Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc
Extension Associate Engagement in Science and Nature
Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc, Northeast Ithaca, New York, United States
Extension Associate Engagement in Science and Nature
Academic Job Description
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Extension Associate
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. We believe that next-generation scientific breakthroughs require an understanding of complex, interlocking systems, that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right, and that a prosperous global future depends on supporting local people and communities. By working across multiple scientific areas, CALS addresses challenges and opportunities of greatest relevance here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Located in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) advances understanding and protection of the natural world and engages people to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action. The Lab is a unit within CALS, and all staff uphold high standards of ethics and excellence.
Position Function
The Extension Associate serves as the thought leader and team leader for Youth and Community Engagement for the Lab, nationally and internationally, with responsibilities in strategic planning, partnership development, implementation, and evaluation of impact. The position requires pedagogical expertise and the ability to conceive, produce, and implement innovative strategies for engaging youth and communities in conservation action, participatory science, and nature connection.
Prioritize youth audiences by developing and delivering professional development opportunities for educators and creating materials aligned with best practices and educational standards (e.g., NGSS).
Co-develop conservation strategies with grassroots communities that combine environmental education with conservation action using participatory science and/or community-based participatory research.
Identify and develop equitable and durable partnerships and networks to scale efforts that strengthen ecological literacy and biodiversity.
Manage a team, oversee a six-figure yearly budget, develop proposals and donor pitches, and maintain an evaluation program aligned with the Lab’s strategic plan.
Lead initiatives to make programming and resources more accessible to educators, youth, and grassroots communities, with emphasis on underserved or underrepresented groups.
Publish extension materials and articles that support innovation in STEM learning, environmental education, participatory science, community science, and environmental justice.
Mentor undergraduates and extension staff.
The Extension Associate must foster excellent working relationships with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds. The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature (CESN) values inclusion and welcomes applicants from diverse identities. Applicants are invited to describe how their experiences and perspectives contribute to diversity and inclusion in support of the Lab’s values.
Anticipated Division of Time
Engagement strategies and programming for youth and communities (25%)
Develop engagement strategies with scalable opportunities, lead initiatives across the Lab and Cornell, and create materials and programs for in-depth learning in engagement. Represent the Lab at conferences and events and publish extension materials.
Program management and evaluation (25%)
Manage program activities, lead a team, hire and mentor staff, conduct annual performance reviews, develop budgets, track metrics, and collaborate on research involving youth and community engagement.
Partnership and network development (25%)
Build and curate a network of partnerships, travel as needed to understand diverse contexts, and use grants to support youth and community work; convene networks to scale engagement efforts.
Funding and development (15%)
Lead or co-develop funding proposals, collaborate with development and marketing to attract donors, and participate in research and evaluation for dissemination of results. Pursue external funding opportunities.
Other Duties (10%)
Maintain expertise in educational theory and practice, serve as a thought leader, participate in administrative committees, foster an inclusive work environment, and engage in relevant CESN meetings.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in education, communication, natural resources, sociology or related field and at least 5 years of experience in education or community-based environmental justice work.
Track record translating complex scientific topics into accessible educational experiences for youth and educators.
Ability to build trust with partners, adapt to diverse contexts, and deliver impacts for underserved populations.
Ability to manage projects, supervise staff, and raise funds.
Proven history of teamwork and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse constituents.
Exemplary communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
Initiative and ability to work with limited supervision; strong prioritization skills.
Ability to write and speak publicly in English and Spanish.
Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally; valid driver’s license and passport.
Experience in public speaking and developing curricula; interest in formal or informal educational outreach.
Ability to oversee complex projects, complete tasks on time, and negotiate partnerships with advisors and stakeholders.
Experience writing grant proposals and documenting work; attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Ability to collaborate and lead a team while maintaining a respectful, high-quality work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. preferred; experience developing and delivering professional development for educators and/or K-12 education aligned with standards (e.g., NGSS); experience in community-based education and conservation projects; DEI/DEIB expertise; environmental justice frameworks; involvement in participatory science or community-based participatory research.
A track record of impact and productivity in past outreach and training efforts.
Appointment
This position is a three-year initial term, renewable depending on performance and funding.
Supervision
Reports to Mya Thompson, Co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature.
Supervision Exercised
Supervise a team of 4-5 educators and community engagement specialists.
To apply
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online. Applications should include a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities outlining how the candidate has contributed to diversity and inclusion in support of Cornell’s mission. Applications are reviewed as received until a suitable applicant is identified.
Salary, rewards, and benefits
CALS hiring range for this title is $76,000 - $80,000. Must be able to work in person at the Lab with hybrid options. Benefits include health care options, paid leave, holidays, family leave, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.
