University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Job Summary:

Nebraska Extension has an excellent opportunity for a full-time faculty position located in Lexington, NE. The focus of this position will be Early Childhood, focusing on early childhood development for families with children aged 0-8 years within a geographic accountability region of Arthur, McPherson, Logan, Custer, Dawson, Lincoln, Perkins, and Keith Counties. We want individuals who are self-directed and able to work in a flexible environment. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high performing teams to create and deliver world class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

Do you have the drive to help us impact children and their families in positive ways? Can you be a strong regional expert and develop focused, comprehensive learning programs that help create environments and experiences for children that result in improved school readiness and enhanced social-emotional growth and development? Nebraska Extension is an organization that values individuals who excel, adapt easily, exhibit passion for helping others, and are excellent communicators. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you will collaborate with research and extension faculty who are leaders in their field. You will work with high performing teams to create and deliver world class, innovative learning experiences that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives around critical issues.

This twelve-month, non-tenure position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the Nebraska benefits package, UNL offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license. This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor a temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

About Us:

We invite you to learn more about this role and Extension using the following links: Our Strategic Direction | Nebraska Extension) and Nebraska Extension – Early Childhood.  

Recognizing that collaboration and participation in teams enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, and Extension programming environments where the unique contributions of each individual are acknowledged and valued. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective wellbeing and our ability to deliver on our mission.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or closely related field (extension educator) OR bachelor’s degree in child development, human development, early childhood education, or closely related field (extension instructor). If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress towards and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate information (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media) to various audiences.
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal education settings (i.e., preschool, K-12).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.
• Experience working with individuals, coworkers, and teams to accomplish individual and/or group goals, as evidenced by college, career, and/or community activities.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with early childhood professionals and/or caregivers (e.g., providers and teachers)
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish (written and verbal)

Application Process:

Click "Apply Now" and login or create an applicant profle. Upload the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
2. Your curriculum vitae or resume.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental questions, one specifically describing your experience working in teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating environments where every person and every interaction matter. See https://go.unl.edu/guidance for assistance in writing this statement.