Extension Educator,Assoc - Community Resource and Engagement Specialist

Extension Educator, Associate - Community Resource and Engagement Specialist, MapTCC

The purpose of the position is to increase the capacity of entities committed to energy and environmental justice in Wyoming. The specialist is the first point of contact with public participants in Mountains and Plains Thriving Communities Collaborative (MaPTCC) from Wyoming and South Dakota and works to support participants with funding strategies, facilitation, expert referrals, and workplace /skill development assistance. The primary audiences for MaPTCC's services are in remote, rural and Tribal areas as well as underserved urban centers in Wyoming and South Dakota.

The individual in this position works as a representative of the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension and MaPTCC to plan, deliver, coordinate, and evaluate technical assistance programs which build the capacity of individuals and organizations across Wyoming and South Dakota to address environment and energy justice priorities. Primary duties include but are not limited to:

• Community Engagement and Relationship Building

  Establish and maintain robust relationships and build program awareness with diverse stakeholders, including rural, remote, Tribal, and underserved communities. Facilitate access to technical, financial, and legal resources by providing leadership in building mutual learning relationships with community residents and leaders through a blend of educational outreach, technical assistance, community coaching, and connection to technical, grant, legal, and scientific resources. The role involves extensive travel within the region to engage directly with communities and program participants.

  
  

• Program Delivery and Coordination

  Take the lead in the strategic planning and execution of technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the unique environmental and energy justice challenges of rural Wyoming and South Dakotan communities. This includes assessing needs, determining program priorities, delivering high-quality programming, and leveraging a train-the-trainer model to enhance local capacities for project management, financial planning and sustainability as well as social, civic, economic and leadership capacity.

  
  

• Educational and Capacity-Building Material Development

  Create and distribute a wide range of capacity-building tools, including webinars, training sessions, grant templates, and other resources, to broaden the program's impact. Ensure these materials are accessible and beneficial to a diverse audience.

  
  

• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

  Implement effective mechanisms for tracking program activities, collecting feedback, and assessing the impact of initiatives. Utilize project databases to monitor progress and outcomes, contributing to continuous improvement of the program.

  
  

• Collaboration and Communication

  Work closely with peers within the MaPTCC, other regional and national programs, and various stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels to amplify the collective impact of environmental and energy justice initiatives.

  
  

• 100% Extension

• Individuals, organizations, and private businesses engaged in energy/environmental justice in Wyoming and South Dakota, particularly individuals of underserved communities and underserved communities and organizations, including urban, rural, and remote communities and organizations. This includes faith-based organizations and churches, utility providers, health care clinics and providers, among others.
• Disadvantaged businesses, including farmers and ranchers affected by environmental and/or energy issues such as restoring wetlands, water quality management, disaster preparedness.
• Local, tribal, and state governments such as County Commissioners, Wyoming and South Dakota Indian Reservations, and Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.
• Non-profit, community-based, grassroots, philanthropic, and civic organizations.
• UW Faculty, Extension Educators, Extension Specialists and other educational organizations, including minority serving institutions.

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus/or Extension Office depending on availability of space.

• An earned master's degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional experience. One degree must have been conferred in community development, environmental or social justice, business, public policy, or a closely related area.
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.
• Demonstrated experience in the areas of environmental and energy justice or related subject areas.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and/or teach adult learners.
• A commitment to travel and work in remote areas and rural counties in Wyoming.

• Three + years in fields related to community development, environmental or social justice, business, public policy, or a closely related area.
• Experience with technical writing, grantsmanship, and project management, preferably involving federal agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and explain funding announcements and documentation.
• Experience working directly with rural, remote, and underserved communities, governments, and community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to environmental and energy justice issues affecting communities, especially underserved, rural, remote and Tribal communities.
• Exceptional professional, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different levels of neighborhood, community, county, Tribal government, state, University, and national contexts.
• Experience in developing partnerships with other organizations/agencies and fostering positive relationships with community stakeholder
• Ability to use technology and media- for connecting with program participants and fulfilling job responsibilities effectively.
• Familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic and underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience applying the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in programming. Individuals with lived experience which directly informs their understanding of environmental and energy justice challenges are especially encouraged to apply
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of Extension and the land-grant university system.

• Completed application
• A detailed letter of intent which specifically addresses your qualifications relative to the responsibilities and essential duties of the position.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Copies of all college transcripts; official transcripts required at time of hiring.
• Four (4) letters of reference from individuals who can address your professional qualifications

Dr. Roger Coupal, Professor, State Specialist in Community Economic Development

University of Wyoming Extension and Agricultural and Applied Economics Department

Phone: ~~~, Email: ~~~

Ann Roberson, Business Manager

University of Wyoming Extension

Phone: ~~~ Email: ~~~

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The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado's Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit ~~~/