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Description of Work Unit: 

The Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, CSU Extended Campus (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus, and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total of budgets is approximately $85 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, CSU Extended Campus garners enrollments of over 10,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts. 

The Community Engagement State Team advances Colorado State University's commitment to civic engagement and collaboration by strengthening local capacity for community-driven change. Through cross-sector partnerships between CSU, the Office of Engagement and Extension, and communities across Colorado, this team works to foster resilient, thriving communities where all members feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to come together, respond to emerging local needs, and lead positive, sustainable change.   

 

Job Description:

The Community Engagement Coordinator will support the Community and Economic Development team and the Food Systems team to build capacity within OEE to provide key programming, foster community engagement, and facilitate growth in the areas of community and economic development and food systems. They will especially assist with work that is not covered while staff are out on extended leave. Their primary work will focus on: 

  • Supporting key leadership and civic training programs like the Family Leadership Training Institute: supporting community members and families to acquire key leadership skills to foster community resilience and connectedness.
  • Regional Food Summit: Supporting efforts to host regional food system convenings across the state intended to engage a diverse set of food system stakeholders - from young leaders to establish agriculturalists to food access advocates.
  • Beginning and Transitioning Farmers and Ranchers Online Programming: Expanding training and resources for new and aspiring farmers and ranchers as well as administrative support for the 2025 live virtual course offerings.
  • Community Conversation Trainings: Facilitating seasonal training to equip staff and community leaders to host conversations on critical local issues.
  • Regional Food Business Center: Supporting the evaluation and assessment of technical assistance programs in support of food and agriculture-related businesses within the state.

This position will ensure the effective implementation of these programs and strengthen cross-team collaboration, while also driving evaluation and improvements in these areas. 


Given the current workload of leadership, the Community Engagement Specialist role is essential to provide dedicated support, ensure more strategic engagement, and allow the leadership teams to focus on higher-level activities that will advance the organization's goals. Without this position, both teams would be unable to manage the growing demand for their services, thus limiting the organization’s capacity to drive meaningful impact. 

The office location for this position is in Fort Collins, Colorado. While this position is eligible for some hybrid work, the individual in this position is expected to maintain a presence in the office to effectively balance the duties of the position.  The work schedule will vary, and occasional nights and weekend work and travel throughout the state of Colorado will be necessary.

  

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Program Development and Delivery – 10% 

  • Informing and supporting efforts to host regional food system convenings across the state engaging a diverse set of food system stakeholders.
  • Expanding training and resources for beginning and aspiring farmers and ranchers.
  • Facilitating seasonal training to equip staff and community leaders to host conversations on critical local issues.
  • Employing effective technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
  • Promoting civic participation through education and training initiatives.
  • Support the delivery of online programming like the FLTI Civic Learning Labs.

 

Program Evaluation and Assessment - 40% 

  • Assessing and refining the impact of new and existing community engagement programs to ensure effectiveness and relevance.
  • Supporting the evaluation and assessment of technical assistance programs in support of food and agriculture-related businesses within the state.
  • Lead communication and organization efforts to evaluate existing programming, trainings, and the development of evaluation reports.
  • Management of evaluation data and metrics including synthesis and impact reports.

 

Stakeholder Engagement - 50%

  • Communicate and coordinate resources, research, and programming with faculty/staff at CSU, county, and other organizations.
  • Develop and support positive working relationships with Extension staff, CSU faculty, local/county agencies, community leaders and private industry organizations to address priority needs.
  • Engage and collaborate with community-based organizations and constituents to understand community needs and develop support for existing and new program efforts.
  • Empowering families with leadership skills to influence community decisions.
  • Travel to and participate in meetings, professional development, events and periodic activities requiring travel and/or overnight stays.
  • Work with team to support and maintain communication materials and reports to utilize in engagement.
  • Support the organization and reach of existing collaboration networks of the CED and Food System teams.
  • Support the process to engage FLTI partner engagement to guide future programming.
  • Participate and lead development efforts to support future programming.

 

Required Skills:

  • Good communication and organizational skills.
  • 2+ years of professional experience relevant to the Essential Job Duties (above) of this position.
  • Course work and/or professional experience must provide a broad and significant understanding of discipline areas associated with the position.
  • Ability to host in-person and online meetings and trainings.
  • Mastery of using computer and online platforms for teaching and training.
  • Work well in a team and experience collaborating with community members who don’t list English as their first language.
  • Experience in rural Colorado.
  • Ability to communicate through teaching, public speaking/presentation and writing as demonstrated through application materials and experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working with people as individuals and in groups; ability to forge equitable and successful partnerships with other professionals and organizations.
  • Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
  • Community engagement experience and experience organizing training events.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
  • The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; Extension will not sponsor a visa for this position. 
     

Hourly Pay Rate:  $28.85 per hour

 

Background Check Disclaimer: Colorado State University may conduct a Background check on all final candidates. 

 

Benefit Information: Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website: https://hr.colostate.edu/current-employees/benefits/