Working Title:

Extension Instructor or Open Rank Extension Educator - Food, Nutrition and Health/NEP - Evaluation

Department:

Nutrition & Health Sci IANR-0847

Requisition Number:

F_230083

Posting Open Date:

05/10/2023

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):

06/12/2023

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

OVERVIEWThis position is in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, with a geographic region of the state of Nebraska. The focus for this Food, Nutrition & Health (FNH) position is to lead the program evaluation efforts of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP). The outcomes of this focused extension professional include program evaluation of 1) Individual behavior patterns and environments that reduce youth obesity and improve human well-being, and 2) A safe and diverse food supply with choices/access for people focused on health. Health behavior change and translation of research should be evident in their primary responsibility of program development and delivery. Extension professionals are expected to work optimistically and proactively in a flexible environment.

Nebraska faces the challenges of high prevalence of obesity, foodborne illness, and disparities in food access and health status. Addressing interrelated determinants is key to improving health, well-being, health disparities and quality of life. The Food, Nutrition & Health extension professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of IANR as a scholar and citizen in community engagement and healthy humans. In Human Sciences, we believe in purposeful integration of disciplines to solve important issues challenging individuals, communities, and society. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence. As a member of the Nebraska Extension team, you are expected to create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives.
This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an open rank educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction, will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefit package, the University offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

Nebraska extension professionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.
PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Uses innovative strategies and current technologies to design, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs for a robust statewide grant-funded extension program, the Nutrition Education Program.
• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with the Nutrition Education Program, FNH, health professionals, schools, and communities to encourage the adoption of research-based information on obesity prevention, well-being, and food systems.
• Engages with unit leaders, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and provide access to educational opportunities.
• Works in an inter-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals, researchers, and other partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
• Partners with research faculty to engage in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Practices effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Develops a professional development plan to enhance and maintain professional expertise in obesity prevention, health and well-being, individual and community food systems, and extension pedagogy.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROLE (approximately 20%)

• Serves in, contributes to, or supports the Academic/Administrative Unit. Coordinates with Unit Head/Director/Program Leaders and other Extension professionals, on campus and statewide as appropriate, to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence.
  • Cooperates with faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the Academic/Administrative Unit and statewide.
  • Cultivates a culture of collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders that builds positive relationships between the University and our partners.
  • Supports engagement of advisory or policy groups such as Unit Advisory Committees, Program Advisory Committees, and others as appropriate.
• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
• Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
  
  

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Exercise and Health Sciences, Dietetics, Nutrition Education, Public Health, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Exercise and Health Sciences, Dietetics, Nutrition Education, Public Health, or a closely related field (extension educator).
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Dietitian (RD), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Community Health Education Specialist.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in nutrition, health, or a program evaluation-related field.
• Outstanding leadership skills as demonstrated by roles in college, career, and/or community activities.
• Understanding of different ethnic and socioeconomic audiences and a commitment to developing and delivering both inclusive and targeted programming.
• Successful experience developing financial support for educational programs including grant writing, fund generation, contracting, and/or cost recovery efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and programs.

Criminal History Background Check Required:

Yes

How to Apply:

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

1. A letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job and anticipated contributions.
2. Your curriculum vitae or resume (attach as “Curriculum Vitae”).
3. Contact information for three professional references.

In addition, within the application, please complete the required supplemental question(s), one specifically describing your experience working in diverse teams or groups and your anticipated contributions to creating inclusive environments in which every person and every interaction matters. See https://ianr.unl.edu/tips-writing-about-commitment-to-deib for guidance in writing this statement.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Marci Sturek
msturek2@unl.edu

Job Category:

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Category (old):

Faculty Non-Tenure Leading

Job Type:

12 Month (Faculty Only)

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?:

Yes