About Cornell and Diversity
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and land‑grant university with a diverse and inclusive community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented and marginalized identities to apply. This posting contains standard notice and EEO statements as applicable.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Extension Associate
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. We believe that next-generation scientific breakthroughs require an understanding of complex, interlocking systems, that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right, and that a prosperous global future depends on supporting local people and communities. By working across multiple scientific areas, CALS addresses challenges and opportunities of greatest relevance here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
Located in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) advances understanding and protection of the natural world and engages people to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action. The Lab is a unit within CALS, and all staff uphold high standards of ethics and excellence.
Position Function
The Extension Associate serves as the thought leader and team leader for Youth and Community Engagement for the Lab, nationally and internationally, with responsibilities in strategic planning, partnership development, implementation, and evaluation of impact. The position requires pedagogical expertise and the ability to conceive, produce, and implement innovative strategies for engaging youth and communities in conservation action, participatory science, and nature connection.
Prioritize youth audiences by developing and delivering professional development opportunities for educators and creating materials aligned with best practices and educational standards (e.g., NGSS).
Co-develop conservation strategies with grassroots communities that combine environmental education with conservation action using participatory science and/or community-based participatory research.
Identify and develop equitable and durable partnerships and networks to scale efforts that strengthen ecological literacy and biodiversity.
Manage a team, oversee a six-figure yearly budget, develop proposals and donor pitches, and maintain an evaluation program aligned with the Lab’s strategic plan.
Lead initiatives to make programming and resources more accessible to educators, youth, and grassroots communities, with emphasis on underserved or underrepresented groups.
Publish extension materials and articles that support innovation in STEM learning, environmental education, participatory science, community science, and environmental justice.
Mentor undergraduates and extension staff.
The Extension Associate must foster excellent working relationships with colleagues and students from diverse backgrounds. The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature (CESN) values inclusion and welcomes applicants from diverse identities. Applicants are invited to describe how their experiences and perspectives contribute to diversity and inclusion in support of the Lab’s values.
Anticipated Division of Time
Engagement strategies and programming for youth and communities (25%)
Develop engagement strategies with scalable opportunities, lead initiatives across the Lab and Cornell, and create materials and programs for in-depth learning in engagement. Represent the Lab at conferences and events and publish extension materials.
Program management and evaluation (25%)
Manage program activities, lead a team, hire and mentor staff, conduct annual performance reviews, develop budgets, track metrics, and collaborate on research involving youth and community engagement.
Partnership and network development (25%)
Build and curate a network of partnerships, travel as needed to understand diverse contexts, and use grants to support youth and community work; convene networks to scale engagement efforts.
Funding and development (15%)
Lead or co-develop funding proposals, collaborate with development and marketing to attract donors, and participate in research and evaluation for dissemination of results. Pursue external funding opportunities.
Other Duties (10%)
Maintain expertise in educational theory and practice, serve as a thought leader, participate in administrative committees, foster an inclusive work environment, and engage in relevant CESN meetings.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in education, communication, natural resources, sociology or related field and at least 5 years of experience in education or community-based environmental justice work.
Track record translating complex scientific topics into accessible educational experiences for youth and educators.
Ability to build trust with partners, adapt to diverse contexts, and deliver impacts for underserved populations.
Ability to manage projects, supervise staff, and raise funds.
Proven history of teamwork and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse constituents.
Exemplary communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with professionalism and cultural sensitivity.
Initiative and ability to work with limited supervision; strong prioritization skills.
Ability to write and speak publicly in English and Spanish.
Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally; valid driver’s license and passport.
Experience in public speaking and developing curricula; interest in formal or informal educational outreach.
Ability to oversee complex projects, complete tasks on time, and negotiate partnerships with advisors and stakeholders.
Experience writing grant proposals and documenting work; attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
Ability to collaborate and lead a team while maintaining a respectful, high-quality work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. preferred; experience developing and delivering professional development for educators and/or K-12 education aligned with standards (e.g., NGSS); experience in community-based education and conservation projects; DEI/DEIB expertise; environmental justice frameworks; involvement in participatory science or community-based participatory research.
A track record of impact and productivity in past outreach and training efforts.
Appointment
This position is a three-year initial term, renewable depending on performance and funding.
Supervision
Reports to Mya Thompson, Co-director of the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature.
Supervision Exercised
Supervise a team of 4-5 educators and community engagement specialists.
To apply
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online. Applications should include a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities outlining how the candidate has contributed to diversity and inclusion in support of Cornell’s mission. Applications are reviewed as received until a suitable applicant is identified.
Salary, rewards, and benefits
CALS hiring range for this title is $76,000 - $80,000. Must be able to work in person at the Lab with hybrid options. Benefits include health care options, paid leave, holidays, family leave, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.
About Cornell and Diversity
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and land‑grant university with a diverse and inclusive community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented and marginalized identities to apply. This posting contains standard notice and EEO statements as applicable.
#J-18808-Ljbffr