Michigan State University Extension Seeks Extension Specialist-Fixed

Working/Functional Title

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Specialist

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), this position develops, conducts, identifies, and implements training programs, resources, materials, and learning opportunities for MSU Extension staff members, community partners and other interested organizations and agencies across the state. These resources and learning opportunities help inform the organizational commitment to civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion so that these values become incorporated into MSU Extension’s culture, programming, and outreach.

Working as the MSU Extension Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, you will also serve as a resource on issues related to civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion that occur across the organization and within our community programs in collaboration with the MSU Extension Director of Human Resources. You will report to the Director of Extension in coordination with the Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

In this position, you will work collaboratively to guide the organization on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), while identifying and disseminating DEI information to MSUE staff that supports learning and fosters an environment of inclusive excellence. Your work will include dissemination of civil rights training across MSUE, and the development, coordination, facilitation, and implementation of various workshops and learning opportunities. You will serve as an ex-officio member of the CANR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and will work with MSU Extension leadership to establish and coordinate MSUE Employee Resource DEI networks of staff interested in helping the organization move forward in their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You will also work in partnership with the MSUE Director of Human Resources and other members of the Extension HR team, as requested, in concerns related to civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The workshops and learning opportunities will focus on human differences such as race, gender/gender identity, disabilities/abilities, class (socio-economic and organization hierarchies) and sexual orientation and will be offered to MSUE employees and community partners. Offerings will include the two-day Multicultural Self-Awareness Workshop, Opening Doors Workshop, Leadership in Dealing with Difficult Multicultural Discussions and Coming Together for Racial Understanding, and the Extension Listening Sessions on Race and Racism. Additionally, you will provide leadership, coordination, and support to the multicultural component of the MSU Extension Undergraduate Internship Program and will lead and facilitate the MSU Extension DEI Race and Ethnicity Accountability Council.

You will provide leadership for civil rights compliance reviews, will be responsible for developing internal, University, and federal reports relative to DEI and civil rights programming and initiatives, and will serve as the chair of the civil rights committee. Following completion of civil rights compliance reviews, you will implement recommendations and will work with MSUE administrators to ensure compliance with USDA/NIFA on civil rights and equal opportunity laws and policies.

Working in collaboration with MSUE leadership, you will support efforts to strengthen the organizational onboarding, recruitment, and retention processes for people of color, women, and other underrepresented groups and individuals. You will provide leadership, assistance, and guidance on best practices in the recruitment process, and will look for innovative ways to diversify applicant pools and expand outreach, including working with Extension Human Resources, Extension Director’s Office and CANR Office of Diversity to recruit and represent MSUE at career fairs to achieve organizational diversity that is representative of the country and world.

Your work will also include oversight, leadership, and coordination of all aspects of the MSU Extension Professional Apprenticeship Program. This includes the application and candidate selection processes, identification and training for apprenticeship coaches, and development of the program itinerary, including content, materials, and trainers/facilitators.

Through your work, you will identify supplemental funding resources through grants, fee for service programming and other opportunities to reinvest in DEI initiatives, programs, and professional development across the organization.

Although negotiable, there will be space for this position to work from the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative research-based educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs to guide leadership and MSU Extension on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the organization, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension.
• Understand and support MSU Extension’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and 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.
• Contribute to scholarship within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion discipline by submitting and publishing articles in related professional journals.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities and stay abreast of contemporary DEI issues through professional development, networks, reading and skill development in partnership with DEI professionals in the University, state, and nation.
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Director of Extension.

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 Degree

Masters -Cultural/Ethnic Studies, Social Services

Desired Degree

Doctorate -Cultural/Ethnic Studies, Social Services

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to cultural or ethnic studies, social services, sociology, psychology, organizational development, behavioral sciences, business, human resources, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
• Background in building DEI strategy through innovative means, with an ability to think outside the box and to drive change in the area of DEI.
• Experience conducting research independently.
• 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.
• Ability to create and carry-out a project plan from development of initial concept to project completion and follow-up/impact assessment.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Qualtrics, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance delivery/communication technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• 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.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights and compliance standards.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Persons with a Ph.D. from an accredited institution in a field of study related to cultural or ethnic studies, social services, sociology, psychology, organizational development, behavioral sciences, business, human resources, or related field.
• Three or more years of experience in DEI strategy, civil rights and equal opportunity laws and policies, and organizational onboarding, recruitment, and retention processes for underrepresented groups; relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

Four (4) professional references including two (2) current or previous supervisors.

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/8KBMarSqHos

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.