Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Early Childhood (Red Willow County)

Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; McCook (NE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Job summary

University of Nebraska Extension is seeking an Extension Instructor or Extension Educator based in McCook, NE, to develop and deliver high-quality educational programs for parents, teachers, and early childhood professionals. You will support Nebraska’s land‑grant mission through research, teaching, and service.

You will collaborate with Extension specialists and lead programs that engage local and statewide partners, with travel and driver’s license expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a related field for educators; bachelor’s for instructors with progress toward master’s.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in formal or non-formal education settings (preschool, K-12).
• Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers.

Responsibilities

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs and products that reach county, regional, and statewide audiences.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies for program design and assessment.
• Collaborate with assistants, educators, and specialists to foster research-based decision making.
• Translate and convey research-based information to partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Communication

Teaching

Public engagement

Education

Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or related field

Bachelor’s degree for instructors (with progress toward master's within five years)

Job description

Position Information

Open 12‑month, non‑tenure track position in the Early Childhood E‑Center of the Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska. The position is based in McCook, NE and serves the counties of Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Gosper, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Phelps, and Red Willow.

Overview

As an Extension Instructor or Extension Educator, you will develop and deliver high‑quality educational programs for parents, teachers, and early childhood professionals. You will support Nebraska’s integrated land‑grant mission through research, teaching, and service.

Programmatic Responsibilities (≈80%)

• Exemplify professional behavior toward colleagues, clients, and partner organizations.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate innovative educational programs and products that reach county, regional, and statewide audiences.
• Establish and sustain a strong local and regional clientele base and programming portfolio.
• Employ innovative strategies and technologies for program design and assessment.
• Collaborate with assistants, educators, and specialists to foster research‑based decision making.
• Work closely with one or more Extension specialists to fulfill responsibilities.
• Collaborate with specialists, research faculty to conduct applied and validation research.
• Translate and convey research‑based information to partners and stakeholders.
• Engage local, regional, and statewide partners to address priority issues.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local, regional and statewide leaders.
• Obtain funding and partnerships to enhance program reach and impact.
• Create revenue‑generating programming to support viability.
• Lead and contribute to high‑performing Extension programming teams.
• Engage in professional development to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Support youth development programs related to your assignment.
• Conduct needs assessments, develop programs, measure impact, and report results to various stakeholders.
• Collaborate with leads, specialists, advisory committees, and stakeholders to assess needs and provide access through diverse platforms.
• Participate in teams focused on current or future needs and strategize in program areas.
• Foster a culture of collaboration with local leaders and accountability in the region.
• Cultivate open and welcoming learning environments.
• Complete PEARS data entry and reporting requirements.
• Fulfill annual IANR reporting requirements and individual impact reports.

Organizational Citizenship/Lead Educator Role (≈20%)

• Serve in or support the Lead Educator role as outlined in the Lead Educator document, in partnership with supervisors.
• Coordinate with Engagement Zone Coordinators and local Extension professionals to strengthen Nebraska Extension presence.
• Cooperate with local faculty and staff to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact.
• Build collaboration with local leaders and community members to strengthen university relationships.
• Support engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board.
• Adhere to Equal Employment Opportunity compliance efforts.
• Accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special assignments at various levels.

Some travel and a valid driver’s license are required.

Benefits

Tuition remission for up to 15 credit hours per year for full‑time employees. Upon completion of a master’s degree, the position may advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or a closely related field for educators; bachelor’s degree for instructors (with expected progress toward master’s within five years).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in formal or non‑formal education settings (preschool, K‑12).
• Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Effective management of multiple priorities and programs.
• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish goals.
• Outstanding leadership skills demonstrated by roles in college, career, or community activities.

Work Location

McCook, NE. Pre‑placement driving record review and criminal background check required.

How to Apply

Submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae or resume, and contact information for three professional references. Complete the supplemental question regarding team experiences and contributions to inclusive environments.