Agent
Title: Agent
Working Title: Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences
Position Number: 103371
Category Status: Faculty Non-Tenured, On-Track, full-time
Unit: AGNR-UME-St. Mary’s
POSITION SUMMARY:
This office is located in Leonardtown, Maryland, and provides programming to the Southern Cluster, including St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles.
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
- Identify and seek external funding to support the Extension programming and evaluation, including grants, contracts, and cost recovery
- 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- Master's degree in nutrition, community nutrition, public health, environmental health, family & consumer sciences (FCS), or a closely 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 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
- D. preferred in a relevant field of study.
- Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community
- Ability and experience in using social media and marketing strategies to engage
- Ability and experience in developing and implementing online modules and
Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
- Physical Demands: A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
- Environmental: Team-driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline-driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position may require the employee to work in community or school environments.
- Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.
SALARY & BENEFITS:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Master's Base: $56,706.00/Ph.D. Base: $67,725.00. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/95547. 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.
CLOSING DATE: For best consideration, complete application by July 6, 2022. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
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. |
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.