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Penn State Job Catalog

Extension Program Specialist – Advanced Professional (PSU0625)

Additional Levels

Job Summary

The Extension Program Specialist provides educational resources, programs, and assistance to extension educators and clientele; collaborates on the development and dissemination of new information; coordinates and supports research and extension activities related to certain grants and/or projects; and participates in program planning teams and/or committees.

Representative Duties

  • Provide educational resources, programs, and assistance for a wide variety of extension educators and clientele
  • Secure grants and conduct and report research to support statewide or national extension programs
  • Coordinate research and extension activities related to specific grants and/or projects
  • Stay abreast of current and emerging issues through research, professional development; disseminate information to educators
  • Develop or update publications, fact sheets, websites, and/or presentations for use by extension educators or clientele
  • Organize and present workshops or in-service training for extension educators or clientele
  • Participate in program planning teams and committees
  • Respond to requests from various governmental agencies seeking information necessary to make decisions that ultimately affect stakeholders
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level Matrix

Level:
Advanced Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems
Independence of Action:
– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 8
  • Minimum – $51,000.00
  • MidPoint – $62,500.00
  • Maximum – $74,000.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Master's Degree
Minimum Experience
3+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements