What are the responsibilities and job description for the Alfalfa Outreach Specialist position at University of Wisconsin Madison?
Job Summary : The UW Madison, Division of Extension Agriculture Institute is seeking an Alfalfa Outreach Specialist. The Alfalfa Outreach Specialist position is a unique position, designed to extend alfalfa research findings via outreach and educational programming for producers and agribusiness professionals across Wisconsin, regionally and nationally. The Outreach Specialist position will determine educational needs related to alfalfa productivity, quality, harvestability, and persistence and create relevant resources and training for fellow educators, crop consultants, service providers, alfalfa producers, and other stakeholders. The Outreach Specialist will do this by coordinating nationally with University faculty and staff and other organizations that support alfalfa production. The Outreach Specialist will also identify research and development needs and report those needs to individual researchers and / or the alfalfa-focused scientific community. Specific roles of the position will include : Develop and deliver national training related to alfalfa production and useUpdate and create alfalfa-related educational materialsCoordinate alfalfa-related research, education and outreach efforts with university faculty and staff throughout the United States.Work with partners and clientele to identify research gaps and educational opportunities related to alfalfa production throughout the United States, and develop timely resourcesInforming and guide alfalfa-focused scientists throughout the United States in addressing high-priority research needs. The ideal candidates will have extensive academic training and experience in alfalfa and / or forage production and research as well as experience in developing and delivering impactful educational programming to both producers and agribusiness.The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization. (https : / / blogs.extension.wisc.edu / oaic / call-to-action / ) As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.Responsibilities : Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.20% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program5% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program20% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members20% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials20% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement5% May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending10% Communicate plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers, partners, and relevant stakeholders Education : Required : Master's Degree in a field related to this position's focusPreferred : PhD in a field related to this position's focus Qualifications : Required : Three or more years of relevant professional experience;Demonstrated experience with listed job responsibilities;Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing and applying evidence-based information and research findings;Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively;Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.Preferred : Ten or more years of relevant professional experienceStrong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team settingDemonstrated experience with building diverse, collaborative partnershipsExperience in group facilitation to support needs identification, decision making and stakeholder engagement with complex issuesDemonstrated ability to communicate scientific materials in written and verbal forms for a variety of lay and other audiencesDemonstrated ability to utilize technology to communicate effectivelyDemonstrated ability to write grants and establish partnerships that pool or leverage public and private funds in support of the Institutional mission. Work Type : Full Time : 100%This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Salary : Negotiable ANNUAL (12 months)Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https : / / hr.wisc.edu / benefits / ). Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. How to Apply : We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "Apply to this Position" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents : ResumeLetter of Qualifications (cover letter)Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.
