Job Details

Working/Functional Title

Equine Extension Educator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.  

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Children and Youth Institute (CYI), this position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in equine education and the 4-H equine program. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate with work teams, as well as work across institutes (i.e., Agriculture and Agri-Business Institute) and with community groups and constituency groups, working alongside faculty from the Department of Animal Science, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of the CYI clientele.

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to youth equine education. Through your leadership, you will organize and develop educational programs and materials for 4-H youth participants, adult 4-H volunteers, and Extension staff in horse management, nutrition, training, equitation, judging, and showmanship. You will coordinate the Michigan 4-H Horse Program, including state level horse related youth activities, and work closely with a diverse group of horse industry organizations involved with youth, as well as assisting county Extension staff to develop programs, and workshops on a state-wide basis and in local communities.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with community members, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that contribute to educating youth and volunteers in equine education. You will use outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with the CYI messaging.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, including the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University, and a diverse network of partner groups and constituency groups related to the equine industry. You will provide support for youth equine education statewide.

This position has office space in Anthony Hall, which provides close proximity to the Department of Animal Science, located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally to evaluate the needs of clientele and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and CYI.
• Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff related to the youth equine program area.
• Understand and support the Children and Youth Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, and other human differences.
• Communicate and interact with community groups and constituency groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.
• Work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment for the state within the horse program and develop effective programming.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CYI and work teams.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
• Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Youth Development, Education, Animal Sci

Desired Degree

Masters -Youth Development, Education, Animal Sci

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to youth development, education, or animal science, or related field must be earned by date of hire, with and expectation to complete a master’s degree within a specified time frame, in a related field after employment; or master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to youth development, education, or animal science must be earned by date of hire.
• Familiarity with horse/equine education.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Ability to create and carryout a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in field of study related to youth development, education, or animal science.
• 3-years’ experience in program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, event planning, implementation, and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred).
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/8KBMarSqHos

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.