Michigan State University Community & Economic Development Extension Educator, Mason, Michigan

Community Food Systems and Community/Economic Development Extension Educator Salary

Minimum base salary of $45,000 Benefits

Visit: https://jobs.msu.edu/ 

Posting Number: 4744
Application Deadline: March 10, 2017 

Community & Economic Development Extension Educator Position Overview

As a community food systems/community & economic development extension educator, this position seeks to build local capacity and enhance community participation on local food, community development and community vitality issues. Target audiences for education and capacity-building programs include local government officials, public officials, local leaders, small businesses and industries, local and regional food providers, marketers and distributors, community-based organizations and the general public.

Educational programs addressing community needs and local food opportunities may include establishing and working closely with local food policy councils, local leadership trainings, data-supported regional economic development education, local and regional food production system trainings, and community planning.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
 Develop, conduct and evaluate innovative educational programs based on current and projected community needs within south-central Michigan.

 Assist in the development and growth of local food systems in MSUE’s District 8 & 12, and the integration of Michigan’s Good Food Charter.

 Assist in facilitating local and regional efforts that advance a “healthy community” agenda.

 Work with local and regional change efforts, including data-supported strategic planning and decision making to enhance community vitality.

 Assist in strategic planning and facilitation related to local and regional community and economic development efforts.

 Assist with coordination and delivery of the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities annual conference.

 Fully participate in the Greening Michigan Institute’s Community Food System meetings, trainings and other activities. Engage with other MSUE work teams, as appropriate.

 Author educational materials on topics related to local foods, including mass media articles, fact sheets and/or Extension Bulletins.

 Maintain regular communications with appropriate local and regional food system players and community development organizations

 Support and promote and inclusive locally-based approach to education and outreach and encourages local participation and is aimed at building community-level capacity and empowering all interests.

 Design, coordinate, support and/or teach educational programs of benefit to local and regional decision-makers, including:

 Write grants, generate revenue and establish partnerships that leverage public, private and not-for-profit funds in ways consistent with MSU Extension policies, and which foster effective programming.

 Develop and follow a personal plan for professional development consistent with personal and organizational goals, participate in staff meetings and other program activities as appropriate and needed.
 Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSUE, the Greening Michigan Institute and the appropriate work group(s).

Qualifications:
 Master’s Degree in community sustainability, urban and regional planning, community and/or economic development, agricultural economics, sociology/rural sociology, and/or related field.
 Knowledge of local food system and/or economic, community and/or regional development theories and practices.
 Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
 Experience and proven ability working productively with a team.

Application Process:

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the Michigan State University jobs page at www.jobs.msu.edu to apply for posting number (insert number) under the MSU Extension postings.

For questions, please contact Dr. David Ivan, Director, MSU Extension Greening Michigan Institute (517-432-7602; ivand@msu.edu) or Gina Flores, MSU Extension Human Resources (517-353-9251; flores35@anr.msu.edu).