Employee Recruitment Materials | Nebraska Extension Employee Resources

Introduction

Greetings Nebraska Extension Team!

I’m excited to present to you a toolkit to help you recruit the very best people to Nebraska Extension.

As you talk with people throughout Nebraska and beyond, the ideas, words and images from this toolkit will make it easier to describe Extension when we are at our best.

The content you’ll see was developed from your input. In summer 2023, we surveyed all of Extension and interviewed team members from each corner of the state and a variety of position for in-depth insight into your feelings about your work. The summary? Darn good! Yes, there are things to improve. Yet, the overwhelming feedback was positive and offered a rich understanding of the terrific things about working here. For example, this is a place to chart your path and grow. A place of freedom with responsibility. A place where you can see your impact on the folks you’re helping. A place with service at its very core.

When you’re seeking that next amazing person for your team, use this toolkit as your foundation. The resources will make your life easier. And importantly, you will help ensure we are accurately portraying what it’s like to work at Nebraska Extension. That’s vital—we want everyone who walks through our doors to have a feeling for what their days ahead entail.

Thank you for all you do for Nebraskans, and for your leadership in recruiting exceptional talent.

Dr. Charlie

Purpose and Usage

Everyone at Extension is a recruiter in some way. How you talk about your work, especially when interacting with potential employees, gives people a feel for whether they’d like to join us.

And of course, if you are actively searching for a person to become part of Nebraska Extension, this toolkit will be vital.

The first step is to become familiar with the resources of the toolkit. Then, when it’s time to open a search for a position, follow the guidelines and use the resources within:

key messages and talking points of what it’s like to work at Extension and our culture; what we do, how we do it, and who we serve; our strategic direction.
Sample interview questions to help you get a feel for candidate fit with Extension culture.
Real quotes from Extension employees you can use to describe us.
Visual files—that authentically represent the tone and communicate in a compelling way.
Easy-to-understand information on the tangible benefits and advantages of working here.
Each section below this page will give you more specific instructions on how to use the resources.

Toolkit

Key messages

Summary bullet points to describe Extension work culture.

People work at Extension because they want to make a positive difference, and they can do that here.
Nebraskans need us, and that means we’re counted on everyday to deliver our best. This is a job with tangible impact.
There is freedom in how we do our work. We don’t have tremendous oversight. So that means we work closely with people in local communities to understand their needs, and we work hard to meet those needs. That also means we have a lot of responsibility.
We’re not selling anything—just research-based, relevant expertise and information from the University of Nebraska. The people we work with find that valuable and refreshing.
Nebraskans are really proud of their University, and they are appreciative of the relationships they have with people in Extension. It’s rewarding to be part of something so respected and valued.
We figure things out. When we’re most effective, we chart a path based on what’s being asked of us, and what we’re good at, and use our judgement and problem-solving to determine the course that creates the right outcome.
We work hard at Nebraska Extension, and we’re rewarded with the evidence that we’ve made a positive difference in Nebraskans’ lives.
Each day is different at Nebraska Extension, so the opportunity to learn and grow is at your fingertips.
People at Extension work for the good of everyone, have high standards, and feel accountable and responsible to Nebraskans.

Longer copy to use to describe Extension in digital and print materials.
Work that makes a powerful difference.
At Nebraska Extension, you have the freedom to chart your own path as you craft your plan of work—and put it to work every day. Using Extension's overarching strategic plan and Extension values as your guideposts, you create and deliver the programming and solutions that make a powerful and positive impact on the Nebraskans you serve. You do it all in ways that capitalize on your passions and individual abilities—and make the most sense to you and the people you serve.
It's all about impact.
We're looking for people who really know their stuff and can leverage that knowledge to make a difference in the lives of Nebraskans. At Nebraska Extension, the focus is on measurable, documented impact. That requires a commitment to listening to the people we serve, responding with relevant research and programming, and delivering innovative solutions in ways that meet defined objectives and propel Nebraska and its people forward.
Your expertise is respected here.
We're building a team of content experts and specialists who are committed to continually improving themselves and the Nebraskans we serve. We set high expectations for ourselves: Staying current in our areas of focus. Growing professionally and personally. Networking with others who help us do our jobs even better.
At the same time, you'll be part of a statewide organization that Nebraskans appreciate and value. Your expertise is sought out and trusted. Extension has a solid reputation for being great partners and collaborators, effective communicators and proven change-agents.

