Extension Program Instructor

Working/Functional Title

Finance/Homeownership Program Instructor

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food & Environment Institute (CFEI), this position provides leadership and oversight of local programs, clients and participants, related to MSU Extension money management and pre-purchase homeownership group education and pre-purchase and foreclosure counseling, as part of the Financial and Homeownership Education work team.

As a team member of the Financial and Homeownership Education work team, you will oversee and ensure program/project promotion and expansion activities and assist with data gathering for impact evaluation efforts. You will work in conjunction with your supervisor, program participants and community partners to attain both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Through your supervising educator, you will work in concert with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute and/or work team(s) to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute and organization.

In this role, you will deliver learning opportunities using technology, media, and in-person sessions to engage your audience; facilitating workshops and trainings on topics like budgeting, credit building, and homeownership, tailored to the needs of your community and provide education to help participants develop proactive financial management skills. You will be responsible for client intake, tracking data input, monthly reporting, and program evaluation.

You will establish partnerships with community organizations and statewide teams to achieve financial and homeownership goals, represent MSU Extension at councils and meetings, staying informed on relevant issues and engage with community members to identify and address their unique needs.  Additionally, you will participate in professional development opportunities, such as HUD and NeighborWorks trainings, to build and maintain expertise and/or pursue certifications, like HUD Housing Counselor accreditation, to enhance your professional skills. 

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from either the Wayne County or Macomb County MSU Extension office. This position will serve portions of both Wayne and Macomb Counties.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This is a full-time, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out programs that focus on virtual and in-person delivery of financial education, homeownership education, and foreclosure counseling programming. Must be willing to meet with clients to conduct one-on-one direct education.
• Operates somewhat independently, with minimal supervision, ensuring that program delivery follows prescribed guidelines and meets the goals for reaching specific audiences.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and Community, Food & Environment Institute.
• Understand and support the Community, Food & Environment Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a special emphasis on reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences in rural, suburban and urban communities, and where applicable, increasing programmatic delivery and participation in urban centers.
• Initiate efforts to expand MSU Extension programs to ensure that community needs assessments, program development and recruitment efforts include the engagement of Michigan’s diverse residents across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
• Collaborate with the Financial and Homeownership work team.
• Provide expertise and information to clientele related to program area.
• Plan, organize and implement programs that are relevant to program area and meet the needs of local residents.
• Work to identify and remove barriers from participation in MSU Extension programs.
• Attend various and related local program meetings or committee meetings, as well as community planning activities, as appropriate.
• Other duties as may be assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program management and delivery in Family and Consumer Sciences, Housing, Social Work, Economics, Finance and/or related field. 

• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills. 
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.

• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles, Fair housing standards, and compliance standards.

Desired Qualifications

• HUD Certified Housing Counselor. If candidate is not a certified housing counselor professional development will be provided through MSU Extension to pursue certification.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, end-dated appointment renewable annually based on continued funding.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed.

Description of End Date

12 months. This position is a full-time, end-dated appointment renewable annually based on continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/KjG34cLt9a8