Title: Director of Extension Government Relations and Agriculture Outreach

Appointment: Full-time, P&A, M&C Pro 5-Government Relations (job code 9762GR)

Extension Area: Extension Dean's office

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus; hybrid work options available

Salary range: Estimated starting annual salary range, $120,000 - 155,000, DOQ

Apply by: June 5, 2024

DESCRIPTION

The Director of Extension Government Relations and Agriculture Outreach is responsible for increasing the awareness and value of University of Minnesota Extension to elected officials and their staffs while working in collaboration with the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), College of Veterinary Medicine and Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) demonstrating the value of University research and Extension outreach to Minnesota agricultural stakeholders. The Director of Extension Government Relations and Agriculture Outreach reports to the Dean of Extension.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBLITIES

Extension Government Relations 40%

• Direct, manage and represent Extension to federal and state policymakers and their staffs, communicate directly with members of Congress, attend state legislative committee hearings, provide feedback, and secure the input and attendance of appropriate administrators when necessary and appropriate.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with selected federal and state agencies and commissions, as they relate to policy and legislative issues affecting Extension.
• Coordinate Extension Dean, Associate Dean, faculty and others' MN legislature testimony and other interactions.
• Keep apprised of tribal government and relations for the 11 tribal nations within the borders of the state of Minnesota.
• Collaborate with Association for Minnesota Counties (AMC) and Extension's statewide operations team related to county government.
• Review congressional and legislative committee agendas for items related to Extension.
• Provide leadership and ideas for "Extension Legislative Action Day" and other events as directed.
• Organize and lead Extension's attendees and participation for the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference (PILD) and Council for Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching organization (CARET).
• Work collaboratively with the University of Minnesota Government Relations office on Extension and University governmentrelations efforts.
• Coach and prepare Extension staff and faculty to inform government personnel and agencies about Extension's educational programming.
• Advise and update the Dean, Dean's Leadership Council, other leadership teams and stakeholders on federal and state policy issues and governmental updates that may affect Extension.
• Coordinate and assist with special legislative and community relations projects as directed.

Agriculture Outreach 40%

• Serve as a key contact for managing relationships with agriculture groups and implementing strategies for developing positive outcomes with these groups.
• Discover, develop, and manage joint activities with agriculture groups to tell the story of University of Minnesota Extension's impact.
• Coordinate agriculture stakeholder outreach within Extension, CFANS, MAES, VetMed and with other University units to ensure that Extension's strengths are marketed in a consistent, compelling, and effective manner.
• Organize and lead Extension's participation in outreach efforts at agriculture conventions and trade shows.
• Attend agriculture conventions and trade shows as a representative of Extension to build connections and relationships.
• Oversee Farmfest including the University of Minnesota farm families of the year recognition process.
• Serve as a University of Minnesota representative when requested on government and industry task forces related to agriculture outreach.

Communications, Media relations and Management 20%

• Partner with Extension communications team to provide content for and ensure that the Extension Government Relations internal and external website content is current, meaningful, and accurate.
• Partner with Extension communications team to provide articles and information to Extension E-news and other internal and external publications.
• Create, manage, and distribute informational materials for congressional and legislative districts.
• Partner with the deans and communications staff in the development of agriculture outreach communication strategies.
• Provide leadership to and manage Extension's Government Relations budget.
• Chair Minnesota Extension National Disaster Education Network (EDEN).
• Oversee and direct work for the program/project assistant assigned to Extension Government Relations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with at least 8 years of experience, including four or more years of experience in government relations (county, state and/or federal), or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and experience in the agriculture industry including stakeholder groups.
• A thorough understanding of the state and federal government and legislative process.
• Experience building relationships with various stakeholders and levels of an organization.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and often rapidly changing environment.
• Highly effective communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with diverse partners and multicultural communities.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work regularly in office; as well as travel to in state and out of state locations as needed.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule including working evenings and weekends.
• Must have reliable internet when not working in an assigned office.
• Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work regularly in a stationary position and on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with the higher education environment, including an understanding of higher education policy and governance structures.
• Project management skills sufficient to ensure projects are organized, tracked, and completed on a timely basis.
• Experience representing a large, distributed organization.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact: Michael Schmitt, Associate Dean and search chair, schmi009@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact: Lisa Brownstein, Extension Human Resources, brow1806@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).