Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Education and Engagement Coordinator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• 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 Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI) and as part of the Community Food Systems work team.

As a team member of Community, Food and Environment Institute, 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 MSU - Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation (DPFLI) connects MSU researchers, educators and students with opportunities to collaborate with Detroit communities to apply their expertise and address urban challenges, particularly related to food and the environment. Located in northwest Detroit, the DPFLI is a joint venture of MSU Extension and MSU AgBioResearch, in partnership with the City of Detroit. The facility hosts Extension and community programs that educate and support research in urban agriculture, food systems, and sustainability for people of all ages.

As the Education and Engagement Coordinator, you will lead educational programs for youth camps, 4-H initiatives, and adult audiences focused on urban agriculture, nutrition, STEM, and food education. You will develop outreach materials such as flyers and promotional content to engage the community and document program activities in PEARS. Your responsibilities include conducting pre- and post-program surveys, compile and analyze data for grant and annual reporting, and support digital communications by managing social media pages, email listservs, and leading the writing and editing of a monthly newsletter. Additionally, you will collaborate with staff, interns, and volunteers to coordinate outreach efforts, assist with farm operations including crop production, harvesting, distribution, and transplant production, and provide hands-on support during Volunteer Days. You will also contribute to research initiatives by gathering data, maintaining records, and coordinating projects, while identifying funding opportunities and assisting with grant writing in partnership with your supervisor.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from Wayne County, Focus Hope MSU Extension office or the DPFLI building.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County 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. At this time, funding is secured for two years.

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 in rural, suburban and urban communities, and where applicable, increasing programmatic delivery and participation in urban centers.
• 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.
• Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to Biology, Horticulture, Agriculture, Food Systems, Sustainability, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Two years of experience in program management and delivery in youth education, farming or farm work, education program management, program evaluation 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 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.
• 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.

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.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends 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://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/