Extension Educator, Leadership & Civic Engagement; Rochester, MN

Job Details

Title:

Extension Educator, Leadership and Civic Engagement

Job

Job Code: 9624CL

Job Family:
Education

Employee Group:
Academic Professional

Employee Class:
Acad Prof and Admin

Full/Part Time (FTE):
Full time position

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Office location:
Rochester Extension Regional Office; with some flexibility

Estimated salary range: $70,000-$80,000

Apply by:
September 27, 2026

Extension educators in leadership and civic engagement (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.

There is a focus for this position on development of resources and programming to support community-based tourism.

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 the Rochester Regional Extension office when not out programming 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 Rochester. 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.

Flexible office arrangements are possible, but this is not a fully remote position. Driving to partnering communities is expected and compensated.

This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend work, depending on the needs of the program or project and the communities involved. Driving and travel for work is expected as needed. Overnight stays may be necessary 4 to 5 times a year, particularly for programs and projects outside of the region.

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 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, organizations, and community members to develop and deliver program resources that help people facilitate engagement in their communities around current and emerging tourism efforts.
• Participating in a department Area of Excellence team focused on developing resources to support community-based tourism.
• Working with campus resources, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, College of Design, and others) to identify resources and develop…