Extension Associate position at K-State in public finance

Position: Extension Associate

Office of Local Government, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University Full-time, term position in the Office of Local Government, subject to annual performance review.

Date Available: The starting date is negotiable.

Responsibilities: Assist University faculty member in Extension outreach education program related to state and local government budgeting and public finance. This position is affiliated with the Office of Local Government (OLG) in the Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University. Duties include: (1) independently and in collaboration with the Director develop and deliver Extension outreach education programs in the general area of local government budgeting and public finance; (2) interact with external clientele including local public officials, county Extension agents, community organization representatives and citizens, respond to inquiries, and make referrals as appropriate; (3) create and maintain large databases of local government budget information; (4) develop written reports and instructional materials related to public finance for mass distribution;
(5) conduct technical analyses and applied research for cities and counties, including state and local trend studies and comparative analyses; (6) lead, support, and contribute to Internet-based information dissemination; (7) participate in an active applied research program; (8) provide leadership in the day-to-day management of OLG office operations and finances; (9) provide general support for the overall educational outreach mission of OLG; (10) provide supervision, assistance and instruction to other OLG staff and students, and (11) create an environment that fosters diversity, collegiality and ability to work in a multi-cultural setting. Additional program information:
www.ksu-olg.info.

Qualifications:

Required
* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, Public Administration, or other discipline with emphasis in public finance, accounting, and/or budgeting and financial management.
* Excellent quantitative analysis skills in financial accounting, management, data assembly and analysis. Capacity to use the relational capabilities of Microsoft Suite, including word processing, spreadsheet and database.
* A sound, working knowledge of Kansas state and local government institutional structure and functions.
* Ability to communicate complex economic concepts to a lay-audience both orally and in writing. Excellent writing skills. Willingness to travel in-state for educational outreach, including occasional overnight stays.
* Strong commitment to expanding and fostering diversity.

Preferred
* Masters or Ph.D. degree in an appropriate discipline.
* Practical experience in working with local government budget documents is strongly preferred.

Salary & Benefits: Salary is competitive and commensurate with candidate's ability and experience. The Kansas State University benefit package includes a retirement plan, group health and life insurance, worker's compensation, vacation, sick leave and other benefits <http://www.ksu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html>.

How to Apply: Submit (1) a letter of application that includes a statement of interest, qualification and aspiration, (2) resume, (3) transcripts of all college and university work, and (4) complete contact information for three references be sent to:
        Judy Maberry
        Department of Agricultural Economics
        342 Waters Hall
        Kansas State University
        Manhattan, KS 66506

Deadline: The deadline for applications is July 1, 2011. Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. John Leatherman at 785-532-4492,
e-mail: jleather@k-state.edu

Affirmative Action: Kansas State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. KSU encourages diversity among its employees.