Position Description

Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins County

 

Working Title:                                    Extension Educator – Environmental Issues Education

Classification Title:                            Team Coordinator

Office Location:                                 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850

Supervisor’s Classification Title:      Executive Director

 

General Responsibilities:

Responsible for leadership in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of innovative educational programs in Environmental Education for Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCETC) and in conjunction with multi-county teams as appropriate.  Major plan of work emphasis is on education for individuals, families, communities (including local government), and businesses on green building, green economy, renewable energy, water quality, waste reduction and relevant policy education.  Other areas of importance to be addressed in collaboration with other CCE staff include wildlife, invasive species, transportation alternatives, and rural land use.  Programming requires extensive outreach, collaboration, facilitation and grant writing. 

Facilitate community and volunteer leadership related to this programming.  Extend educational programming through community agencies, organizations and CCE volunteers to diverse audiences.  Represent the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University. Work as a team member in addressing local, regional and statewide programming priorities.

 

Program Leadership and Development, and Priority Setting (30%)

·        Identify community needs and target audiences through Association  program committee and advisory committees, community stakeholders, program participants, regional colleagues, and Cornell program units.

·        Plan short- and long-range educational programs to respond to the needs and audiences; identify program resources and develop a multi-year plan of work and annual implementation plan with program committee and other CCETC program leaders.

·        Draw upon Cornell program resources to address identified audience needs and to select/adapt program materials; consult with Cornell faculty and contribute to interdisciplinary team efforts and participate in research as appropriate.

·        Develop strategies for implementing programs that utilize a variety of innovative educational methodologies and consider the diversity of the community and address priority issues.

·        Interpret Association and statewide program directions, methods and policies to stakeholders and the general public.

·        Ensure that educational programs consider the diversity of the community and conform to Association and Cornell Cooperative Extension mission and objectives.

 

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery (25%)

·        Provide leadership for educational programming to targeted audiences in Environmental Issues Education utilizing a variety of delivery methods.

·        Facilitate work with and through community partners involved in addressing environmental issues to ensure high quality educational content and to enhance the overall impact of both CCETC and collaborator efforts.

·        Serve as an educational resource to Association decision-makers and community stakeholders.

·        Develop networks of volunteers and/or community stakeholders, e.g., enterprises and business owners, consumers, and employers, to extend program implementation efforts; recruit, train and support Cornell Cooperative Extension volunteers.

·        Coordinate work of Association professionals and collaborate with Cornell Cooperative Extension regional colleagues.

 

Program Management and Coordination (20%)

·        Provide leadership and support for a diverse program committee in environmental education.

·        Seek out, prepare, and submit proposals to secure additional program funding involving Association decision makers, Cornell faculty, and Extension Administration.

·        Manage grants and contracts and ensure accountability to funders via reports.

·        Coordinate and supervise paid program staff and interns and support their professional development.

·        Recruit, train and support volunteer staff; assist in developing their leadership skills.

·        Coordinate with support staff to manage tasks needed for program implementation.

 

Research and Program Evaluation (10%)

·        Analyze and evaluate programs for management/program improvement and accountability/impact assessment.

·        Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations for strengthening and improving Extension's educational efforts in the Environment program area to decision makers, Cornell faculty and others as appropriate.

 

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

·        Provide inservice education and be a program resource for paid and volunteer staff.

·        Participate in orientation and in-service education as appropriate to program and management responsibilities to maintain program excellence.

·        Participate in professional organizations.

·        Jointly develop and pursue professional improvement plan, in cooperation with Executive Director, to increase competency in position responsibilities.

 

Administrative Management (Finance, Budget) (10%)

·        Prepare reports on program progress and accomplishments for local, state and federal use; compile budget data and written reports on program finances and work plans.

 

EEO/EPO

Ensure program outreach to diverse audiences, appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with program participants, staff, volunteers and the public in the spirit of CCE-Tompkins’ Diversity Statement.

 

Reporting Relationships

·        Accountable to the Board of Directors of Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County as employer; report to and receive supervision and guidance from the Executive Director.

·        Engages the CCETC Environment Program Committee in identifying program needs and establishing program priorities.

·        Works closely with all other program area staff (Agriculture, Consumer Issues, Health and Wellness, 4-H Youth Development, Family and Community Development program areas) on subjects of common concern.

 

Degree And Experience Required:

Master’s degree required in environmental education, forestry or agricultural sciences, economics or adult education or other major subjects appropriate to responsibilities of this position, plus 2 years related experience as a Cooperative Extension Educator or equivalent professional experience in teaching or education in a community setting.  Experience or background in one or more of the following areas: environmental or sustainability education, green building, renewable energy, or other environmentally related enterprises or economic sectors.  Coursework in adult/youth education and communication is highly preferred.  Minimum one year of supervisory experience, two to three years preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

·        Proven breadth and depth of knowledge in field(s) related to environmental issues and informal community education.

·        Proven ability to facilitate community processes, engage stakeholders and resolve conflicts.

·        Proven ability to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate informal educational programs, using a variety of educational methods, for diverse audiences.

·        Demonstrated cultural competency to involve people of diverse backgrounds.

·        Proven ability to identify and involve people in determining program direction, and to effectively work with advisory committees and community coalitions to identify and utilize program resources within the community.

·        Demonstrated ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.

·        Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise program staff.

·        Demonstrated ability to lead and effectively participate in professional team efforts.

·        Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional and computer technology.

 

Special Requirements:

·        Willingness to work flexible hours including some nights and weekends to accommodate meetings and delivery of educational programs.

·        Must meet travel requirements of the position. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.

Position Description Content Review

 

 

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 5/30/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

 

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#473, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.

 

 

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.cce.cornell.edu