Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Great Lakes Leadership Academy Program Instructor

Position Summary

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward 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 Extension Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA) and as part of Community, Food and Environment Institute.

The Great Lakes Leadership Academy develops and connects leaders across Michigan who are committed to serving the common good. As the Program Instructor, you will facilitate learning seminars, reflection activities, and experiential leadership sessions across multiple programs including the Leadership Advancement Program, Emerging Leader Program, Leadership Intensives and other potential leadership education trainings.

In this position, you will work closely with the Associate Director of GLLA to design and deliver meaningful participant experiences, coordinate program logistics, and ensure seamless implementation of learning activities.

As a team member of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy, 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.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver, skilled facilitator, and collaborative team member who is passionate about leadership development and lifelong learning.

The campus of Michigan State University is the preferred location for this position. However, an off-campus, MSU Extension County office may be considered

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension office. 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 and Community, Food and Environment Institute.
• Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in culture, access, and belonging, with a special emphasis on reaching populations representative of the communities we serve, 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 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.

• Actively participate in a variety of professional development opportunities to attain and retain program knowledge and delivery skills.
• Create, promote, and represent MSU Extension in activities, meetings, etc. in a manner that reflects collegial connection with the community, the research and knowledge of the University, and the goodwill of MSU Extension.
• Ensure that audiences representative of the communities we serve are reached through traditional and newly developed programs.
• Provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops, and individual contacts.
• Facilitate learning seminars, reflection activities, and group discussions that strengthen leadership capacity and collaboration.
• Coordinate planning and delivery of GLLA’s multi-session leadership programs and related events, including regional, statewide, and international learning experiences.
• Support logistics for participant travel, lodging, materials, and communication.
• Prepare and manage session materials, including agendas, presentations, handouts, and reflection guides.
• Assist with curriculum design and program evaluation, gathering participant feedback and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director to ensure program content aligns with GLLA’s learning outcomes and leadership framework.
• Support partnership engagement, including communication with alumni, program sponsors, and site hosts.
• Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in leadership, education, communication, business, community development, or related field.
• Two years of experience in program coordination, event planning, facilitation, or leadership development.
• 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 varied economic backgrounds and perspectives 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.

• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience with leadership development, adult learning, or facilitation of experiential programs.
• Demonstrated initiative and adaptability in managing program needs and changing circumstances.
• Familiarity with MSU Extension programs, networks, and administrative processes.
• Passion for leadership development, community engagement, and creating meaningful participant experiences.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience preferred.

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.

Special Instructions

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

Please note this is a union position represented by AFT Michigan. The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed.

Description of End Date

12 months. 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