Title: Project Director

Functional Title: Director of Extension Digital Literacy

Position Number:  127362

Category Status: Exempt, Contingent II, Full-time

Unit: University of Maryland Extension - Family and Consumer Sciences

Office Location: University of Maryland College Park

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

Chartered as the Maryland Agricultural College on March 6, 1856, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is the cornerstone of the University of Maryland system, built upon a foundation of sound science, groundbreaking research through the Agricultural Experiment Station, and Maryland pride. The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is a leading Land-Grant institution providing teaching, research, and programs through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) to a diverse clientele in the State of Maryland and beyond.

Within the University of Maryland Extension, this position provides leadership for a broad-based Extension Digital Literacy project (Tech Extension) to address the digital divide and increase broadband adoption in Maryland. The Extension Digital Literacy project aims to develop and adapt curricula and train and support Marylanders to increase their digital literacy and bridge the digital divide in Maryland. The project serves youth, adults, families, and communities in urban, rural, suburban counties in Maryland.

The position provides the leadership for the project team and works closely with Program Leaders, AEDs, faculty, and staff. The position will develop partnerships with AGNR and colleges at the University of Maryland as well as local, state, federal government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, for-profit industry, and others. 

Responsibilities:

• Provides oversight and coordination of project management, fiscal reports, project partnerships, and personnel management. Plan, direct, coordinate, and lead all project activities to ensure the project goals are met within the designated project budget and timeframe. Project activities include community needs assessment, development/adaptation of digital literacy curriculum, training and educational program offering, partnerships building, website development, program evaluation, and digital literacy network. Manage project expenses as well as prepare projections and budget reports. Develop a work plan including staffing needs and resources to accomplish each phase of the project. Monitor and revise the plan to accomplish the project goals. Prepare progress and annual reports. Coordinate, plan, and manage project personnel management (search, hiring, training, evaluation) in coordination with UME and AGNR policies and procedures. Coordinate personnel management with the Assistant Director of Operations. Responsible for supervision of program staff. Assist in developing, adapting, training, and evaluating digital literacy educational programs that are research-based or research-informed. Establish and facilitate partnerships with state and county government agencies, libraries, workforce agencies, faith-based groups, non-profit organizations, etc. Coordinate regular meetings with PI, program leaders, Extension Steering Committee, and Advisory Council. Develop a marketing and communication plan to promote and implement the project.  Provide the content expertise and leadership in the Extension digital literacy project on behalf of UME for local, state, university, and community relations. Ensure the Extension Digital Literacy project is aligned with UME, AGNR, and UMD priorities. Collaborate with program leaders, Extension faculty, staff, and stakeholders in the digital literacy program development, delivery, and evaluation, as well as the development of a statewide digital literacy network.

Qualifications Required:

• M.S. degree in information science, public policy, business administration, or related fields. Three to five years of professional experience in project management, non-profit, government, program development, and education. Experience in program development, fiscal management, personnel supervision, coaching, and mentoring. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, communicate clearly, and interact with various audiences. Proficiency in using technology in program development, project management, reporting, and working with staff to develop and implement the project activities. Strong project management skills handling interdisciplinary, complex, multifaceted projects within the timeline and resources. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Organization skills and ability to work on multiple tasks with deadlines. Must be able to travel within the state, have personal transportation, and have a valid driver’s license. Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through Extension program model. This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred:

• Background content knowledge of digital learning, media literacy, and broadband. Previous successful experience in developing research-based training and learning in digital literacy, media literacy, or technology. Experience in high-quality educational programs, virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats Evidence of positive and productive relationships with colleagues and partners.

Physical Demands of the Position:

• This position will periodically travel to meetings, training, and events throughout the state.  The position will frequently exchange information through verbal and written communication with individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. Visual acuity is required to review and/or analyze written reports, spreadsheets, data, and figures for accuracy. This position will also research information and prepare written materials and presentations for annual reports, budget presentations, and/or stakeholder or staff meetings. Extensive viewing of a computer screen is normal. Ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items (up to 20 lbs.) between offices.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience, with a salary range of $77,600 - $97,000. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. The position is a 1.0 FTE, equivalent to 40 hours per week. The position is a 12-month grant-funded contract that may be renewed for the duration of the grant project (end date 12/31/2024).

Application Process: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu Position Number # 127362. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume (or CV uploaded as resume), contact information for three (3) professional references (including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address), and copies of transcripts.

Closing Date: Open until filled.  For best consideration please apply by July 15, 2022.

Vaccine Protocol

The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.