Job Description
About the DepartmentThe primary function of organizational unit is to support Extension programs in Agriculture, Natural resources, and Community and Rural Development. Our primary responsibility is to assist Extension Professionals in developing and conducting successful programs that are viable, visible, and relevant to existing and emerging needs.
Essential Job Duties
This position will provide program leadership for the Community Economic Development (CED) program within Community and Rural Development (CRD) in North Carolina Cooperative Extension, as well as provide support to the CRD program generally.
Duties of the position include, but are not limited to:
Implement a regular needs assessment process to keep abreast of dynamic CED needs across the state. The nature of this data collection process is to be determined by the program manager. The results of the needs assessment should be integrated in a regular program planning process. This position will work extensively with agents and be responsive to agent identified issues.
Participate and collaborate in the development and implementation of CRD team meetings and retreats and mentor newer team members.
Help determine specific interest of focus within CED (including volunteer development, workforce development, digital literacy, strategic planning, working with local government, workforce housing or other state or county identified needs).
Create/develop toolbox of resources to be made available for agents use, with consistent adaptation and additions made according to agent need. Regular training on resources should be implemented.
Consider sustainable community development as it impacts all groups within the community, and work to mitigate issues causing unfairness in access to education and resources, and participant’s ability to implement best practices. A lens that is respectful and welcoming of all groups must be applied when determining focus and geographic areas for program implementation.
Help curate and develop content for the Community Development web portal for NCCE and other relevant online resources, including educational tools and resources on community and economic development, for use by Extension agents. Special emphasis should be placed on focus programs, but a broad base of CED materials should be made available.
Act as a resource to agents on specific projects with community and economic development focus, and on a limited basis, provide direct technical assistance.
Develop funding sources for the continuation of the CED program initiatives and manage the resources and needed staff.
Provide support to the Community Development objective(s) and goals within the Extension Long Range Plan.
Participate in the development, operationalization, and reporting of program impacts both to help agents with capturing the impact of their CED work and also in reporting CED state program impacts.
Network with other University, state agencies and organizations with related missions, and represent NCCE within NC, regionally and nationally to advance the mission of CRD within NC Cooperative Extension.
Contribute to the planning and implementation of the face-to-face Statewide Community Development Meeting annually or as funding allows.
Coordinate work across Extension areas and colleges in Community Economic Development.
Work with cross-university and external partnership teams to promote and develop programs concerning social and economic changes and opportunities that impact the well-being of NC communities.
Work on local, state and national grant-funded projects to bring expertise and innovation to Community Economic Development Programs.
Provide technical assistance to field faculty across subject areas as relates to Community Economic Development issues through consultation, planning and program design.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
JD or PhD in Sociology, Economics, or related field, or Master’s degree in stated disciplines with 7 years of relevant experience will be considered.
PhD with 3+ years, or a Master’s degree with 7+ years experience in non-profit, community, or economic development with a demonstrated working knowledge of community development principles and economic development.
Must have a demonstrated ability to work with community groups to support community-lead initiatives as well as experience working with a variety of community issues, including workforce development, community capacity building, and planning.
Other Required Qualifications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with specific expertise in group facilitation.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Proficient with Windows based computer systems, MS Word, Excel, E-mail and Databases.
Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Experience in grantsmanship.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate or Terminal degree in sociology, economics, law, or other relevant discipline.
Experience in advocacy.
Experience working with a variety of groups such as seniors, youth, families, multicultural etc.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
NC Driver’s License or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.