Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to citizens and are based on the research and experience of land-grant universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park.

In Maryland, UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

The UME Agriculture and Food Systems (AgFS) Extension Program serves the leading private industry in the state. In 2017, the market value of Maryland crops and livestock sold exceeded $2.4 billion and contributed $8.25 billion to the Maryland economy. The AgFS Program conducts applied research and provides educational programs for the production and marketing of grains, oilseeds, horticulture, floriculture, poultry, dairy and beef cattle, sheep and goats, equine, and other livestock, helping producers adopt new technologies and practices to improve profitability. As an example, Maryland agriculture has worked to conserve resources and improve water quality through new management practices such as cover crops and nutrient management planning.


Position Summary / Purpose of Position:
This position is based at the University of Maryland’s Wye Research and Education Center in Queenstown, Maryland. The Educator supports the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program, a UME Signature Program, and provides the delivery of a high-quality leadership development program serving emerging leaders in agriculture and rural communities. This includes teaching a curriculum focused on public issues education, leadership skills development, and personal growth.

The Educator's responsibilities include planning, teaching, facilitating, and evaluating multi-day seminars, field tours, and other educational events; coordinating logistics and communication with guest speakers, trainers, facilitators, and tour hosts; and managing seminar-related budgets.

The Educator will engage directly with program participants (Fellows), program alumni, and other stakeholders. Strong teaching, event planning, communication, and organizational skills are essential. If qualified, the Educator may lead international study tours and facilitate related learning experiences.


Responsibilities
• Teach leadership development content, including personal leadership, group dynamics, communication skills, strategic thinking, and public issues education.
• Plan, facilitate, and evaluate multi-day seminars and other educational events that support curriculum goals.
• Engage with Fellows, program alumni, and stakeholders to support learning, professional growth, and program goals.
• Communicate with and coordinate guest speakers, trainers, facilitators, and tour hosts to support effective seminar delivery.
• Manage seminar budgets, prepare estimates, track expenses, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Work with tour operators to plan international study tours and facilitate related educational activities.
• Remain current in leadership education through ongoing professional development.
• Contribute to the field through creative and scholarly activities such as developing educational materials, participating in applied research, presenting at conferences, and publishing Extension or peer-reviewed materials.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the program’s mission and success.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of leadership principles, including personal leadership, group dynamics, communication, and adaptive leadership.
• Experience teaching or facilitating in areas such as communication, civil discourse, conflict management, and using self-assessment instruments. Familiarity with tools like Myers-Briggs, CliftonStrengths, Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI), Enneagram, and Crucial Conversations.
• Understanding of public policy, civic engagement, and community leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a broad range of individuals and groups.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Experience planning events, coordinating guest speakers, and managing program budgets is preferred.
• Have an appreciation