Cooperative Extension Specialist (Associate/Full) and Director of UACE SNAP-ED and EFNEP

The University of Arizona seeks a Cooperative Extension Specialist (Associate/Full) and Director of UACE SNAP-ED and EFNEP
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Location: Tucson, Arizona

The Position:
The School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness and Cooperative Extension at the University of Arizona welcomes applicants for a twelve-month, continuing-track (tenure-track equivalent) Associate Specialist or Specialist to begin in Summer or Fall 2023 (or earlier). The position responsibilities are 60% extension, 30% research, and 10% service. A startup package is available and can be used for administrative support for grants.

The incumbent will be responsible for leadership, strategic planning, and program direction, with the assistance of a management support team and in collaboration with professional staff and county faculty, of statewide nutrition and physical activity programs including, but not limited to, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed subcontract with the State of Arizona) and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). The combined programs serve 13 of 15 counties statewide, with 11 Co-PI’s (Extension Agents and others in Lead Positions) who oversee approximately 100 staff and a total $6.5M in funding. The position is expected to have a presence statewide and will require intermittent travel. This position is more than maintaining programs. It is an opportunity to be creative, build partnerships, enhance and better integrate programs, and develop new programs or initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, direction, and information consistent with the policies of the federally funded Nutrition Programs (SNAP-Ed and EFNEP) and work in collaboration with key stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Direct and coordinate applications for SNAP-Ed and EFNEP funding as prescribed by the funding agencies.
• Conduct original and applied research to shape the development, evaluation, and direction of healthy eating, active living and/or obesity prevention programs or other related research initiatives and programs.
• Establish and maintain extramural funding for Extension and other original and applied research programs.
• Participate in and provide effective and appropriate levels of service as a faculty member.
• Build, develop, and support reciprocal, beneficial relationships with Cooperative Extension and University colleagues, tribal partners, governmental agencies, state agencies, and stakeholders throughout Arizona.
• Identify and address Co-PI and stakeholder needs related to planning, developing and executing SNAP-Ed, EFNEP, and related program areas addressed through Cooperative Extension and the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness.
• Represent and look for opportunities for collaboration with SNAP-Ed, EFNEP and other programming at local, regional, state, and national programmatic workgroups, conferences, and committees.
• Collaborate with other universities (including land-grant universities) to leverage resources for current and future partnerships that enhance the capacity to deliver effective nutrition and physical activity, and obesity prevention programming.
• Participate in scholarly activity, including author/co-author articles on research projects from SNAP-Ed, EFNEP and other initiatives with County Agents and other colleagues.
• Supervise EFNEP and SNAP-Ed accounting and management support staff.
• Oversee the preparation of periodic reports to funding agencies or institutions.
• Travel throughout the state, as needed, to provide support for program quality and compliance.

Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to create and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships both internally and among external stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and leverage extramural funding.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to quality and collegiality.
• Knowledge of budget administration.
• Skills in supervising personnel.
• Ability to promote and foster diversity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate in Nutritional Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Record of scholarly accomplishments.
• A record of managing nutrition, physical activity, or related Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in grant management.
• Experience with SNAP-Ed and/or EFNEP.
• RDN credential, or broad experience in nutrition education.
• Experience with public health approaches including policy, systems, and environment changes, and experience with community engagement, trauma-aware principles and health equity.
• Experience with Cooperative Extension.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

About the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension System (UACE):
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension System (UACE) is part of the University’s Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension (ALVSCE), a complex, interdependent state- and worldwide enterprise. Together, the division delivers 20 undergraduate degrees around the globe, serves communities in all of Arizona’s 15 counties, and provides services and programming to tens of thousands each year. The programs offered by ALVSCE by dedicated faculty and staff have a transformative impact on families, environments, and economies through Arizona’s first college, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; the research-intensive Arizona Experiment Station; many interdisciplinary centers, labs and institutes; as well as the University’s statewide Cooperative Extension System, the cornerstone of the University’s unique position as Arizona’s land-grant institution.

UACE is focused on engaging people through applied research and education to improve lives, families, communities, the environment and economies in Arizona and beyond, serving as a vital, national leader in creating and applying knowledge to help people build thriving, sustainable lives, communities, and economies. In Arizona, UACE reaches constituents in each of the state’s 15 counties, and within many of the state’s 22 Tribal Nations. In addition, Arizona has the nation’s largest Federally Recognized Tribal Extension (FRTEP) program, supporting 7 FRTEP Agents in 5 Tribal Nations. UACE also serves many communities in the Arizona borderlands, adjacent to Mexico.

To deliver on this mission, UACE works in the areas of these 4 pillars:

• 4-H Youth Development
  • Arizona 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the state and is the “first class at the University of Arizona.” An established pipeline of future leaders and students are engaged in community-specific programs.

