Senior State Specialist Human Nutrition and Health Equity

TITLE: Senior State Extension Specialist for Human Nutrition and Health Equity

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences

REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator 

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: Senior State Extension Specialist for Human Nutrition and Health Equity at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program will lead and provide daily programmatic leadership for county-based staff for Expanded Food and Nutrition Education (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed). This position will develop nutrition education material for the benefit of the Kentucky community (e.g. Nutrition Curriculum, Fact Sheet, Articles, and Healthy Recipes etc.). This position will also work collaboratively with universities, medical, community, and governmental agencies located in Kentucky to address obesity and health equity and its associated health problems in the region. The successful candidate will provide leadership and direction to Nutrition Staff at Cooperative Extension, pertaining to the EFNEP and SNAP-Ed and programing to address health equity issues in social disadvantages communities in Kentucky. This position will also occasionally teach an undergraduate course in Human Anatomy and Physiology and/or Human Nutrition.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1.    Develop Nutrition Education materials for the benefit of the Kentucky community (e.g., Nutrition

Curriculum, Healthy Eating, Fact Sheet, Articles, Healthy Recipes, etc.).

2.    Coordinate SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programing for the KSU Land Grant Program in multiple counties in Kentucky, including eastern and central Kentucky, and programing to address health equity issues in social disadvantages communities in Kentucky.

3.    Conduct relevant training for county-based staff and stakeholders.

4.    Participate and represent KSU Extension on various professional development platforms ( e.g., conferences, webinars, workshops, and meetings on local and national levels).

5.    Work in collaboration with Extension specialists in other areas at KSU Cooperative Extension and other universities for the benefit of minority and underserved population.

6.    Provide updates at Extension leadership team meetings, quarterly Extension meetings, and administrative and district staff meetings.

7.    Review county-based staff Plans of Work and collaborate on performance evaluations of county-based staff for EFNEP and SNAP-Ed.

8.    Assist in the development and implementation of Extension proposals.

9.    Share research-based results with stakeholders through Extension programs.

10.    Attend and participate in Southern Region Program Leaders Network Nutrition.

11.    Serve as university delegate on committees and other national platforms for KSU.

12.    Work with small and limited resource farmers and underserved communities

13.    Provide technical assistance to county-based staff and community organizations.

14.    Develop or adopt subject matter specific curricula to deliver educational programs.

15.    Write grants to secure funding to expand the program area.

16.    Establish partnerships with government and non-government agencies providing similar services.

17.    Share research-based results with stakeholders through Extension programs, journal articles, and fact sheets.

18.    Provide trainings and relevant educational materials for Extension agents.

19.    Enter data into the Extension Reporting System.

20.    This position will also occasionally teach an undergraduate course in Human Anatomy and Physiology and/or Human Nutrition.

OTHER DUTIES:  The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Masters of Science degree required in the field of human nutrition, human health, or related field. Prior experience and knowledge of Human health and nutrition is preferred. One to three years of experience in a related field preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

•    Ability to work as a team member.

•    Excellent oral and written communication skills.

•    Knowledge of Extension program development process, evaluation, and reporting.

•    Knowledge of Land-grant Institution and Cooperative Extension Service

•    Effective oral and writing skills

•    Ability to work cooperatively in a team effort is required.

•    Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

•    Skill in the use o