Community Relations and Program Manager

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: about 15 hours ago
Location: Grants Pass, OREGON
Deadline: 03 Aug 2025

Position Details
Position Information


Department Ext Josephine Co Office (TEX)
Position Title Coordinator-Ext Relations
Job Title Community Relations and Program Manager
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Grants Pass
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Yes
Job Summary
The Division of Extension and Engagement is seeking a Community Relations and Program Manager. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.
This Community Relations and Program Manager position will serve the Division of Extension and Engagement’s (division) with a focus on OSU Extension Service operations in Josephine County. This position reports to the division’s Southern Regional Director. The work location will be in Josephine County, Oregon.
Oregon State University and Josephine County are partnering to restart a collaborative relationship to provide local OSU Extension programs and services in Josephine County. This position serves as the primary point of contact for OSU Extension volunteers and county and community partners in Josephine County, while also leading strategic communications and outreach efforts that elevate the visibility and impact of Extension programming. Responsibilities include developing marketing strategies that increase awareness and engagement, creating communication materials aligned with OSU’s brand and voice, managing digital platforms, and building relationships that strengthen the public profile of OSU Extension. The position will be evaluated after one year based on ongoing business needs and the availability of funds.
This position will re-establish relationships and manage start-up projects from beginning to end. This individual will plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of educational programs, financial objectives, and all activities required to ensure designated projects meet or exceed performance
Objectives for this position:
  • Re-establish relationships with members of the Josephine County communities, key individuals, and other organizations
  • Develop and implement strategies for building and maintaining programs and activities that will have a positive impact on the Josephine County communities
  • Be the principal ambassador for Oregon State University and the division, responsible for sharing its vision with the Josephine County communities
  • Serve as a point of contact for the 4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener programs and provide leadership and oversite of volunteers.


This individual is responsible for ensuring outreach activities and educational programming serve broad and diverse populations in an accessible, inclusive, and equitable manner. This includes complying with civil rights and language/visual access regulations.
About Josephine County: Josephine County is known for its exceptional climate, beautiful scenery and abundant recreational opportunities, including the world-famous Rogue River . Established in 1856, Josephine County’s boundaries encompass 1,641 square miles. To learn more about Josephine County, visit: https://www.josephinecounty.gov/.
About the division:
The Division of Extension and Engagement (division) is core to Oregon State University’s mission. The division helps create real solutions and positive impact across Oregon and beyond. The division is aligned under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement. To learn more about our division and its core units and initiatives, visit: https://engagement.oregonstate.edu/ .
The division has built the capacity and expectation for employees to use digital communications and technologies in the modern-day workplace. This reflects our demonstrable commitment to using digital communications tools and changing technologies as a primary way to raise Oregonian’s awareness of and engagement with our organization, programs and resources.
Oregon State University strives to ensure that all educational programs, services, activities, and materials we offer to the public are identified, developed, delivered, and evaluated in an accessible, inclusive, equitable, and socially just manner. OSU division’s educational programs, services, activities, and materials are available to all people. OSU division prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities, and materials. All employees are responsible for and expected to comply with Civil Rights obligations and actively work to expand access to all eligible populations.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
30% Stakeholder and Public Outreach
  • Develop strong, positive relationships in Josephine County with city and county governments, elected and appointed county/state/federal officials, and local stakeholders.
  • Serve as liaison to city and county government and stakeholders.
  • Help members of the public connect to the full complement of OSU resources, including but not limited to OSU Extension programs and activities.
  • Respond to requests for information or direct as appropriate, including inquiries from community members and other parties. Recruit knowledgeable spokespeople or information sources for assistance, when needed.
  • Communicate county and stakeholder needs to the regional director.
  • Manage, with the support of the regional director, a broadly representative advisory committee or education council at the county level. Report committee output to the regional director and other stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with the division’s Communications and Marketing team to implement communication and marketing strategies, in conjunction with statewide strategies developed by OSU and OSU Extension; and develop effective relationships with local media within the county.
  • Assist with stakeholder communication efforts, where appropriate, working with the division’s Communications and Marketing team.
  • Attend relevant events and activities to reestablish strong relationships with key community members.
  • Manage social media and webpage content for OSU Extension-Josephine County and local Extension programs.
  • Develop marketing strategies and utilize appropriate print and digital tools to reach intended audience segments.
  • Driving/traveling throughout Josephine County will be required to fulfill the outreach and engagement responsibilities and to attend events that align with the responsibilities of this position.