Talking points

Talking Points

Nobody connects with the people of Nebraska like Nebraska Extension. Extension is the statewide outreach, education and engagement arm of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln—delivering the innovation, resources and research of the University directly to Nebraskans all across the state.
We work shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow Nebraskans— helping them make better-informed decisions and create opportunities for themselves, their families, their businesses and their communities.
We serve Nebraskans from all walks of life—families, farmers, ranchers, business owners, youth—as well as the communities in which they live—with the goal of creating an even better Nebraska for all of us.
Everything we do is designed to make a measurable and positive impact in some way. We hold ourselves accountable for leveraging our talent, time and expertise into initiatives and programs that make a real difference.

Extension's work is driven by our strategic direction. It's what we call The Big 3:

Strengthen Nebraska agriculture & food systems
Inspire Nebraskans & their communities
Enhance the health & well-being of all Nebraskans

Quotes

Quotes

Quotes from Extension employees, gathered summer 2023. Can be used in print or verbally.

I extend academia into the community…connecting with my audience is something I really thrive on…it's like, therapy to me.

They let you be yourself, they let you do your thing. Decide your programs, design your programs, and switch gears without having to ask for permission and blessings all the time. This helps you thrive and enjoy what you do.
If you enjoy working with people and serving the community, this is the job for you. You will have that satisfaction of a good day's work, you can sleep well at night, and you can really grow.
It’s freedom with responsibility, I can set my own direction, not being micromanaged.
It's fascinating work, and the best way to connect with people.
I really appreciate the flexibility, because I can focus on my interests and the needs of my clientele.
The autonomy is definitely a plus, because they trust you to do your job and make good decisions on your own.
I think we've done a lot to help to a lot of people
The University as a whole has a very good reputation. There's a lot of camaraderie around Nebraska with the University sports.
Extension is made up of servant leaders, learners, and people who are committed and give up themselves to help others.
I'm proud to work for Extension because I see all the great things that myself and colleagues do across the state to really make a difference and impact Nebraskans.
Trust reliability, community, integrity would certainly describe Extension, as well as unbiased. But top is trust and reliability and unbiased information.
The autonomy is definitely a plus, because they trust you to do your job and make good decisions on your own.
Extension is so big and vast, you have to be creative and tailor to serve the needs of the people that you work with.
Extension is a great place to grow…they give a lot of opportunities for people to grow professionally and even in a personal level too, and they connect with people.
The best thing about Extension work is the collaboration feeling you can have with your stakeholders, and the fact that your work can actually be functional or help somebody in real life. You’re not selling something.
Nebraska is probably one of the great places to do Extension work (versus other states), because there are many opportunities and strong support from different levels.

Hiring questions

Hiring Questions

Questions to consider during candidate interviews. Intended to prompt discussion on Extension attributes and candidate fit.

Talk about your comfort level with ambiguity and how you deal with situations that are unclear or not spelled out.

How do you feel about working independently? As part of a team?
How do you hold yourself accountable?
Talk about your experiences in service to others…
When do you turn to others for decision making, and what kind of decision making are you comfortable with on your own?
Describe your appetite for trying new ways of working or being in new situations…
What prompts you to do your best work?
Tell me about a time in your work when you’ve made a lasting impact on someone…
Talk about how you would forge relationships in a community new to you…

Job Posting Intro

Put this at the top of your job postings.

People who thrive at Extension know their stuff; they are sought after and respected. If that’s you, read on to see how you match with this open position.

~~~~~~~~~~~ [follow with job specifics; below is example]

Position is based in Lexington, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Dawson and Custer Counties.
The major responsibility of this position is to provide regional leadership for Nebraska Extension’s 4-H and Youth Development Program. This educator is expected to interact closely with 4-H clientele in these communities and deliver programs in their geographic area.
Twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education.*
In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. And in Nebraska, one in three age-eligible youth are involved in 4-H. In this position you will create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives.
Nebraska Extension ofessionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.
*Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an open rank 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 toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefit package, the University 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.

Attributes

University attributes that can be listed or referenced.

Ranked as one of the best employers in the state, the University of Nebraska enriches lives, advances knowledge and contributes to the global community.

We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits including: