Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences

University of Maryland

120d

About The Position

University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. 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. FCS Programs will focus on improving the health and economic prosperity of residents and communities in Maryland. Specifically, this position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming related to financial wellness, public housing affordability and eviction prevention and other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes consumer financial education, financial wellness, health literacy, mental health, and other relevant topics. This position will also create and facilitate community partnerships with local and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, school systems, businesses, and others that support extension programs and policy, as well as systems and environmental approaches. The position will conduct applied research and publish results that support the educational program. 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 or County 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.

Requirements

• Master's degree in finance, public health, environmental health, health education, 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.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities with evidence of being able to work well with colleagues, volunteers, and diverse clientele.
• 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.
• Demonstrated program management, organization, and time management skills.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver's license are required.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. preferred in a relevant field of study.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability in acquiring grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
• Preference will be given to individuals with experience working with diverse audiences and all socioeconomic levels.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents' financial and housing needs in Baltimore City, Baltimore, Harford and Carroll Counties.
• Conduct and analyze community needs assessment to develop innovative educational programs grounded in research and science.
• Establish subject matter expertise in financial literacy, community housing support, eviction prevention, and lead appropriate applied research and projects in that area.
• Provide leadership in developing interdisciplinary educational programs that are culturally responsive and appropriate for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with extension team in the Cluster and relevant FCS Action Teams to develop financial literacy and well-being education programs meeting priority needs of families and communities across the Cluster and state.
• 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.
• Establish strong local community partnerships, such as the community housing organizations and local health coalitions, as well as 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.
• Develop grant-funded projects, including securing extramural funding, to create, enhance, and expand educational programs.
• 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.
• Perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a faculty member of the University of Maryland.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Master's degree