Director of Extension Global Initiatives

Working Title: Director of Extension Global Initiatives

Appointment: Fulltime, Community Relations/Outreach Specialist (#9341S2)

Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus, University of Minnesota

Reports to: Director of Strategic Initiatives and Administration

Salary Range: $100,000-$125,000

Apply By: January 9, 2025

University of Minnesota Extension (Extension) is the major education outreach arm of the University of Minnesota. Extension is committed to delivering high-quality, research-based education programs and information to Minnesota citizens and communities statewide. Complete information about Extension may be found at www.extension.umn.edu.

The Director of Extension Global Initiatives collaborates with colleagues across Extension to build greater awareness of international perspectives and opportunities to engage globally. This position will lead efforts to develop and sustain deep international partnerships in collaboration with colleagues across Extension, and embed into the organization a culture that learns from international experiences to enhance Extension's mission work; Extension's and the University's strategic priorities; and Extension's ability to meaningfully engage with the communities we serve in Minnesota and beyond.

• Collaborate with Extension leaders to prioritize relationship and partnership opportunities that align with Extension priorities, existing areas of expertise, or emerging issues for future work.
• Partner with Extension and University colleagues and help facilitate efforts to develop, diversify, and strengthen programs, partnerships, evaluation approaches, and funding streams that promote global engagement in Extension education.
• Facilitate international travel and manage logistics for Extension faculty and staff teams.
• Work closely with Extension educators and evaluators to track Extension's international relationships, program impacts, and public value to advance the mission and long-term priorities of Extension and the University of Minnesota.
• Foster greater collaboration across Extension departments, and colleges and units at the University of Minnesota.
• Connect Extension's international efforts via networking, presentations, or other means with University partners and outside organizations, such as the University of Minnesota Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Peace Corps, NGOs, and other relevant associations and organizations.

• Develop and guide a comprehensive strategy to embed global initiatives, perspectives, cultural sensitivity, and learning into Extension's overall work.
• Share experiences, knowledge, and best practices related to working with international partners to the rest of Extension and the University community to equip Extension educators to enhance their work and improve educational results.
• Coordinate with Extension educators, evaluators, and communication colleagues to articulate the benefits of Extension international programs and initiatives and to expand the resources for and engagement in this work.
• Develop connections, in collaboration with other University of Minnesota and Extension colleagues, with state government, federal agencies, and higher ed peers to engage in trade, policy, or discussions in which Extension expertise is relevant and that help position Minnesota well among other states and nations.

• Identify, develop, and build a sustainable funding model (including grants, fees, and philanthropy) to advance this work in Extension.
• Position Extension for long-term success within the network of domestic and international funders and agencies in this arena.
• Work with Extension educators, program leaders, and administrators to ensure Extension international partnerships and programs comply with international laws, University policies, and processes related to agreements, contracts, finances and are managed in partnership with the University's administrative and support staff.

• BA/BS with at least 8 years of experience in international relations or related field
• Experience connecting partner and community needs with University capabilities and research
• Experience working and networking with potential partners in the international program arena
• Experience working in at least one organization with international programs and a connection to higher education
• Professional program management experience including cross-cultural projects, budget management, building and mentoring project teams, and program promotion
• Experience garnering funding in the international programs arena
• High levels of cultural competency, an ability to navigate international issues and politics, and a proven ability to build positive relationships across differences
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including overnight stays of 7 or more days 4-6 times a year

• Knowledge of the University of Minnesota
• Demonstrated experience leading through change
• Experience working in Extension or in organizations related to Extension's educational program portfolio (youth development, education, agriculture, family development, social sciences, community development, etc.)
• Experience making arrangements for and working with translators
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the challenges faced by those for whom English is not their primary language.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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: $100,000-$125,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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 and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) 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).

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).