Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Rural Prosperity Nebraska (Pierce County)

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Are you a community developer—ready to co-create with rural communities, leaders and entrepreneurs? Nebraska Extension is searching for an extension professional who can assist communities to catalyze their local assets, deliver strong regional and research-based expertise, lead impactful learning programs, and serve as coach to communities that are poised to thrive. Core to this role is the ability to conduct community outreach and engagement to design and deliver educational programming that supports thriving rural communities. We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension (unl.edu) and Nebraska Extension – Rural Prosperity Nebraska – YouTube. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who demonstrate excellence, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, are team players, and are excellent communicators.

We have an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Pierce, Nebraska and serving Cedar, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Madison, Pierce, Stanton, Thurston, and Wayne Counties. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. We want individuals who are self-directed and thrive in an autonomous work environment. You will work with high-performing teams to create and deliver world-class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate's level of education. Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master's degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefits package, the University offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master's degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and the Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University's N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Organizational or Community Development; Economics; Leadership Studies; Community or Regional Planning; Education; Rural Sociology; Entrepreneurship; Business Administration; Landscape Architecture; Planning with a focus on community-based, regional, urban, environmental, and/or infrastructure; or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master's degree in Organizational or Community Development; Economics; Leadership Studies; Community or Regional Planning; Education; Rural Sociology; Entrepreneurship; Business Administration; Landscape Architecture; Planning with a focus on community-based, regional, urban, environmental and/or infrastructure; or a closely related field (extension educator).
• Successful experience teaching adults in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, writing, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming to assist underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to network effectively with businesses and/or community leaders.
• Familiarity with rural communities in Nebraska.
• Understanding of, or experience with, developing and delivering educational programs focused on Rural Prosperity Nebraska priority issues.

This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination