Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Unit: AGNR-UME-St Mary's
Job Summary
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 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, mental health, 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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in nutrition, community nutrition, public health, health education, family & consumer sciences (FCS), or a closely related field.
- Ph.D. preferred in a relevant field of study
Experience
- Three or more years of experience in a related field
- 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
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- 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
- Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model
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.
Salary
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Master's Base: $61,035/Ph.D. Base: $72,896. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Best Consideration Date: December 1, 2022