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Posting Detail Information

Working Title41-25 Senior Program Manager, Learning Innovation for Extension Programs

Position LocationFort Collins, CO

Work LocationPosition is fully remote

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501204AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProject/Prgm Mngmt I

Number of Vacancies1

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$90,000 - $100,000 and will be commensurate with education and experience.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on09/17/2025

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, Learning Innovation (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 budget is approximately $95 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, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

CSU Extension, organized under OEE , is the academic unit designated to promote the land-grant mission of increasing access to education through the application of university knowledge “in the several pursuits and professions in life” for the people and communities of Colorado, across the United States, and around the world. In partnership with CSU’s colleges and external partners, CSU Extension amplifies the research, teaching, service, engagement, and extension missions of CSU . CSU Extension faculty aim to educate, create, and connect with learners through inclusive, transdisciplinary, and activated engaged scholarship, and innovative, accessible, and connected lifelong education. To learn more about CSU Extension, visitwww.extension.colostate.edu.

The CSU Learning Innovation Team designs and delivers educational programs that are research-informed, market-relevant, and accessible across communities, sectors, and stages of life. The team works across CSU colleges and divisions to co-create learning solutions that meet the needs of modern learners and support institutional growth. Extension Programs operate in all 64 Colorado counties, offering research-informed education in horticulture, youth development, nutrition, natural resources, community development, and more—signature programs include Colorado Master Gardener, Native Plant Master, and Grow & Give.

Colorado State University encourages professional development and provides anEmployee Study Privilege (https://registrar.colostate.edu/staff-faculty-advisor-resources/employee-study-privilege/) with up to nine credit hours of tuition assistance annually.

Position Summary

The Senior Program Manager, Learning Innovation for Extension Programs, is a systems-minded strategist and integrator who advances a portfolio of community-centered, noncredit offerings that reflect CSU’s commitment to access and statewide relevance. Reporting to the Director of Learning Innovation for Extension Programs, this role:

+ Leads end-to-end program development—from concept through sustainable scale—using the Learn · Design · Build · Launch · Scale framework.

+ Aligns offerings with community priorities, labor-market insights, and CSU’s Strategic Roadmap 2035.

+ Builds trusted, reciprocal partnerships with Extension faculty, county directors, Indigenous nations, nonprofit leaders, industry collaborators, and government agencies.

+ Leverages data to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate public value.

Operating with high autonomy and leading through influence, the Senior Program Manager connects people, ideas, and resources to ensure Extension learning experiences remain mission-aligned, measurable, and future-ready.

Required Job Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

+ 5–7+ years of progressively responsible experience in program leadership, Extension or community engagement, adult learning, or workforce development.

+ Demonstrated ability to:

+ Lead large-scale, multi-stakeholder initiatives with minimal supervision.

+ Align program strategy with institutional goals and community needs.

+ Analyze market and learner data to inform decisions.

+ Build relationships and influence.

+ 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.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in education, community development, agriculture, natural resources, or related field.

+ Experience working within Cooperative Extension or similar public-service organization.

+ Familiarity with micro-credentialing, digital learning platforms, and participatory design.

+ Success securing grants, sponsorships, or revenue to support program growth.

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryCommunity-Centered Program Development & Portfolio Management

Duty/Responsibility

+ Translate community and stakeholder insight into innovative learning pathways.

+ Guide curriculum design with Extension specialists and subject-matter experts.

+ Ensure accessibility and alignment with CSU quality standards along with the University’s land-grant mission.

+ Manage program timelines, budgets, and resource plans.

Percentage Of Time40%

Job Duty CategoryStakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building

Duty/Responsibility

+ Cultivate reciprocal partnerships with counties, tribes, nonprofits, and industry.

+ Convene advisory groups to validate program relevance and impact.

+ Represent CSU in statewide networks and collaborative initiatives.

Percentage Of Time25%

Job Duty CategoryInternal Collaboration and Operational Excellence

Duty/Responsibility

+ Serve as a liaison to academic departments and collaborators.

+ Partner internally to connect market intelligence and program development.

+ Serve on campus-wide committees as lead for CSU Online and the Learning Innovation Team, ensuring alignment with learner needs, university priorities, and necessary policy to advance our mission.

Percentage Of Time20%

Job Duty CategoryContinuous Improvement and Institutional Alignment

Duty/Responsibility

+ Monitor performance and relevance of programs over time.

+ Contribute to institutional and unit-level planning processes.

+ Use reflection, evaluation, and feedback loops to guide future growth.

Percentage Of Time15%

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Please submit the following to apply:

+ Resume

+ Cover letter addressing how professional experiences align with identified required and preferred qualifications of the position

For questions regarding the application process, contact the Talent Acquisition office [email protected]. For questions regarding the job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Katie Dunker at [email protected].

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Travel

Search ContactKatie Dunker at [email protected]

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter

Optional Documents