Working Title: Minnesota Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

Appointment: Full-time, Community Program Assistant (4912), represented

Benefits: Comprehensive University of Minnesota

Extension Area: Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Systems

Office Location: Extension Regional Office, preferably Rochester or Morris: Hybrid work options and other locations may be available.

Salary Range: Estimated starting pay rate: $20-$23.00/hour; commensurate with education and experience.

Apply By: May 5, 2024

ABOUT THE PROGRAM - The (MMNP or program) teaches adult volunteers about Minnesota's natural resources and empowers them to educate others and to play meaningful roles in conservation projects. The program's mission is to foster understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of Minnesota's natural environment by developing a corps of informed and skilled volunteers dedicated to conservation education and service within their communities. Approximately 1,000 volunteers annually contribute nearly 100,000 service hours for conservation projects affecting over 10,000 acres of land, contributing to new scientific research, and educating more than 25,000 people across Minnesota. After completing a 40-hour core training course, volunteers remain active from year-to-year by completing at least 8 hours of ongoing education and 40 hours of service.

ABOUT THIS POSITION - This position will support the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program. They will coordinate a variety of activities done by the MMNP State Leadership Team that are designed to recruit new volunteers, increase engagement with existing volunteers, and assist Extension specialists and educators in collecting stories to illustrate the program's public value. They also will be a resource and liaison for MMNP, coordinate multiple projects as well as events and activities including a celebration of the program's 20th year that occurs in 2025. This position will be part of a strong and collaborative team who are passionate about Minnesota's natural resources and proud of its program volunteers across the state.

This is a 100%, 40-hour-per-week position that is currently funded for 24 months. The successful candidate will coordinate with Extension and University employees and must be flexible with switching tasks from week to week.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Volunteer Coordination ~ 30%

Support and coordinate efforts of the MMNP State Leadership Team to recruit new volunteers to core programs, increase engagement with existing volunteers, and build community among program participants and graduates. Responsibilities include:

* Maintain regular direct personal communication with and among volunteers, including in person, via phone/email, and in virtual gatherings and support them in completing and properly reporting their course completion and program requirements.

* Collaborate with communicators and administrative support team to create and distribute advertising and other materials consistent with Extension communications standards for MMNP courses, advanced training, and related events.

* Collaborate with communicators and administrative support team to obtain communication and advertising materials with volunteers and stakeholders and to promote MMNP to the public (social media, online resources, newsletters and related).

* Partner with Extension team members to monitor and coordinate the volunteer management system, assist with volunteer compliance.

* Serve as first point of contact for, and be a representative of, MMNP to community partners, staff, and colleagues.

Coordinate Records and Reporting ~ 30%

* Maintain records and assist with preparation of reports on program activities, products, outcomes, and impacts (both electronic and paper records).

* Coordinate and support internal and external MMNP core and advanced course instructors to develop promotional content for online course promotion.

* Coordinate between MMNP course instructors and Extension Web team and related staff for online course promotion, course offerings, course closures and reporting.

* Collect, compile, and coordinate evaluation, assessment, and related data and reports for MMNP leadership team.

* Coordinate and document MMNP accomplishments and achievements for archiving, reporting, and future events and activities.

Program Coordination ~ 30%

* Responsible for logistics of MMNP courses, activities, and events (virtual and in-person) including space reservations, stay within event/course budget, arrange and obtain supplies and materials, participant registration and communication, etc.

* Use ticketing system and collaborate with support team members and others when appropriate for tasks related to logistics and operations.

* Provide support and collaborate with the program team to respond to unexpected problems, changes, and issues as they arise.

* Schedule, coordinate and facilitate meetings (advisory, staff, team, etc.)

* Participate in regular program coordination meetings, annual staff development meetings, and statewide Extension activities.

* Respond to general inquiries by internal and external staff, partners, stakeholders, public (email, phone, in-person, etc.)

MMNP team support ~ 10%:

* Assist MMNP team in correspondence, travel and administrative needs, track list serv or email contact lists

* Order, maintain, distribute and track supplies; prepare invoices, communicate with vendors as needed

Required Qualifications:

* A completed High School diploma or equivalent and minimum two (2) years related professional experience.

* Demonstrated clear and effective communication in a variety of contexts with various audiences.

* Strong time management skills and the ability to coordinate multiple assignments simultaneously.

* Demonstrated experience in working constructively with people with diverse backgrounds, demographics, and/or educational backgrounds.

* Experience in, and strong skills with Google Suite, Zoom, and Microsoft Office.

Additional Requirements:

* Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings for events and courses, with advance notification.

* Ability to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.

* Must have reliable internet connection if/when working outside of the assigned office location.

* Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be used for travel to activities and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.

* When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.

* Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time; up to 8 hours a day.

* In-state and occasional overnight travel (approximately 7-9 times a year with advance notice) is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position.

* Ability to lift, push, pull, carry, and transport 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.

* This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience in project management or project coordination.

* Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

* Experience using basic databases or spreadsheets and basic analyses.

* Experience working with new and diverse audiences.

* Experience working both independently and as part of a team.

* Knowledge of or interest in conservation and natural environments.

ABOUT EXTENSION - 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.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the position and then the Apply for Job button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter addressing your experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and 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 instructions,.

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

For questions about this position contact:

Amy Rager, Extension Educator and Search Chair, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, .

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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: .

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.