Position Description

Job Summary:
About the Division of Extension: As a statewide engagement arm of UW-Madison, the Division of Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea to extend university knowledge to every corner of the state. Our statewide network of educators and specialists is responding every day to emerging and longstanding hurdles residents are overcoming to compete and prosper.

About the Human Development and Relationships Institute: The Human Development and Relationships Institute is one of six institutes in the Division of Extension. We promote the development of resilient individuals and communities across Wisconsin and at every stage of life through meaningful partnerships and research-based education.

This position supports the Human Development and Relationships Institute at UW-Madison’s Division of Extension and will focus on developing, implementing, and evaluating nonformal, community-based education initiatives within the Family Engagement and Relationships Program. The primary responsibilities of this role involve providing research and technical expertise in child development, parenting, and family relationships to enhance Extension’s educational programs and facilitate applied scholarship. Additionally, this position leads efforts to expand continuing education opportunities for Wisconsin’s early care and education workforce and other professionals who serve families.

Examples of programs and projects that this position will lead or support include:
– Continuing education initiative for the early care and education workforce
– Annual parenting conference for all those that care for children
– Ongoing parenting and family relationship education programs, including the Just in Time Parenting national initiative and statewide delivery model
– State and national partnerships that support parenting and family relationship education

Collaboration is a central aspect of this role. The position will work closely with on-campus faculty, state specialists, and local educators to ensure Wisconsin families receive high-quality, research-based outreach and engagement. The position is responsible for fostering productive relationships between the university and local, state, and federal governments and other external organizations. There may also be opportunities to seek grant funding for new initiatives and manage program budgets.

This position offers a unique opportunity for innovation, creativity, and community-focused scholarship. It allows the individual to engage in meaningful outreach while ensuring the programs are accessible to diverse audiences across Wisconsin. In addition to program development, the individual will facilitate learning experiences, assess outcomes, and ensure program effectiveness. There may also be supervisory responsibilities, including overseeing program staff and resolving personnel matters.

Ultimately, this position represents a chance to be part of a dynamic team of educators and specialists working together to create meaningful change for children and families throughout Wisconsin.

The Division of Extension has a deep and profound commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements to eliminate disparities and expanding access for all. As Extension, we acknowledge the need for strategic and coordinated actions that help us form a more equitable, anti-racist, non-biased, and inclusive organization. (https://blogs.extension.wisc.edu/oaic/call-to-action/). As such, all Extension employees are expected to foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities:
Delivers and assists with planning outreach program activities, strengthens partnerships, ensures adherence to policy, and assists with program administration to promote stable and productive relationships between the university and local community. Strives to expand and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services to diverse audiences. May assist with tracking and managing the outreach program budget.10% Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
15% Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
5% Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
30% Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
20% Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
5% May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
10% Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers
5% May supervise program staff and resolve personnel issues

Required Qualifications

- At least three years of work experience relevant to the programmatic responsibilities of the position.
- Current content knowledge in fields related to the purpose of this position such as child development, parenting, family relationships & systems, family stress, coping & resilience, family engagement, and early childhood education.
- Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs using a variety of methods and technologies.
- Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings and communicating program impact and value to stakeholders.
- Knowledge of adult learning principles.
- Strong verbal and written communication.
- Ability to lead collaborative projects to meet intended objectives, including securing and managing necessary resources.
- Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.

Preferred Qualifications

- Demonstrated skills in mentoring and coaching others in a professional setting.
- Experience conducting applied, community-based research and scholarship.
- Experience developing effective partnerships at a community, state and national level.
- Experience with writing and/or managing extramural grants and contracts.
- Strong interpersonal relationships and problem-solving skills in a team setting.
- Effective group facilitation skills.

Other Requirements

The primary accountability for this position is the Institute Director for Human Development and Relationships for supervision, compensation and benefits, and performance reviews.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a remote work policy that offers the potential for remote or hybrid work. This position will be based in Madison Wisconsin. The person hired will have the opportunity to work up to two days a week remotely. More about that policy within the Division of Extension can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/extension/113536.

This position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to meet the program needs and priorities of the communities served.

Travel Requirements

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions which would include instate and out-of-state travel. Information about UW-Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Lindsay Weymouth-Olson

Contact Email

Contact Phone

(608) 265-5785

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button on UW Madison's jobs website here: https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/child-development-and-parenting-state-specialist-madison-wisconsin-united-states. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
- Resume or CV
- Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)

Equal Employer Statement(s)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Remote Job?

yes

University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension

Full Time

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