facilitators, and support impact evaluation efforts.

In your role overseeing camp operations, you will hire and train seasonal staff, ensure compliance with licensing and safety standards, and manage registration and camper records. You will also assist with program promotion and outreach, helping expand participation and supporting financial assistance programs for community groups.

By working closely with the operations team and following MSU Extension protocols, you will foster effective communication, maintain high standards for program delivery, and respond to participant needs. Your leadership and collaboration ensure a welcoming, enriching experience for all.

This position will be housed at the MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center located in Oakland County.

This position will be a Tuesday-Saturday position, as needed to carry out weekend programming. Weekend availability is necessary.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from the MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This is an off dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out programs that focus on the specific area of educational programming.
• Operates somewhat independently, with minimal supervision, ensuring that program delivery follows prescribed guidelines and meets the goals for reaching specific audiences.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension, Community, Food and Environment Institute and Tollgate Farm.
• Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute]’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a special emphasis on 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.
• Initiate efforts to expand MSU Extension programs to ensure that community needs assessments, program development and recruitment efforts include the engagement of Michigan’s diverse residents across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
• Collaborate with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute work teams.
• Provide expertise and information to clientele related to program area.
• Plan, organize and implement programs that are relevant to program area and meet the needs of local residents.
• Work to identify and remove barriers from participation in MSU Extension programs.
• Attend various and related local program meetings or committee meetings, as well as community planning activities, as appropriate.
• Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program management and delivery in environmental education, agriculture education, sustainability and food systems, natural resource management, or related field.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 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.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Must be comfortable leading groups of varying sizes; average group size is 5-19 participants.

• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• 3-5 years in administrative role at a day camp or overnight camp.
• Experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities in an outdoor education setting.
• Experience in STEAM and inquiry science education.
• Experience working with livestock and/or sustainable agriculture.

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 Application Materials

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Tuesday through Saturday, with some nights as needed.

Description of End Date

This is an off dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://youtu.be/KjG34cLt9a8