The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Position Function
The Extension Associate serves as the manager for Youth and Community Engagement for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology both nationally and in international settings, with key responsibilities in strategic planning, partnership development, implementation, and evaluation of impact. The Extension Associate position requires pedagogical expertise as well as a passion for conceiving, producing, and implementing innovative ways of engaging youth and communities in conservation action, participatory science, and nature connection.
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Prioritizes youth audiences by developing innovative professional development opportunities for educators as well as educational experiences and materials for youth audiences
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Co-develops conservation strategies with grassroots communities that combine environmental education with conservation action
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Identifies and develops equitable and durable partnerships and networks aimed at scaling efforts to strengthen ecological literacy and restore biodiversity
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Manages a team, oversees a six-figure yearly budget, develops proposals and donor pitches to fund the work, and maintains an evaluation program that help to evolve the work in alignment with the Lab’s strategic plan
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Collaborates across the Lab to continually make programming and resources more accessible to educators, youth, and grassroots communities, with an emphasis on supporting those underserved by the Lab and underrepresented in science and conservation
Anticipated Division of Time:
Professional development and outreach Envision, design, and develop online courses, webinars, workshops, and other professional development experiences designed to meet the needs of science educators and families. Apply scientific and pedagogical expertise to creating innovative learning opportunities related to nature, citizen science, scientific inquiry, and topics in ornithology. Outline the scope and learning objectives of these experiences, develop approachable and compelling means of instruction (including online, in person, and train-the-trainer methodologies), and implement opportunities for continuing education and graduate credit. Represent the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at state, regional and national education conferences. (30%)
Program management. Contribute to and carry out programmatic vision of project goals and implementation strategies. Manage project budget. Supervise a team of educators, community engagement specialists, and project assistant, plus student employees, educators-in-residence and volunteers. Hire, train, and mentor staff and provide opportunities for staff development. In coordination with CALS HR, conduct annual performance reviews and clearly communicate expectations of staff. Develop messaging plan and supervise team to maintain program website. Track and analyze project participation, strategic planning, and goal fulfillment. (25%)
Partnership development. Maintain partnerships with staff at key organizations, including joint proposal development and collaborative teacher professional development. Participate in continual evaluation and revision of curricular resources, and recommend ways to strengthen K-12 offerings based on participant feedback, Lab-wide opportunities, and equitable outreach approaches. Plan, develop, pilot, and implement standards-based and culturally-relevant curriculum materials for educators and students. Advise on all materials created by the team. (25%)
Funding and development. Lead and contribute to fundraising proposals intended to further program development. Collaborate with Development and Marketing staff to garner corporate sponsorships and increase fundraising to support continued program growth. Initiate, cultivate, and maintain relationships with partner organizations to increase project participation and further project goals. Represent program at various conferences, workshops and events. Identify, prepare and assist with the submission of proposals to secure funding. Collaborate on research projects that will result in the generation of publications, posters, and conference presentations, or technical reports. Participate in the writing and preparation of grants, foundation materials, and other products for raising research funds. Leverage collaborations with outside institutions to facilitate external funding sources. Provide oversight on budgets for grants and contracts. (10%)
Evaluation and research. Evaluate outcomes of curricula and training on teachers and their students through quantitative and qualitative analysis. Collaborate with social scientists and educational researchers on formative and summative research involving K-12 teachers and students. Recommend new approaches and designs for research initiatives and secure new grant funding. (10%)
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Supervised by Director, Mya Thompson to meet program goals and objectives.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Supervise a team of educators and community engagement specialists.
QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED):
Masters degree in education, communication, social work, sociology or related field and at least 5 years experience in education or community work. Demonstrated ability to manage a project and supervise staff. Proven history of working successfully in a team-based environment and of building and maintaining effective working relations with a wide range of constituents. Must demonstrate exemplary communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills and exercise a high degree of professionalism. Show initiative and readily determine priorities and procedures with very general supervision. Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally as necessary, maintaining a valid drivers license and passport.
QUALIFICATIONS (PREFERRED):
Experience in partnership development. Ability to write and speak publicly in English and Spanish.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32115.
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.
Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
CALS hiring rate for this position is $82,000.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience.
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
Academic Discipline
Unique applicable skills.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].
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EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2026-05-27
