Master Gardener Coordinator

Location:  Ellicott City, MD

Position Number: 123973

Description:  

The State MG Coordinator is responsible for 1) developing, setting, maintaining, and implementing policies and training standards; 2) promoting and marketing the program; 3) program evaluation; collect, develop, and report statewide impacts; 4) training and supporting UME Master Gardeners and UME county/city Master Gardener Coordinators; and 5) supervising state MG office staff and providing administrative and programmatic oversight for 20 county/city MG programs.

Responsibilities:

The UME Master Gardener (MG) Program is a 40 year old state-wide program with 20 county/city programs and 1,800+ Certified MG Volunteers. MGs are trained volunteer educators who teach science-based horticultural information to Maryland residents. The responsibilities include:

• Program Management- Coordinate and lead a major state-wide program and provide administrative and programmatic oversight to 20 county/city MG programs. Develop and implement state-wide program policies and standards for MG Volunteers and Coordinators. Develop and implement strategies that raise program visibility and increase accessibility among underserved audiences. Advance the Master Gardener mission through collaborative partnerships with faculty and staff, and with relevant agencies, organizations, and programs.

• Support County/City MG Coordinators- Provide direct support to county/city MG Coordinators and programs related to policy and volunteer management issues and serve as final arbiter and decision-maker. Meet and communicate regularly with county/city MG Coordinators. Coordinate with Program Leader to provide training for MG Coordinators.

• MG Basic & Advanced Training- Maintain statewide training standards for basic and advanced training. Manage the online basic training platform on UM’s Canvas platform. Work with MG Coordinators to assess the continuing education needs of Volunteers and provide advanced training opportunities based as appropriate. Oversee all aspects of the MG handbook, including format, updates/revisions, access, and distribution.

• Data & Financial Management & Reporting Impacts- Oversee the Program’s website and Volunteer Reporting System and work with Business Coordinator to manage the Program budget. Use cost-recovery strategies and obtain extra-mural funding where appropriate. Evaluate the MG program through data collection and analysis, and report state results and impacts to internal and external stakeholders through an annual report.

Qualifications: Required –

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., horticulture, environmental science, ecology, entomology, soil science). All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
• Minimum of 3 years work experience related to the area of assignment.
• Enthusiastic self-starter with excellent organizational, administrative, and customer service skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Skills in developing or managing programs and working with volunteers.
• Exceptional computer skills, including MS Office, Adobe Creative Cloud applications, web content management, internet proficiency, and social media.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful
• completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred –

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Five years of relevant work experience.
• Experience as an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer or Extension Master Gardener Coordinator of a county or state program (or closely related training).
• Experience creating/managing online classes
• Horticultural and Integrated Pest Management training and work and teaching experience.

Physical Demands of the Position:

• This position is performed primarily in an office setting. Additional responsibilities that place a higher physical demand include the lifting of boxes up to 40 pounds, setting up tables and chairs for conferences and classes, walking in uneven terrain, and driving across the state to classroom and meeting sites. These responsibilities are infrequent in nature.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a base salary of $52,800.00. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Application Process:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume, copies of transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Closing Date: For best consideration, complete application by 08/13/2018. Position will remain open until suitable candidate has been identified.