**Search extended until October 30, 2024.**
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Climate & Environment Program Leader provides leadership for broad, innovative environmental programs in Dutchess County. The Program Leader is responsible for program development, implementation and administration, including grants development, execution and tracking, marketing, evaluation, and applied research to address local and system initiatives, as well as providing leadership in developing, planning, implementing and evaluating innovative Geographic Information Systems (GIS), natural resource, and water resource-related programs. The Program Leader maintains Cornell connection (administration and faculty/area teams), including research connection with faculty, as well as developing and maintaining local, regional, and community liaisons. The Program Leader works with the local Environmental Management Council (EMC), Conservation Advisory Committees (CACs), watershed groups, government officials and other environmental groups on issues of local environmental policy and education. The Program Leader identifies local/regional priorities and program direction as part of the management team with Executive Director and state/local Program Leadership and Program Work Teams and connects with other Associations and Cornell faculty/area teams to examine and develop regional efforts in program and research related to Extension's mission, priority programs and issues. This position supervises Climate & Environment Program staff to deliver quality programming as well as offer input, coach and evaluate each staff member on job performance and program goals.
The Program Leader also manages CCEDC’s GIS Lab and provides custom maps, GIS analysis and educational programming for a wide range of audiences, as well as acts as the Local Information Technology (IT) Liaison between the Association and the Shared Business Network (SBN) IT Lead. In this role, the staff member will assist staff members with simple computer, internet, network, and other IT issues (to the best of their ability) and assist the SBN IT Lead with association-specific IT tasks and dissemination of information.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree with appropriate subject-matter specialization and at least four years of progressively responsible, relevant experience or equivalent professional education experience in an academic, human service, government or industry setting. A relevant PhD may substitute for two years’ experience.
- Vast experience with local environmental topics, including but not limited to: climate change & resilience, water resources & watershed management, natural resources & conservation princicples, youth environmental education, and more.
- In-depth knowledge of the general principles and techniques of GIS as applicable to the Climate & Environment Program and Energy Program, Dutchess County and municipal partners, other local partners, and local residents/constituents; in-depth knowledge of GIS desktop software and online mapping applications/platforms; ability to interpret geostatistical data on physical, economic, and social phenomena as they affect the county’s natural resources.
- Knowledge of the principles, theory, research, and application of subject-matter appropriate to environmental and natural resource issues.
- Volunteer management experience and program/personnel management experience.
- Good verbal, written and Internet communication skills with web-based research ability.
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
- Ability to work with diverse people and groups.
- Ability to resolve conflicts.
- Ability to manage long-term goals within a context of day-to-day deadlines. Ability to organize work and set priorities; ability to handle multiple tasks; ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to creatively solve problems. Ability to gather, assemble, consolidate and analyze facts and draw conclusions.
- A high degree of accuracy, integrity, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
- Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional educational tools and methods. Familiarity with electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.). Proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Office and Internet-based communications.
- Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS program suite and strong GIS database management skills
- Must learn, know and abide by Association personnel policies.
- Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
- Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Coursework in research methodology, education and management experience highly preferred.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment - 5%
- Provide program leadership to the application of subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community.
- Develop program needs assessment and processes and analyze to make recommendations that reflect the community’s diversity and priorities.
- Maintain direct linkage to Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance.
- Ensure program assessment is within scope of statewide Plan of Work.
- May be involved in multi-Association team efforts to assess program.
Program Development - 15%
- Provide overall leadership in the application of high-level subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies and to create innovative educational programs meeting changing local issues.
- Ensure program development direction includes Cornell and local Association Committees/Staff input and is within the guidelines of overarching organizational mission, Plans of Work, policies and procedures.
- Seek input from the Cornell faculty, Association staff, program committee and clientele in the development of educational programs that are diverse and address the needs of the community.
- Develop programs that reflect the diversity of the Cornell Cooperative Extension System and the diverse program participants, coordinating with staff from other program areas in the Association, the region and state.
- Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
Program Delivery - 5%
- Serve as a subject matter expert to staff and clientele, including schools, agencies and other groups, as they are identified.
- Responsible for implementing and conducting educational programs that address critical local needs as identified through needs assessments. This may include meetings, special training seminars, roundtable discussions, etc.
- Participate in mass media effort related to program including newsletters, magazine articles, press released and web-based and social media communication.
- Professionally represent the Association with the public, community leaders, government offices and Cornell University.
- Ensure program delivery is within scope of statewide Plan of Work.
Program Evaluation - 10%
- Analyze and evaluate program impact and make recommendations to supervisor, program committee, and advisory committees for strengthening and improving programs.
- Manage and assist with evaluation of educational programs of assigned staff.
Applied Research - 10%
- Collaborate in the applied research process in conjunction with Cornell University faculty as identified and opportunities present to design or create applied research collection framework.
- Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon as identified.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units to for guidance in applied research as appropriate.
- Ensure applied research is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 20%
- Responsible for short and long range program planning that address critical local needs as identified through needs assessments. This may include meetings, special training seminars, roundtable discussions, etc.
- Provide high-level leadership for program planning and team efforts with other program areas and Associations to address priority issues.
- Provide leadership and commitment to seek out and secure grants/alternative funding sources to support Climate & Environment Program priorities.
- Investigate, develop and prepare proposals to secure additional funds for programs and support of the overall Association.
- Work with Fiscal Staff and Executive Director on the development and allocation of program budget.
- Lead the planning of effective strategic external and internal program communication efforts.
- Lead the development of expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, and community leaders.
- Develop staffing plans for program area and assist in planning organizational leadership development strategies.
- Design a system of ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.
- May assist in the creation of an Association Plan of Work within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Management - 25%
- Provide leadership for the Climate & Environment Program Staff Team including ongoing supervision, guidance for program planning and implementation, employee development and training.
- Evaluate and conduct annual performance reviews of Climate & Environment Program staff.
- Responsible for all aspects of the Climate & Environment Program including oversight of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Lab.
- Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-based.
- Manage a volunteer supported system for programming and outreach that promotes and involves local residents.
- Responsible for management of Climate & Environment Program grants/contracts including evaluation of grant/alternative funding programs and all required reporting, salary allocations and expense vouchering.
- Provide leadership in funding proposal submission.
- Work with Human Resource Staff and Executive Director re: staffing plans, new staff searches and orientation for Climate & Environment Program staff. Provide supervisory responsibilities to direct reports.
- Provide leadership and address and resolve Climate & Environment Program personnel, volunteer and administrative issues utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. Work and communicate with Executive Director re: resolution strategies and any critical situations/issues.
Coordination/Operation - 5%
- Cooperatively participate as a member of the Association’s leadership team re: Association issues, priorities, etc., providing reports, etc. as needed.
- Provide evaluation reports that include impact/outcome measures utilizing a variety of evaluative methods.
- Maintain effective working relationships with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, etc.
- Perform tasks related to supervisory responsibilities.
- Perform Local IT tasks working with SBN IT Lead for guidance and support.
Professional Improvement - 5%
- In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
- Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.
- Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
- Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
- Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.
- Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
- Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
- Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
This is a full time, exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation starting at the rate of $70,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
- Vacation, Sick and Personal time
- Paid Holidays
- NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
- NYS Retirement
- Long-term Disability Insurance
- Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
- Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
- Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
- Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
- Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
- Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
- Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
**Search extended until October 30, 2024.** All applications must be received on-line by October 30, 2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.
Job Title:
Association Issue Leader
Level:
No Grade - Annual
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Leah Cadwallader
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
