1890 Extension
School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
The 1890 Extension Administrator invites resumes for a twelve month, full-time, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The RDC Coordinator will report to the 1890 Extension Administrator and for specific program matters, the Dean of the School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences and appropriate Assistant Extension Director. This position will be housed at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore
The Rural Development Center (RDC), located at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) facilitates public/private partnerships and regional approaches through which communities and businesses jointly prosper. The Center maintains a commitment to a community-based approach to technical assistance development and encourages and supports projects that address locally identified needs of rural people. The Center is attentive to community diversity, and is concerned with the causes and consequences of social, political, and economic changes in rural areas and the effective influence of rural people, businesses, and communities. The Coordinator of the RDC is responsible for providing primary leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of economic and community development projects and activities on Marylands Eastern Shore.
The position includes support and interaction with academic departments at UMES and UMCP and other campuses and units within the University System of Maryland. Programs will be implemented and promoted through a variety of delivery methods including classes and seminars, use of mass media, educational technology and cooperative efforts with Extension specialists, county-based faculty, professional organizations, and community coalitions and organizations.
Responsibilities: Consult with local government and private industry to define needs and structure programs and project activities that address local economic development. events and meetings to obtain information and feedback from public and private sectors. Assist in planning, developing and implementing economic adjustment strategies based on needs and municipalities.
Assist faculty to identify opportunities for research and training related to economic development. Prepare proposals for external funding. Work with or serve as a liaison between/among federal, state, regional, and county and municipal economic development professionals. Provide technical assistance in economic development specifically in the areas of: business attraction, creation, retention and expansion, tourism, value-added industrial development. In partnership with other faculty, carryout applied research to identify key socio economic interrelationships between urban and rural areas and investigate the impacts of economic changes of selected economic development strategies, project new industry demand and job requirements, and publish and disseminate results from rural research and outreach educational programs. Support rural infrastructure development initiatives by: maintaining current information on federal and state initiatives targeted to assist rural areas, support with technical assistance in grantsmanship a broad range of development programs, and develop and maintain an expanded network of development professionals to jointly collaborate on local priority rural issues. Operate and administer revolving loan funds in cooperation with Lower Shore County economic development departments. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications: B.S. degree required. M.S. or Ph.D. degree is preferred in socio-economic science. Five years of experience in community and/or economic development programs required. Demonstrated understanding of Extension program development and delivery required. Computer literacy required. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate evidence of strong team building skills and commitment to public service, and demonstrated ability to communicate with diverse audiences. Bilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, are desired. A valid drivers license is required as the position will require travel.
Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and have three letters of professional references sent directly by reference to the Department of Human Resources, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, Maryland 21853. E-mail:mvames@umes.edu
UMES is an EEO/AA employer. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America. Minorities, women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.