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The Education Program Manager for Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County (CCEUC) will be responsible for providing administrative and program oversight for the Education Program at the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP). Working under the direct supervision of CCEUC’s AWSMP Program Leader, this position will be part of a team managing, implementing, and evaluating a stream education program and stakeholder outreach within the Ashokan Reservoir watershed in the Catskill Mountains. The AWSMP is delivered as a coordinated effort with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District. The AWSMP’s education program is focused on raising local community capacity to maintain the natural stability, high water quality, ecological health, and access to and enjoyment of streams.

The Education Program Manager will implement an established scope of work and act as an advisor to watershed municipalities, program participants, members of the public, and area organizations. This includes providing guidance and support to municipalities to complete riverine flood mitigation plans as part of the NYC Watershed Local Flood Analysis Program. The position will provide education and outreach on stream management and stream science appropriate for streamside landowners, municipal officials, natural resource professionals, other educators, watershed residents and visitors, and occasionally youth.

The Education Program Manager assists with program development, planning, evaluation, and coordination of AWSMP’s education program that provides education and technical support specific to the Catskills region of upstate NY; and delivers coordinated messaging to raise awareness of available stream science, policies and regulations, program resources, and education offerings leading to long-term changes in behavior. The Education Program Manager will assist in the planning and organizational logistics of stream program outreach events including, but not limited to technical trainings, conferences, community science activities, tours, and other outreach/extension events. The Education Program Manager will help to communicate stream and floodplain management and planning topics to municipal officials and other watershed stakeholders at regular and special committee meetings. This may include the results of flood engineering studies, field assessments, local flood and stream management plan recommendations, and key policies. Methods of delivery include in person and virtual forums, presentations, consultations, and a variety of written communications, including fact sheets, brochures, flyers, newsletter articles, webpages, meeting notes, email campaigns, and more. The position includes desk research, implementation of stakeholder meetings, program and project coordination, and the development of content for reports, websites, email, and print outreach. The position involves a limited amount of field work for professional development. This position works independently and with limited supervision and supervises one full-time staff member and possible temporary education interns.

The Education Program Manager will serve as a subject matter resource to provide support and input into administration, planning, grants/contracts, marketing, and supervision of the education staff.

The Education Program Manager (40 hours/week) will work from the AWSMP office in Shokan, NY, but may spend time delivering programs at various locations in the watershed. A program vehicle is available to perform work-related travel or personal mileage will be reimbursed. Finally, this position represents the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University.

This is a full time, exempt, and benefits eligible position.

Required Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree with course work in natural resources, environmental science/studies, sustainable planning and development, or other relevant area of study; plus, experience relevant to the role of the position.

+ Minimum one year of relevant work experience.

+ Experience delivering community-based environmental education programs.

+ Experience with development of digital and print outreach materials.

+ Ability to deliver science-based, factually accurate educational programming.

+ Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

+ Ability to meet the travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.

+ Ability to work flexible hours that may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

+ Administrative & Management Skills – Ability to manage and provide oversight to assigned programs. Ability to exercise frequent discretion and independent judgment in managing programs, employees and volunteers. Ability to manage budgets, anticipate expenses, request funding that supports programs. Ability to develop project outlines / scopes of work, and public and private partnerships.

+ Program Skills – Ability to effectively manage, develop, deliver and evaluate education programs. Ability to serve as an effective advisor and consultant to members of the public and governmental constituents in an effort to develop and influence environmental actions. Serve as an effective subject matter resource for program participants, outside organizations, and others. Ability to recruit, engage and motivate volunteers and program participants. Maintain program participant data confidentiality. Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

+ Communication & Marketing Skills - Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with the public, governmental offices, program participants, employees, and others. Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community. Ability to effectively market program through social, print and other media, resulting in robust program participation. Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.

+ Computer Skills - Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program-related software, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Ability to manage and maintain organization of folders and files in shared workspaces. Ability to access and appropriately use online natural resource and geographic databases and information.

+ Work Environment – Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program-related materials, and equipment. The position may often work in natural environment in mountainous settings and on uneven ground; outdoor weather conditions may vary and include heat, precipitation, and cold.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Graduate-level coursework in water engineering, geomorphology, hydrology, geology, and aquatic ecology; or equivalent experience.

+ Experience with Cornell Cooperative Extension and knowledge of its systems.

+ Local/regional contacts with various constituents/programs and knowledge of organizations serving the NYC Watershed, Ulster County and the region.

+ Knowledge of local government structure and function with regard to environmental issues.

+ Experience with providing oversight of subcontracted service providers and projects.

+ Conference and large event coordination experience.