40% Project outreach and event management
  • Manage the coordinated outreach and communications projects to advance Extension program visibility.
  • Lead the design and implementation of public-facing events and messaging aligned with division-wide outreach strategies
  • Organize community outreach programs and coordinate special events that promote the Extension Service and recruit participants.
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate all activities required to ensure designated projects meet or exceed the projects’ performance, delivery, and financial objectives.
  • Develop and distribute communications, in collaboration with the division’s Communications and Marketing team.
  • Develop and provide educational materials, program information and outreach activities using digital communication and engagement tools and systems, such as the Extension website.
  • Follow OSU and division brand guidelines, digital publishing standards and digital contact management data integrity practices for programmatic communications, marketing and engagement.
  • Manage all assigned projects, including planning, scheduling, deliverables, milestones and evaluation.
  • Facilitate cross-functional communication to reconcile varying viewpoints and ensure all project details are complete and aligned.
  • Create and maintain project materials, hard-copy and digital, and all required documentation.
  • Coordinate and act upon requests for scope or specification changes including resolution of relevant project issues, as needed.
  • Ensure all project deliverables are met.
  • Ensure others are following project, area, and OSU guidelines, procedures, and techniques.
  • Communicate with vendors and clients to address issues.
  • Create accessible and inclusive environments and provide reasonable accommodations.
  • Work closely with colleagues, volunteers, community members, and others to support county fair outreach efforts, while always ensuring adherence to 4-H procedures and policies, OSU policies, and Positive Youth Development practices.
  • Coordinate, implement, and manage computer database programs, such as county fair management system in support of member and volunteer participation in events and activities. Utilize, maintain, and support 4-H enrollment systems for member, volunteer, and group enrollments.
  • Maintain and manage confidential information, including criminal history checks and youth safety registry. Ensure confidentiality and youth safety.

20% Master Gardener & 4-H volunteer program coordination
  • Support the visibility and engagement of 4-H and Master Gardener programs through volunteer communications, outreach planning, and digital engagement
  • Serve as the point of contact for local 4-H Youth Development and Master Gardener programs.
  • Perform responsibilities as they relate to OSU relationship with Josephine County 4-H Association, includes:
    • Ensure valid and current County 4-H Association agreements are on file and followed;
    • Follow OSU financial policies, standards, rules procedures, and best practices;
    • Follow OSU 4-H financial procedures and best practices, Association bylaws, and the County 4-H Association agreement with OSU;
    • Refer to the 4-H procedures handbook for working with the County 4-H Association and work with 4-H State Office to avoid conflicts of Interest.
  • Recruit, lead and provide oversight of program volunteers.
  • Conduct volunteer development opportunities for new and existing volunteers to promote the best practices of positive youth development research, risk management, teaching, coaching, leadership and group management skills.
  • Coordinate, implement, and manage computer database programs in support of volunteer participation in events and activities.
  • Coordinate the completion of the division’s civil rights training session by volunteers.

10% Accountability and service
  • Participate in professional development opportunities that are appropriate for this position.
  • Attend training opportunities to build basic knowledge and consistent skills to use digital communications, marketing and engagement technologies relevant to position duties.
  • Use technology as a tool to increase the reach and impact of program delivery on constituents in Josephine County.
  • Serves on committees (internal and external) as appropriate for the assignments of this position.
  • Serve as an effective team member of OSU Extension Service, the OSU State 4-H Program, the OSU Master Gardner Program
  • Create opportunities to enhance access, inclusion, and relevant best practices and include these activities in the annual plan of work, impact statements, and summary of accomplishments/achievements.
  • Complete the division’s civil rights training session.
  • Report appropriate civil rights data from educational programming and outreach activities into the division’s reporting system for the internal civil rights review.
  • Perform other duties to promote the OSU Extension Service in Josephine County.
What You Will Need
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, organizational leadership, public administration, business administration, public relations, project management, education, community/ human services, or field related to duties of the position.
  • At least three (3) years of professional experience that involves engaging with people on behalf of an organization, business or entity.
  • At least three (3) years of experience management, managing projects from planning through execution.
  • Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and effective presentation.
  • A commitment to collaborative and respectful learning and working environments that are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
  • Ability to manage program advisory committees.
  • Ability to supervise and manage volunteers.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead group discussions and meetings and resolve conflict.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with broad and diverse audiences.
  • Ability to work with audiences from broad and diverse backgrounds and build community around culturally relevant programming and outreach services.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and manage sensitive or controversial subjects with tact, kindness, and professionalism.
  • General knowledge and ability to use computers, including proficiency with information technology, professional office software and collaborative work platforms.
  • Ability to learn and adapt to using multiple forms of digital communication systems, including websites, email newsletters, social media, and other tools in a changing technological environment.


This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Professional development, certification or continued education in advertising, strategic communications, marketing, business administration, fundraising, public affairs, public speaking, or business writing.
  • Certification in program management.
  • Experience with digital engagement strategies, including use of online content, multimedia, email campaigns, customer relationship management systems or marketing methods.
  • Experience with managing volunteer-led programs.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
  • Driving/traveling is required to develop strong and positive relationships throughout Josephine County.
  • A remote work site within Josephine County, Oregon may be established via OSU’s Flexible Work Arrangement Agreement Form , with pre-determined periodic reviews of on-going work for continuation of the agreement.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $66,033-$85,740
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/170536

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P09272UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 09/22/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 07/14/2025
Full Consideration Date 07/28/2025
Closing Date 08/03/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following digital documents:
1. Resume: Finalists will be required to give an open presentation which may include the distribution of their redacted resume and a short biography
2. Cover letter that addresses each required qualification
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Due to funding, OSU will not sponsor immigration work authorization for this position (e.g. H-1B, etc.).
For additional information please contact:
Wiley Thompson, wiley.thompson@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu .