Extension Educator, Leadership & Civic Engagement (Worthington or Marshall)

Working Title: Extension Educator, Leadership and Civic Engagement

Appointment: Full time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), annually renewable

Program Area: Community Development/Leadership and Civic Engagement (LCE)

Estimated Salary: $70,000 - $80,000, DOQ

Office Location: Marshall or Worthington MN (Extension Regional Offices)

Reports to: LCE Program Leader, Community Development

Apply by: April 12, 2026

The Department of Community Development partners with communities to develop capacity, tools and programs that respond to community needs. Faculty and staff of the center specialize in community economics (CE), leadership and civic engagement (LCE), and tourism. Learn more about the Department of Community Development at https://extension.umn.edu/community-development.

LCE programs and applied research help communities strengthen social capital, develop and grow capacity for local leadership, civic engagement and productive public discussion, and collaborate and make decisions related to the public good. Learn more about the work of the leadership and civic engagement program at https://extension.umn.edu/community-development/leadership-and-civic-engagement.

Extension educators in leadership and civic education (LCE) lead the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of research-based Extension programs that support Minnesota communities. They serve as a subject matter expert in leadership development, civic education, placemaking, facilitation, and managing community conflict for regional and statewide audiences. LCE educators engage with communities to strengthen local leadership, create responsive tools and programs, and lead applied research that addresses current issues.

As a scholar-practitioner, the LCE educator is responsible for translating research findings into practical training and resources. They partner with community members to guide data-informed decision-making and scale effective programs, using impact assessments and related tools and share their expertise through publications, media, and professional presentations. The LCE educator builds relationships to identify local needs, exchange knowledge, and deliver responsive programming. They track and communicate outcomes to inform interested parties, support improvement, and pursue external funding and may also develop strategic partnerships to enhance programming and identify funding opportunities. Candidates with professional or lived experience in engaging diverse constituencies in their scholarship are especially encouraged to apply.

There is a focus for this position on teaching facilitation tools.

This includes:

• Participating on a department Area of Excellence team focused on developing facilitation resources.
• Working with campus resources, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the College of Education and Human Development, and others) to identify resources and develop programming designed to enhance the facilitation skills of participants so they are better able to engage with complex issues in community settings.
• Contribute to a repository of accessible facilitation resources across the state that can support educators and communities.
• Provide community-based educational programming to strengthen the capacity of community leaders to plan for and manage change.

The educator reports to the program leader for leadership and civic engagement (LCE) and will collaborate with other educator colleagues, campus faculty, and Extension's Regional Directors.

This educator will be in either the Marshall or Worthington Regional Extension offices and will primarily serve a region of 10 counties and the Native Nations that share that geography in southern Minnesota. Nearly every community is within 100 miles of Marshall. Many of the educator responsibilities are conducted in the surrounding communities, so the regional office space is available for planning time, high-speed internet, and connecting with other Extension staff who serve this area. Hybrid office arrangements are possible, but this is not a fully remote position. Travel to partnering communities is expected and compensated.

To meet the mission of Extension and the Department of Community Development, the leadership and civic engagement educator will:

• Design, deliver, market, and evaluate educational programs, using culturally appropriate strategies for the adult learner and in collaboration with the community. Work with team members to:
  • Assess and understand the educational needs of the audience for each programming effort.
  • Design instructional processes and strategies with clear links between learning objectives and course content.
  • Create learning activities and strategies in a logical sequence to support the deepening of learners' knowledge and skills.
  • Develop educational content and resources based on research and using a variety of methods.
  • Implement educational programming that focuses on participant engagement and generative learning.
  • Evaluate programming for continuous improvement.
• Design, adapt, and deliver leadership and civic engagement programming that addresses local, regional. and statewide needs.
  • An emphasis for this position will include working with elected officials and community members to develop and deliver program resources that help people facilitate engagement in their communities around current and emerging community issues.
  • Participating on a department Area of Excellence team focused on developing facilitation resources.
  • Working with campus resources, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, the College of Education and Human Development, and others) to identify resources and develop programming designed to enhance the facilitation skills of participants so they are better able to engage with complex issues in community settings.
  • Contribute to a repository of accessible facilitation resources across the state that can support educators and communities.
  • Provide community-based educational programming to strengthen the capacity of community leaders to plan for and manage change.
• Appropriately use technology to communicate, locate information, design and deliver education, evaluate, and report on program activities.
• Ensure an inclusive approach to all programming, including but not limited to, making sure Extension programs, facilities, and committees are accessible to new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences.
• Provide program leadership, education, and management for programs as designated and appropriate.
• Deliver educational programming in both a virtual and in-person context.

• Use best practices and inclusive research practices to measure, inform, evaluate, and strengthen leadership and civic engagement processes, especially related to facilitating dialogue and decision making around current and emerging community issues.
• Engage in scholarship that enhances our understanding about the practice of leadership and civic education in a community development context.
• Create practical knowledge that can impact real-life issues in Minnesota communities.
• Share research and new practical knowledge through academic journals, professional papers, posters, conferences, and other forums.
• Demonstrate progress on promotion criteria associated with Extension's promotion system.
• Continue professional development in inclusive leadership and program development via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study, or other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

• Develop and maintain effective local, regional, University, and statewide partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
• Initiate community partnerships that support new or strengthened community engagement initiatives (e.g., outreach to new communities, agencies and rural populations) and help communities build inclusive and welcoming communities.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive work climate and facilitate effective teamwork with LCE and department colleagues, regional office colleagues, advisory groups, audiences, and partners.
• Represent Extension through service on community and/or professional boards that are congruent with the area of expertise and professional goals. This includes civic groups, joint Extension-agency project committees, and other committees and task forces.

• Assume program support functions as needed, such as contract and/or fiscal management, data management, public relations, and marketing with department leaders and regional directors.
• Secure funds and resources to support educational programs through fee for service, third party reimbursement, grants, and other means.
• Actively participate in staff development and team activities within the LCE program area, the Department of Community Development, and Extension.
• Collaborate with the program leader to establish, evaluate, and report on annual work goals, activities, impacts, and outcomes that align with program area priorities.
• Manage professional performance systems, including annual performance review and professional plans of work.

• Master's degree at the time of appointment in fields such as community development, leadership development or studies (personal and/or community), education, counseling or clinical psychology; and/or in public or civic engagement, public policy/urban planning, community studies, sociology, communication, peace studies, conflict resolution/transformation, community economics, adult learning, or a closely related field.
• One year of experience in a community development-related field. Relevant settings for this experience might come from higher education, adult education, Extension, state/regional/local government or development agencies, and community or interest-based organizations and/or foundations.
• Professional experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working in diverse settings with diverse populations.
• Experience conducting outreach and forming coalitions, including experience with communities.
• The ability to apply research to educational program design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of educational technology and online learning platforms.
• Experience in group facilitation or individual coaching skills with adults.
• Evidence of ability to use technology and social media for communication, data collection and analysis, program delivery, and reporting.
• Evidence of ability to implement and meet administrative responsibilities necessary for effective project, budget, grants, and program management and implementation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated success in working with individuals, organizations, and communities, especially with audiences from a variety of cultural, ethnic, language, or literacy backgrounds.
• Three years of related experience post-bachelor's degree in a community development context. Experience facilitating group processes in community settings.
• Experience in the development of curriculum or adult education materials, adult pedagogy, or similar areas in an adult, non-credit educational environment.
• Training and experience in research ethics, including how research has negatively impacted underrepresented communities.
• Professional or lived experience in engaging diverse constituencies.
• Experience with best practices in online educational design and delivery.
• Experience applying research to positively address community problems.
• Commitment to professional development.

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Travel required to communities within 100 miles frequently.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work, and overnight stays.
• Must be able to work in various building environments throughout the communities.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $70,000-$80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that speaks to your experience related to the position
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For more information about this position, contact Holli Arp, program leader, leadership and civic engagement, Department of Community Development, 507-372-3905; email: arpxx001@umn.edu

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.