State Specialized Agent II–IV, Family and Consumer Science (Housing and Financial Well-Being)

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

UF/IFAS Extension seeks a State Specialized Agent II–IV position in Family and Consumer Science specializing in Housing and Financial Well-being. State Specialized Agents lead statewide Extension initiatives, collaborate with faculty across departments, and guide program development that supports Florida’s families and communities. As a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment, the position provides statewide leadership in housing and financial well‑being that strengthens Florida households and supports UF/IFAS Extension’s statewide strategic priorities. This is a permanent status accruing position for Extension Agent II-IV. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The preferred location for this position is Gainesville, Florida, although the location is negotiable based on office availability and input from UF/IFAS Extension leadership. Statewide Program Leadership Provide statewide leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate a nationally recognized housing education and financial literacy/wellbeing program. Lead curriculum development, online course creation, and educational materials designed for broad public appeal, collaborating with county and state faculty. Deliver housing and financial education to adults in counties without qualified faculty and support youth financial literacy programming aligned with Florida state standards. Establish statewide program policies, guidance, and delivery strategies for housing and financial programs, including protocols for underserved or outlying areas. Oversee priority statewide efforts under Initiative 5 and serve as Co-Chair for the Housing and Financial Wellbeing Priority Work Group (PWG 4), including leadership of relevant Action Teams. Consumer Counseling and HUD Responsibilities Serve as the HUD Approved Counseling Branch contact for Alachua County and lead all related housing counseling services for Alachua County, surrounding counties, and counties lacking a qualified faculty member. Provide one-on-one housing and financial counseling, address consumer inquiries, and ensure compliance with HUD-related standards and reporting expectations. Conduct statewide in-service trainings on foreclosure prevention, disaster preparedness, rental education, retirement education, and other high-priority housing and financial well-being topics. Partnerships and External Engagement Build institutional relationships with the UF Center for Housing Studies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and HUD related partners to enhance program impact. Advance visibility and represent UF/IFAS Extension in national collaborations, including the Financial Security for All network and emerging national housing collaboratives for Extension and HUD agencies. Grantsmanship and Revenue Development Apply for, secure, and manage federal grants such as the HUD Housing Counseling Grant and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant. Pursue philanthropic, corporate, and state funding to strengthen program reach and sustainability. Develop and implement revenue generation strategies tied to educational products, online courses, and program innovations. Extension Faculty Support and Training Provide statewide in-service training, program tools, and consultation to Extension faculty to ensure effective program delivery and consistent statewide implementation. Serve as liaison to UF/IFAS HR on housing and financial wellbeing workshops delivered to UF personnel. About IFAS Extension UF/IFAS Extension is the outreach arm of the university, connecting research based knowledge to individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Florida. Its mission is to enable people to improve their quality of life through applied science, education, and partnership. With faculty members located in all 67 counties and at Research and Education Centers statewide, UF/IFAS Extension delivers practical programs focused on agriculture, natural resources, youth development, and family wellbeing. The organization is known for strong interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to addressing Florida’s most pressing community needs through educational programming and statewide coordination. As part of this mission, Family and Consumer Sciences faculty empower individuals and families to make informed decisions related to food systems, financial management, health, food safety, and overall well-being. By translating research into accessible education, Family and Consumer Sciences improves household stability, strengthens community vitality, and supports economic opportunity across Florida. The program area is broad and interdisciplinary, encompassing food entrepreneurship, nutrition, consumer decision-making, financial capability, housing, and workforce readiness.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Science, Housing, Financial Counseling, Personal Finance, Family Resource Management, Consumer Economics, or a closely related discipline to be hired as a State Specialized Agent II, III or IV. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II, III, or IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.
At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
Ability to work cooperatively with faculty, community groups, agencies, and statewide partners.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
HUD Certified Housing Counselor or obtain certification within 1 year of employment.
Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification or completion within 3 years of employment.
Pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) exam and a tax law certification exam (Basic or Advanced) annually to deliver VITA.
Ability to interpret applied research and develop evidence-based educational materials.
Strong organizational skills, the ability to coordinate training for large faculty groups, manage program data, and the capability to manage grants and budgets according to UF guidelines.
Proficiency with digital tools used for Extension instruction, outreach, and reporting, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, webinar platforms, social media tools, learning management systems, and UF/IFAS-approved reporting platforms.
A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
Ability to work evenings or weekends when needed, based on the needs of the target audience.
Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values
Youth engagement exceeds 5%, so DCF Level 2 background screening will be required.

Nice To Haves

A doctoral degree in Family and Consumer Science, Housing, Personal Finance, Consumer Economics, or a closely related specialization is preferred for this State Specialized Agent position.
Experience leading statewide or national initiatives, delivering high level faculty development, and working within housing counseling, financial capability, or community financial protection programs.
Experience using data, metrics, and feedback to refine programming and document outcomes and impacts.
Demonstrated success securing grants and managing budgets.
A record of producing scholarly outputs.
Experience designing statewide, regional, or multi‑county Extension programs.
Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Provide statewide leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate a nationally recognized housing education and financial literacy/wellbeing program.
Lead curriculum development, online course creation, and educational materials designed for broad public appeal, collaborating with county and state faculty.
Deliver housing and financial education to adults in counties without qualified faculty and support youth financial literacy programming aligned with Florida state standards.
Establish statewide program policies, guidance, and delivery strategies for housing and financial programs, including protocols for underserved or outlying areas.
Oversee priority statewide efforts under Initiative 5 and serve as Co-Chair for the Housing and Financial Wellbeing Priority Work Group (PWG 4), including leadership of relevant Action Teams.
Serve as the HUD Approved Counseling Branch contact for Alachua County and lead all related housing counseling services for Alachua County, surrounding counties, and counties lacking a qualified faculty member.
Provide one-on-one housing and financial counseling, address consumer inquiries, and ensure compliance with HUD-related standards and reporting expectations.
Conduct statewide in-service trainings on foreclosure prevention, disaster preparedness, rental education, retirement education, and other high-priority housing and financial well-being topics.
Build institutional relationships with the UF Center for Housing Studies, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and HUD related partners to enhance program impact.
Advance visibility and represent UF/IFAS Extension in national collaborations, including the Financial Security for All network and emerging national housing collaboratives for Extension and HUD agencies.
Apply for, secure, and manage federal grants such as the HUD Housing Counseling Grant and the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant.
Pursue philanthropic, corporate, and state funding to strengthen program reach and sustainability.
Develop and implement revenue generation strategies tied to educational products, online courses, and program innovations.
Provide statewide in-service training, program tools, and consultation to Extension faculty to ensure effective program delivery and consistent statewide implementation.
Serve as liaison to UF/IFAS HR on housing and financial wellbeing workshops delivered to UF personnel.