+ Ability to use GIS software.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development –10%

+ Apply subject matter knowledge to provide input in the development of educational and facilitation strategies for stream and floodplain education programs, including but not limited to for: landowners, stewards, local governments, community groups, general public, and youth.

+ Assist with development of public programs, workshops and subject area content (social media, presentations, fact sheets, video/recordings, modeling/GIS mapping, interactive experiences).

+ Support the research, identification, and selection of existing resources for the program.

+ Influence the creation of program materials to address the needs of program participants.

Program Delivery – 20%

+ Apply subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programs.

+ Teach the innovative educational programs with discretion, including but not limited to programs in stream management, floodplain management and policy, and related stream science topics in classroom, office, and field settings and via internet such as webinar and video.

+ Provide education using a variety of proven and innovative education methodologies that consider the diversity of the community.

+ Provide existing subject matter-based resources to municipal officials, watershed residents and stakeholders utilizing established curricula and resources.

+ Respond to basic information request and provide general information to stakeholders and the public regarding watershed management issues in NYC Watershed region where appropriate.

+ Disseminate locally-relevant, non-biased, technical and scientifically-based stream science and management information for use by municipal officials, the public, and stakeholders.

+ Positively represent CCE and the CCEUC at meetings with various local and regional environmental organizations and regulatory agencies.

+ Provide outreach on stream and floodplain management issues for community events.

+ Serve as a subject-matter resource to staff and clientele, including municipalities, agencies and other professionals as they are identified.

+ Deliver education at public meetings, conferences, and community education events as needed.

+ Effectively utilize all forms of print and mass media, for the innovative delivery of stream education programs.

Program Evaluation – 5%

+ Implement program evaluation as designed.

+ Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data, to evaluate effectiveness of classes and instructors for offered programs.

+ Analyze program data, and based on that analysis, assist in making improvements in programming.

+ Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to constituents as appropriate.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 25%

+ Plan the structure and delivery of AWSMP educational programs.

+ In collaboration with supervisor, establish program goals and priorities, including providing input from the community on program needs.

+ Develop and enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, community leaders, etc. for program planning and strategy.

+ In collaboration with Supervisor, plan marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.

+ Anticipate and project program expenses including strategies for fund development via grants, contracts, fees, contributions and other sources of revenue. Propose unit/functional budget based on established financial guidelines or procedures. Provide program related information to the budget development process. Allocate unit/function budget amounts.

+ Provide input into the planning of all programs to consider the needs of diverse program participants.

Management – 30%

+ Manage implementation of AWSMP’s education program and individual education projects, including completion of deliverables and final products.

+ Manage implementation of education program safety and risk management procedures and policies.

+ Demonstrate judgement and discretion to independently solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed. Provide policy interpretation and guidance to constituents.

+ Directly supervise education staff and interns where applicable. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Association’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing staff; planning, assigning, and directing work; orientating and training new staff, appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Jointly develop and review progress of assigned staff development plans as needed to increase staff competency. Assure positive, team-based employee relations.

+ Manage the production, printing, and distribution of program publications, including newsletters, fact sheets, program website, social media, and various reports.

+ Manage implementation of advertising and marketing of program activities.

+ Responsible for maintaining and managing program budget.

+ Guide the implementation of program budget.

+ Manage the implementation of communication strategies to expand program and build awareness.

+ Ensure robust and sustained program participation.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

+ Compile and prepare teaching materials necessary for programs.

+ Maintain communication with constituents and the community through a variety of methods.

+ Collect program data and maintain accurate records of program participants.

+ Provide complex responses to inquiries from various audiences including prospective program participants; partner organizations; municipal officials; and the general public.

+ Help prepare outreach and educational materials for education events, including handling logistics and transport and setting up of displays and materials.

+ Participate in relevant regional meetings to inform members of projects.

+ Prepare education program reports and summaries on a quarterly/annual basis, and as needed, to meet Association and sponsoring agency requirements.

+ Coordinate program referrals and ongoing outreach efforts in accordance with established Plans of Work.

Professional Improvement – 5%

+ In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

+ Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

+ Attend trainings and meetings as approved by the AWSMP Program Leader to develop subject matter knowledge.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

+ Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

+ Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

+ Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

+ Maintain respectful and professional interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

+ Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.

+ Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County policies and procedures.

+ Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation at the rate of $65,000.00 to $75,000.00 per year, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

+ Vacation, Sick and Personal time

+ Paid Holidays

+ NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)

+ NYS Retirement

+ Long-term Disability Insurance

+ Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity

+ Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

+ Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

+ Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance

+ Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance

+ Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

+ Voluntary Pet Insurance

+ Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference. Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

All applications must be received on-line by July 31, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or (845) 340-3990x314.

Job Title:

Association Program Manager

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Leah Cadwallader

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.