• Agriculture and Natural Resources
  • UACE has been assisting farmers, ranchers, agency personnel and others involved in natural resource management for over 100 years to increase profits and steward the state’s natural resources responsibly.
• Family, Consumer, & Health Sciences
  • Through community-specific programs, UACE supports strong families, strong minds, and strong bodies.
• Tribal Extension
  • With more than 30% of land base in Arizona being Tribal, UACE initiatives engage Native American communities through education and outreach on development, sustainability, and resiliency.

UACE is focused on “Improving Lives, Communities and the Economy” by serving as part of a nationwide educational network of scientists and educators who help people solve problems and put knowledge to use. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension provides a link between the University and the citizens of its state, made possible by a cooperative effort between the Federal Government, the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and each of the counties served. With offices in all 15 counties as well as on tribal reservations, UACE brings knowledge to people every day to enhance their work and enrich their lives.

For more information on UACE: https://extension.arizona.edu/

About the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness:
Located within ALVSCE is the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness which is a leader in cutting-edge research, outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, Cooperative Extension and outreach programs, and continuing professional education. The School is advancing the discovery and translation of nutrition and physical activity strategies to optimize the health of people in Arizona and beyond.

Already an internationally recognized leader in undergraduate, graduate, and community nutrition and physical activity education, the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness is now the first University of Arizona unit to offer cutting-edge Continuing Professional Education across healthcare providers including registered dietitian nutritionists, registered nurses, and medical doctors. Their Continuing Professional Education provides innovative nutrition, food and physical activity training, improves patient care skills and is integral to maintaining clinical expertise and licensing.

Chronic diseases such as obesity, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes remain the biggest health challenges. However, to improve health and quality of life, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness's overarching research theme is achieving optimal health and quality of life through precision nutrition and wellness to meet the specific needs of individuals and at-risk communities. Its goal is to advance the science that provides foundational understanding of human nutrition and physical activity and its effects on health, disease, wellness, physiology, and human performance across the lifespan. The School is the only University of Arizona unit whose work spans the full continuum of biomedical research, allowing them to translate basic science discoveries into clinical practice and community programs.

About the Institution:
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona (UArizona), the state's land-grant university, is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Recognized as a global leader, and classified as a Carnegie R-1, UArizona conducts more than $687 million in annual research expenditures and is currently ranked in the top 40 among all public universities surveyed. UArizona produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement Initiative. The UArizona is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually. With a total faculty of 3,144, UArizona currently enrolls 36,503 undergraduate students in more than 300 majors, in addition to 10,429 graduate and professional students.

Located in the city of Tucson, with a campus size of 392 acres, UArizona offers students a wide range of activities and academic opportunities. This includes three levels of intramural sports and more than 30 fraternities and sororities, and many other student organizations. The Arizona Wildcats NCAA Division I teams compete in the Pac-12 Conference. Classified as a highest research institution, UArizona involves both undergraduate and graduate students in research projects. The University has a wide range of graduate programs, including the Eller College of Management, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the James E. Rogers College of Law and a College of Medicine.

The University values its inclusive climate because it knows that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, UArizona translates these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because UArizona seeks a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, the institution provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, UArizona also welcomes alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help advance the institution’s Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff, and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

The University demonstrates diversity in every area with 24% of graduates being students of color. In fact, the graduate programs demonstrate exceptional diversity as enrollment is the most diverse among all public institutions belonging to the Association of American Universities. UArizona is ranked #1 in the number of PhDs awarded to Native American students and #9 in the number of PhDs awarded to Hispanic students.

Why Consider the Opportunity:

• Impact. Arizona Cooperative Extension delivers community-engaged programs and initiatives that lead to sustainable changes in policies, systems, and environments to increase food access, nutrition security, and opportunities for physical activity across the state.
• Innovation. It is an opportunity to be creative, build partnerships, enhance and better integrate programs, and develop new programs or initiatives.
• Support. This role is supported by a dedicated and talented team statewide.
• Location. Unparalleled opportunities for partnerships and research in a culturally diverse region.
• Innovative work-life programs. The University of Arizona has been recognized for innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please click here.
• Outstanding Benefits. Health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave, and holidays are all part of the package. UArizona/Arizona State University/Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; and access to UArizona recreation and cultural activities.

To Apply:
Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; parties who apply before or by March 13, 2023, will be given first consideration. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest that addresses the required qualifications.

To apply online, go to: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=su348

For more information or to offer recommendations or nominations:
Kristen Farha
Senior Consultant
Summit Search Solutions, Inc.
Direct: (316) 650-0069
kfarha@summitsearchsolutions.com

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.