Southwest RSDP Outreach Specialist

Title: Southwest RSDP Outreach Specialist

Job Classification: Comm Rel/Outreach Assoc 3 (8208R3), Civil Service

Appointment: Full-time, 100% FTE (40 hours/week)

Office location: Extension office in the Southwest RSDP region: Marshall, Morris, Willmar or Worthington. Hybrid work options may be available.

Pay Range: $64,000 - $74,000 annually ($30.77 - $35.58/hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply by: May 28, 2026

This position supports innovative sustainable development through community-University projects and partnerships, in the Southwest region of the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP).

The outreach specialist will work with the Southwest region's executive director to manage an annual portfolio of community-University research, education, and outreach projects. The main duties of the positions are: (1) building and maintaining strong community/University relationships to support project development and board and work group membership, (2) guiding high-potential project ideas from communities within each Region, (3) providing day-to-day operational oversight and management of the regional RSDP program.

The outreach specialist should have a strong commitment to building relationships with diverse individuals and organizations across Southwest Minnesota and the ability to foster a welcoming environment in board meetings, work group meetings, partnership teams, and all work of RSDP. This person must also have excellent communication and managerial skills needed to oversee a wide variety of projects simultaneously. The Outreach Specialist must be a catalyst and team builder who supports the University's community engagement mission.

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southwest RSDP region: Marshall, Morris, Willmar or Worthington, with potential for hybrid option. Driving throughout Southwest Minnesota is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday. This position requires occasional attendance at evening and/or weekend meetings and events, scheduled in advance.

• Strengthen and increase the presence of the University of Minnesota in Greater Minnesota communities.
• Represent RSDP at meetings and on committees as assigned and/or identified; deepen relationships and network-building with specific attention to members of historically under-served communities.
• Identify emerging community sustainable development needs and innovations from diverse community members and organizations.
• Work in collaboration with Executive Director, Extension Educators, and Regional Directors and UMN faculty to develop and build research, education, and outreach project teams that address and respond to community needs and innovations in addressing sustainable development.
• Develop, manage, and maintain relationships, board and work group participation, and project partnerships that integrate a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and viewpoints.
• Actively initiate, cultivate, and support collaboration and project leadership with partners
• Initiate and foster partnerships, programs, and collaborations in the regional focus areas of natural resources, sustainable agriculture and food systems, clean energy, and resilient communities.
• Build Extension and UMN campuses relationships in the Region, including connecting students and faculty to community-based projects and groups.
• Support the pipeline of RSDP projects by working with local stakeholders and University faculty to strategically design, implement, and evaluate sustainable development research, education, and outreach projects.
• Recruit, support and facilitate regional volunteers, including board members, and advisory work group members
• Engage with and coordinate on multi-regional and statewide projects with all RSDP Regions, where applicable, to implement successful rural sustainable development strategies.
• Provide project ideation and design assistance to communities for consideration by the regional boards and workgroups

• Provide project management, scheduling, public materials development and presentations, organization, leadership, and facilitation of meetings.
• Manage community projects, including but not limited to, supervising students, developing contracts, and overseeing funds to ensure they accomplish goals and meet deadlines
• Foster teamwork that builds a partnership between the Regional Board members, work groups, and community members in the regions and the University of Minnesota.
• Communicate project progress and outcomes to regional stakeholders and contribute content for Regional Partnership social media and other outlets.
• Assist with other RSDP operations and programs as assigned by the Regional Executive Director.

• Implement RSDP project evaluation tools and processes.
• Analyze and report project evaluation outcomes and results to targeted internal and external audiences.

• A BA/BS degree and 4 years of related experience (or a combination of related education and experience to total 8 years), including 2 years professional experience in a related field, which includes but is not limited to community engagement, applied research, education, sustainability and/or sustainable development, evaluation, project management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and networking capacity in rural and/or small community development.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in team building and leadership.
• Practical ability to facilitate meetings and communicate with teams, both in person and virtual
• Demonstrated ability to work with people and organizations that represent significant diversity and the changing rural demographics, which can include through lived experience, professional and/or volunteer work.
• Ability to work independently and be assertive in building relationships with community members throughout the region.
• Experience applying project management skills and tools, and developing work plans, timelines, and tasks for multiple team members.
• Demonstrated ability to complete tasks independently and on time with limited supervision.
• Strong skills with Microsoft and Google Suite applications

• Must be able to drive 150 miles frequently to cover a geographic area. Must have a valid driver's license, applicable insurance, and reliable vehicle.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends occasionally.
• Must be able to stay overnight occasionally.
• Must be able to push, pull, carry and/or lift up to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to work in various types of buildings and outdoor environments.
• Must be able to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

• One related degree and at least 3 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, natural resources, clean energy, rural and community development, or related fields.
• Master's degree in a range of disciplines related to community development, agriculture, and/or natural resources is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an academic or higher education setting and in rural communities is strongly preferred
• Supervisory experience
• Experience with project and program management, including financial and budget management, contracting, invoicing, as well as grant writing and administration.
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating, organizing, and leading diverse groups through decision making and planning processes.
• Experience working with underserved populations to foster relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and partner on projects.
• Experience with project evaluation processes, tools and reporting

The University of Minnesota Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) brings together community and University knowledge and resources to drive sustainability in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources and resilient communities. We support local projects through five regional boards made up of community members and University faculty and staff. These projects foster innovation, deepen understanding and build relationships that empower Greater Minnesota communities to advance their future sustainability.

We also support multi-region food systems work across Greater Minnesota and provide clean energy programming through the Clean Energy Resource Teams. Across RSDP's work, the Partnerships strive to advance diversity and inclusivity, recognizing and understanding the issues to be intertwined with sustainability. Find out more about RSDP at https://extension.umn.edu/regional-partnerships.

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. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $64,000 - $74,000 annually ($30.77 - $35.58/hour); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University 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

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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 attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references 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 application instructions.

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

The University recognizes and values 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.