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Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellowship
Organization
The National Association of Counties (NACo), in partnership with the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES) and the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC)
Location
Washington, DC
Application Deadline
03/30/2007
NACo provides the primary work environment in its Capitol Hill offices, including office space, computer, and telephone, as well as paid living accommodations in the Washington, D.C. area. It also funds travel associated with NACo business and, upon request, home state visits during the assignment. CSREES also provides office space, computer and telephone and access to its National Program Leaders to deliver technical and educational support according to the fellowship priorities and special interests.
The home state institution or organization must cover the Extension Fellow's salary and benefits for the term of the fellowship. This arrangement can be a sabbatical leave or a change of station, depending on the individual ’s faculty or staff status and institutional personnel policies.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellow include:
Fostering cooperation between NACo, CSREES, NASULGC and counties at the national level;
Assisting in providing educational and technical assistance to counties on various topics, and in raising awareness about NACo, CSREES and NASULGC research and programs in each other’s organizations;
Contributing articles to County News, NACo's bi-weekly publication, CSREES Update and NASULGC Newsline.
Representing the Cooperative Extension Service and NACo before outside organizations and coalitions;
Collaborating with NACo’s Legislative Department in areas which the Extension Fellow has expertise or designated as priority; and
Other responsibilities as determined by collaborating partners and the specific interests of the individual.
Qualifications
NACo and its partners have identified the following topics as potential priorities for the fellowship in 2007-2008 and seek applicants with expertise in one or more areas:
Leadership training and development
Community and economic development, especially rural
Emergency preparedness
Community response to the methamphetamine epidemic
Access to health care
Water resources
Financial security issues
Evolving cultural changes, pluralism and diversity
Other professional and personal criteria important to the Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellow position include:
Adaptable self-starter with strong oral and written communication skills
An earned doctorate plus five years of professional experience or a master's degree with ten years of progressively responsible work experience
Knowledge and understanding of county government issues and needs
Good political judgment
Term of Service
Twelve months in Washington, D.C., to begin approximately August 1, 2007.
Or, candidates may propose an alternative term of service that best suits the needs of the candidate and his/her local institutions. Proposals that alter the dates of service, length of term, and/or the status of the Extension Fellow as a full-time position will be considered. NACo and its partners desire to make reasonable accommodation in order to attract the best candidates and make the program desirable and successful for all parties involved.
The successful applicant is expected to spend some limited time at his/her home state institution preparing in advance for the fellowship and following up afterwards.
Application Procedure
Full Application for one-Year Term Beginning August 1, 2007
Because the home state institution or organization must continue the individual’s salary and fringe benefits during the term of service, interested individuals must apply to through their Extension Director/Administrator for consideration for the Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellowship.
Only applications approved by Extension Directors/Administrators will be accepted.
The application must include a cover letter, the applicant's resume, and one or two letters of recommendation, in cluding a letter from the Extension Director/Administrator .
Letters of Interest for Alternative Terms of Service
A letter of interest must include a statement expressing the desire to be considered for the Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellowship, the applicant’s resume, and an initial proposal regarding any requests to vary the term of service.
A letter of support from the Extension Director/Administrator is not necessary at this point. If necessary, a full application will be requested at a later date.
Please send application or letter of interest on or before March 30, 2007, to:
or
Ralph L. Tabor Extension Fellowship
National Association of Counties
25 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20001
For more information, contact:
Sherry Teachout Glenn, Ed.D.
Area Extension Education Director
Iowa State University
or
Stephanie Osborn
Deputy Director, County Services
National Association of Counties
Ralph L. Tabor worked on behalf of county governments for 33 years, including almost 20 years with NACo, before he passed away in 2003 at the age of 70. Tabor, a native of Wisconsin, was a tireless advocate for rural America. He initiated the Extension Fellowship in the late 1980’s to enhance the partnership between county officials and the Cooperative Extension Service.
The University of Georgia