The Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program promotes healthy and economically prosperous Maryland residents at every stage of life through education, research, and outreach programs. The Extension Educator will design, teach, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs using research-based information for youth and adult audiences. Programs will focus on improving the health and well-being of residents and communities in the Capital Cluster. Nutrition education and chronic disease prevention and management are a priority focus for this position. Physical activity, healthy food preparation, consumer food safety and preservation, health behaviors, and other relevant health topics are vital components of a comprehensive health and well-being program. This position will also create and support community partnerships that support extension programs and policy, systems, and environmental approaches. In carrying out these duties, the educator is responsible to the FCS Program Leader for programmatic leadership. For administrative matters, the individual is responsible to their respective Area Extension Director. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents’ nutrition and health needs. Promote health equity and social justice by educational programs and engagements. Conduct and analyze community needs assessment to develop innovative educational programs grounded in research and science.

·         Provide leadership to develop interdisciplinary educational programs that are culturally appropriate for diverse audiences. The programs focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities and are not limited to nutrition and healthy eating, chronic disease prevention and management, consumer food safety, food preservation, health literacy, physical activity, wellness, and health promotion. Education and outreach programs may include workshops, seminars, training, webinars, and others that are virtual, in-person, or blended.

·         Collaborate with extension team in the Capital Cluster and relevant FCS Action Teams to develop health and well-being education programs meeting priority needs of families and communities across the Capital Cluster.

·         Engage clientele in the education process using learner-centered strategies as well as public health approaches that result in positive behavioral changes.

·         Develop partnerships and collaborations with colleagues, campus specialists, external organizations, and government agencies at the county, cluster, and state levels.

·         Cultivate strong partnerships with community coalitions, organizations, agencies, and groups to develop education and outreach opportunities as well as policy, systems, and environmental strategies for target populations and communities.

·         Collect program evaluation and report outputs and impacts utilizing evaluation strategies as outlined by the FCS and Action Teams.

·         Identify and seek external funding to support the Extension programming and evaluation, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery efforts.

·         Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, refereed journal articles, etc.

·         Actively participate in professional services such as relevant committees, boards, and associations at local, state, University, and national levels.