Description:

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES)

University of Illinois Extension

EXTENSION SPECIALIST - FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE (EVALUATION) - 110378

The Extension Specialist, Family and Consumer Science (Evaluation) serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional. This position is part of the Extension faculty with primary responsibility for overseeing the evaluation of education programs in the division of the Extension Family and Consumer Sciences program. The position is part of the leadership team for the $17 M community nutrition education programs funded through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) within the Family and Consumer Science division of University of Illinois Extension. This position will be responsible for developing and providing statewide evaluation strategy, leadership in impact reporting, and ensuring the division has knowledge of evaluation principles for the program.

One full time position is available.

Location: Champaign-Urbana Campus

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Specific responsibilities of the Extension Specialist, Family and Consumer Science (Evaluation) are as follows:

Program/Instructional Development and Implementation

• Assess the needs of communities across Illinois in a systematic and analytical manner to ensure effective program implementation.
• Initiate educational delivery systems within relevant subject matter expertise.
• Develop and design data collection strategy to document meeting program goals and objectives for the statewide community nutrition grants.
• Provide leadership for the development, design, implementation, and use of reporting systems for EFNEP & SNAP-Ed and submit the required state and federal reports. Oversee the necessary changes to reporting systems for FCS.
• Oversee the development of SNAP-Ed evaluation operating manuals and user guides in various formats and communicate guidelines to the 200 staff involved in the program delivery.

Organizational Leadership, Development, and Evaluation

• Develop and lead statewide programming evaluation strategy and design within Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Division University of Illinois Extension.
• Lead and direct evaluation team and evaluation efforts for community nutrition grants in conjunction with faculty and other grant collaborators outside of UIUC. Provide direct supervision for Evaluation Specialists and Office support staff on the evaluation team.

• Identify and communicate new practices in community based programming and train statewide Extension staff.
• Provide training and technical assistance to statewide staff for FCS evaluation instruments and techniques.
• Collaborate with leadership team members on conducting internal program reviews to assess accomplishments and areas for improvement.
• Represent FCS on the Extension teams.
• Establish and maintain relationships across the campus, state, multi-state region or nation with program stakeholders and other nutrition education programs.
• Represent EFNEP/SNAP-Ed on state and national task force and working groups
• Contribute to the overall vision of Family and Consumer Science.

Research and Development

• Collect data that contributes to the research based evidence of the community nutrition programs.
• Write scientific publications that advance the field of nutrition education and represent the work of the Family and Consumer Science program.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Conduct literature reviews to stay abreast of the latest research in nutrition education for limited resource audiences.

Other Information:

• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assist Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports.
• Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.
• Local, regional, and statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.

ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONSHIP:

The Extension Specialist, Family and Consumer Science (Evaluation) is administratively responsible to the Assistant Dean, Family and Consumer Science.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in family and consumer science, adult education, human nutrition, community health or public health from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. At least 5 years of relevant experience with community based programs. Experience evaluating community based educational programs. Experience collecting data using mixed methods. Understanding and experience working with diverse audiences, especially families with limited resources. Strong oral and written communication skills. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork as well as the ability to work independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in community nutrition, community/public health, or educational leadership from an accredited institution of higher education. Experience with SNAP-Ed or EFNEP. Understanding of land-grant University Extension and demonstrated ability to work effectively with the Extension system.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To apply, go to https://go.illinois.edu/110378. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of March 29, 2019.

For further information about the positions, please contact Search Chair, Zach Kennedy at zkenned2@illinois.edu. For technical assistance with the online application process, call 217-333-6747 or email jobs@illinois.edu.

College Name or Administrative Unit:ACES - Extension Category:2-Administrative Title:Extension Specialist, Family and Consumer Science (Evaluation) - University of Illinois Extension (110378) Open Date:03/04/2019 Close Date:03/29/2019 Organization Name:Family and Consumer Science