Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator
Early Childhood (Dawes County)
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Do you have the drive to help us impact children and their families in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences for children that result in improved school readiness and enhanced social-emotional growth and development? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit a passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high-performing teams to create and deliver world-class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.
Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Chadron, NE. The focus of this position will be Early Childhood, focusing on early childhood development for families with children aged 0-8 years within a geographic accountability region of Sioux, Dawes, Box Butte, Sheridan, Cherry, Grant, Hooker, Thomas, and Blaine Counties. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. We invite you to learn more about this role and Nebraska Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension (unl.edu) and Nebraska Extension – Early Childhood – YouTube.
This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefits package, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers tuition remission for full-time employees up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in Child Development, Human Development, Early Childhood Education or a closely related field (extension educator).
- Experience teaching (formal or non-formal) early childhood professionals and/or caregivers (e.g., providers and teachers) of young children 0-8 years.
- Demonstrated use of innovative strategies and current technologies to design, develop, deliver, and/or evaluate programs focused on Early Childhood.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
- Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.
- Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
- Experience coaching early childhood educators.
Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, every person and every interaction are treated as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.
This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.
Review of applications will begin June 12, 2023 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. To view details of the position and create an application, go to https://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_230059. Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions; 2) your curriculum vitae or resume; and 3) contact information for three professional references. In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.
As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.