Position Description

THE OPPORTUNITY

This position is responsible for applied research, and development, delivery, evaluation and reporting of evidence-based programming with a focus on rural health promotion and will serve all of Whatcom County.  The candidate will join the statewide Youth and Families Program Unit team of approximately 23 faculty and 63 staff conducting applied research and programming related to nutrition and food safety, individual and family development, and health, wellness, and prevention.

LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY

This position is responsible to the Extension Youth and Families Program Unit Director and works collaboratively with County and Tribal Directors and Extension faculty and staff across the state and on WSU campuses.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will be expected to manage a programmatic area of work as well as county director responsibilities.  Programmatic work will be driven by results of a needs assessment process targeting rural individuals, families, and communities across the county and matched to the candidate’s skills and expertise in rural health promotion.  The successful applicant will:

  • As Extension County Director, serve as county department head, build and maintain relationships with other county agencies, engage with county government for planning and advisory purposes, communicate the importance of all Extension programs and their benefit to the community, manage the Whatcom County Extension office, supervise county staff, and provide leadership for operations related to fiscal and budget management and civil rights compliance.
  • Conduct applied research in the areas of health, promotion, and/or prevention.  This may include research on community-based research methodologies, individual and community-based programming, dissemination and implementation science, rural health, health equity, etc.
  • Establish and maintain strong extramurally funded Extension and applied research programs.
  • Build and maintain cooperative, respectful, trusted, and collaborative working relationships with county, regional, and statewide Extension faculty and staff; county, state, national, and tribal partners; governmental agencies, and stakeholders.
  • Participate in and provide effective and appropriate levels of service as a faculty member of Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences; Extension; and the Youth and Families Program Unit.

Required Qualifications

Earned Master’s degree in human development, psychology, sociology, prevention science, social work, public health, family and consumer sciences, evaluation, or other related field by the time of hire.


Two years of experience delivering and/or managing health related programming in a community setting.

Evidence of administrative and leadership effectiveness in a complex organization with responsibilities for budgeting, financial planning, personnel management, strategic planning, and critical decision-making.

Demonstrated commitment to expanding and fostering diversity, social justice, and inclusion and ability to work with a variety of diverse individuals and communities.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. in human development, psychology, sociology, prevention science, social work, public health, family and consumer sciences, evaluation, or related field.

Record of promising research on health programming as evidenced via scholarly products such as peer-reviewed journal articles, Extension publications, and national presentations. 

Experience in needs assessment-driven program delivery and evaluation.

Demonstrated resource acquisition skills and management of grants and other revenue generation. 

Proven ability to work in multi-disciplinary, collaborative programming.

Other Requirements

JOB EXPECTATIONS

Reliable transportation for year-round travel is required. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related travel at the approved state rate if using a private vehicle. While using a private or WSU motor pool vehicle for official business, have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090) and possess a valid driver's license.

This position works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team of Extension educators and support staff in county Extension offices as well as department-based Extension specialists and researchers.

Extension faculty members are hired into the organization. It is possible that future circumstances may require relocation.

Understand and carry out the principles and specific requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Affirmative Action Plan, and all pertinent rules and regulations.

Employment is contingent upon a successful background check and verification of COVID vaccination status per Washington State mandate

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Lee Anne Riddle

Contact Email

Contact Phone

509.358.7548

Application Instructions

Applications must include the following materials:
1) Cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position,
2) Current Curriculum Vitae,
3) Statement on contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to the university, college, and program unit mission and vision, and
4) Names and contact information for three professional references.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. WSU is committed to excellence through diversity and faculty-friendly policies including a partner accommodation program and a NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant see http://www.advance.wsu.edu. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521(v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with available funding and the candidate’s academic and professional qualifications. View the HRS Benefits website: https://hrs.wsu.edu/employees/benefits/new-employee-information/ for details on competitive benefits available.

Washington State University Extension

Full Time

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