Required Education/Experience: A Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) with at least two (2) years of experience (in volunteer engagement, team leadership/management, project management, human resources, or education-focused leadership) or a combination of related higher education and work experience to equal six (6) years.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Develop and maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues, partners and stakeholders
• Communicate with, supervise and empower volunteers/team members to be effective in their roles
• Work cooperatively with a diverse group and different personalities
• Effectively organize and coordinate teamwork, resources and projects
• Work with Microsoft Office Suite and Google apps

Additional Requirements:

• Travel (in-state) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Staff person is expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to university policies.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• Must have reliable internet when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Personal cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs. routinely and 40 lbs. rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings.

Preferred Skills/Abilities:

• Previous experience as a volunteer coordinator
• Knowledge and/or interest in horticulture.
• Demonstrated familiarity and experience with social media.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Understanding of basic accounting practices.

Title: Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Otter Tail County

Appointment: .40 FTE / Part-time (16 hours per week)

Classification: Extension Program Associate 2, job code 8316A2

Extension Center: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR)

Locations: East Otter Tail County Extension Office, 118 North Main, P.O. Box 250, New York Mills, MN 56567

West Otter Tail County Extension Office, South Court Building, 505 S Court St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA

Apply By: January 4, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Engaging and managing volunteers is critical for program success and is a key component for the position. The Master Gardener Program Coordinator is responsible for general oversight of the local program, engaging and managing volunteers, and serves as the primary point of contact representing Extension. The coordinator is also responsible for communicating the public value of volunteer projects to community stakeholders and regional directors on an ongoing basis.

The Program Coordinator’s role is to sustain and support the Otter Tail Master Gardener volunteers. The coordinator works with Otter Tail volunteers to determine the strategic direction of the program, establish priorities, manage budgets, promote, and recognize volunteer leadership, and develop meaningful volunteer opportunities that positively impact the community.

The Program Coordinator will report to the Program Leader, Master Gardener State Program Coordinator

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

1. Volunteer Management (45%)

• Work collaboratively with volunteers and manage the recruiting, orientation, and on-going support of new volunteers.
  • Follow the process of application, interview and background check as outlined on the state website.
  • Facilitate new and on-going background check processes and monitor volunteer statuses.
  • Provide orientation of new volunteers to local program expectations
  • Serve as the first point of contact for the program and access to volunteers.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among volunteers in coordination with the State Program.
  • Provide input and convey information to volunteers promptly
  • Utilize and enhance existing and new communication tools with volunteers; ensure the process includes methods for communicating with volunteers who have limited or no electronic communication access.
  • Provide leadership in developing and supporting volunteer leaders and mentors
  • Ensure opportunities to recognize volunteers
• Ensure compliance with program policies and guidelines.
  • Review and implement policies and guidelines set by the U of M and U of M Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program (e.g., Safety of Minors Policy).
  • Approve projects and volunteer and continuing education hours.
  • Ensure volunteers submit hours into the state database by the due dates; ensure there is support in entering hours for individuals with limited computer and/or internet access.
  • Monitor and update volunteer status in the state database.
  • Submit required forms to expedite volunteer transfers and reinstatements.
• Foster and contribute to a positive work climate with colleagues, advisory groups, volunteers, audiences, and partnerships.
  • Ensure opportunities to recognize volunteers; work with the State Leadership Team as appropriate in determining awards and recognition.
  • Support MG-led programs and projects.
  • Conduct conflict mediation and disciplinary actions promptly.
  • Through consistent and clear communication, build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, local Extension committees, county stakeholders, community partners, colleagues, and volunteers.

2. Program Management (45%)

• Report on state/county activity and actively participate in monthly volunteer program meetings.
• Increase the level of volunteer community engagement and impact.
• Coordinate and implement new initiatives.
• Increase the number of volunteers through recruitment and retention. Develop goals with volunteers and review with state coordinator/program leader.
• Lead the Master Gardener group in setting annual goals to align with program priorities.
• Develop and maintain collaborations with community organizations and stakeholders to leverage resources to educate residents about using research-based horticulture to build healthy communities (e.g., Conservation Districts, schools, Habitat for Humanity, etc.).
• Submit an annual report to the State Leadership Team, including program highlights and success stories (due mid-November) and program outcomes and financial reports (due mid-January).
• Document and report the program’s public value impacts and accomplishments to the Otter Tail County Extension Committee and other stakeholders on a quarterly basis and via presentations, written reports, video, and social media.
• Manage the program database. Use technology to communicate, locate information, monitor trends, design and deliver programs, evaluate and report.
• Oversee accountability of volunteers; ensure volunteer work includes educational components and aligns with state program and county needs
• Ensure availability and accuracy of the local Master Gardener program data; use appropriate evaluation systems to compile data for annual reports and demonstrate program impact.
• Ensure that programs, facilities, committees, education, and volunteer opportunities are accessible to new, diverse and historically underserved and underrepresented audiences.
• Ensure financial management systems are in alignment with the University of Minnesota policies and procedures. Oversee management of the finances and the treasurer following UMN Extension and Master Gardener Volunteer Program guidelines.
• Utilize media to maintain public relations and provide educational content to the public. This work can include providing content to websites, newspapers, radio, and social media platforms.
• Support community outreach efforts.

3. State Leadership Team Partnership (10%)

• Partner with the State Leadership Team in promoting the mission of the program to volunteers.
• Promote and reinforce the use of educational offerings developed by the University of Minnesota Extension educators among volunteers (e.g., Flowers for Pollinators and Water Wisely train-the-trainer learning package, Hot Topics, etc.).
• Promote and implement state-wide program goals, objectives and initiatives in a positive way at the county level.
• Report on county activity and actively participate in regularly scheduled program meetings with coordinators and the state team at the monthly statewide MG Connections meetings (first Wednesday of each month at 3:00 pm; meetings recorded).
• Provide constructive input to the State Leadership Team for the development of future program strategies and policies.

ABOUT THE EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program is the local arm of an internationally recognized volunteer program. The mission of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program is to use research-based horticultural knowledge and practices to deliver educational outreach and project-based efforts that inspire change and promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet. Extension Master Gardener activities focus on seven program priorities: horticulture skills, pollinators, plant biodiversity, nearby nature, clean water, climate change, and local food.

ABOUT EXTENSION
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 https://extension.umn.edu/.

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 include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume: Include Education, Experience, and Skills as detailed in the job qualifications.
• References: Three professional references can be added as an additional page to your cover letter or resume or uploaded as an additional document.

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 instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Diane Greiwe, Master Gardener Program Volunteer Manager, dhgreiwe@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax