Extension Educator – Family & Consumer Sciences

Position Description

· Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents’ nutrition and health needs. Promote health equity and social justice through 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, mental health, and health promotion. Education and outreach programs may include workshops, seminars, training, webinars, and others that are virtual, in-person, or blended.

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

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in nutrition, community nutrition, public health, health education, family & consumer sciences (FCS), or a closely related field.
• Three or more years of experience in a related field.
• Evidence of ability and commitment to engage diverse clientele.
• Demonstrated evidence of excellent teaching abilities and communication skills.
• Ability to think independently yet work successfully as a member of a cohesive team
• Demonstrated ability to develop successful community collaborations and partnerships.
• Strong computer skills and experience with Google Mail system, Microsoft Office, Videoconferencing, and other software to support program development, management, delivery, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to document program impacts and produce scholarly publications based on programming.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver's license are required. Must be willing to travel throughout the Cluster as well as the state of Maryland as needed.
• Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. preferred in a relevant field of study.
• Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community education.
• Ability and experience in using social media and marketing strategies to engage clientele.
• Ability and experience in developing and implementing online modules and classes.
• Evidence of interdisciplinary work.

Other Requirements

Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University System of Maryland (USM) recently announced that students, faculty, and staff on USM campuses this fall, including UMD, are required to be vaccinated against COVID. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Application Instructions

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/101220. A complete application packet includes a letter of application, a current (signed) resume (or Curriculum Vitae uploaded as resume), copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Equal Employer Statement(s)

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.