Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences

Joe; Denton (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed educational institution in Maryland seeks a qualified Extension Educator to promote financial and community wellbeing through educational programming. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree and exhibit strong teaching, communication, and leadership skills. This tenure-track role involves creating community partnerships and delivering impactful workshops across various formats. Ideal applicants will demonstrate experience in securing funding or grants and engaging clientele effectively.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in relevant fields like finance or education.
• Demonstrated understanding of Land Grant mission required.
• Ability to develop successful community collaborations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and evaluate educational programs for financial needs.
• Conduct community needs assessments for programming.
• Provide leadership in developing interdisciplinary educational programs.

Skills

Excellent teaching abilities

Communication skills

Program management

Community collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in finance or related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is located in Caroline County, Maryland, and provides programming to Eastern Shore Counties and statewide.

University of Maryland Extension (UME) seeks candidates for a 12-month tenure-track Extension Educator in the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) program. This rank is parallel to the rank of Assistant Professor. 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. This position will provide leadership and delivery of educational programming to counties in Eastern Shore and statewide, related to financial wellness, community economic development, housing, public health, other areas of FCS. The FCS program includes consumer financial education, financial wellness, health literacy, housing, community development, 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 centered on human health and strengthened/ sustainable community through innovative educational 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. The Extension Educator will be a faculty member on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with the University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a defined timeframe.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, implement and evaluate interdisciplinary educational programs designed to meet the community residents’ financial and community/economic development needs in Eastern Shore.
• Conduct and analyze community needs assessment to develop innovative educational programs grounded in research and science.
• Establish subject matter expertise in financial literacy, community/economic development, housing needs, and lead appropriate applied research and projects in that area.
• Provide leadership in developing interdisciplinary educational programs that are culturally responsive and appropriate for broad audiences. Education and outreach programs may include workshops, seminars, training, webinars, and other formats that are virtual, in-person, or blended.
• Collaborate with Extension team in the cluster/state and relevant FCS teams to develop finance, health 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 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, with organizations, agencies, and groups to develop education and outreach opportunities for target populations and communities.
• Collect program evaluation and report outputs and impacts utilizing evaluation strategies as outlined by the FCS.
• Develop grant-funded projects, including securing extramural funding, to create, enhance, and expand educational programs and applied research.
• Develop, synthesize, and disseminate knowledge related to program priorities through scholarly efforts, including peer-reviewed publications, professional presentations, refereed journal articles, etc.
• Work on certification or training related to the field such as financial management, housing, or other related fields.
• 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. This is a tenure-track position requiring documented accomplishments in the areas of research, teaching, and service.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master’s degree in finance, business, family & consumer sciences, education, community or economic development, public administration/policy, public health, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant mission and FCS.
• 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 broad clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain successful community collaborations and partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to document program impacts and produce scholarly publications based on programming.
• Demonstrated program management, organization, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required. Must be willing to travel throughout the cluster as well as the state of Maryland as needed.
• Flexible work schedule required for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred

• Ph.D. preferred in a relevant field of study.
• Certification in financial planning and/or financial education.
• Extension or similar work experience in formal or non-formal community education, with preference given to individuals with experience working with broad audiences and all socioeconomic levels.
• Demonstrated ability to secure grants and funding for research and outreach programming; leadership and community, economic, or resource development experience is a plus.
• Preference will be given to individuals with research skills such as AI/Machine Learning and other advanced technology.
• Ability and experience in using marketing strategies to develop and engage partnerships and clientele.

Physical Demands of the Position

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching and event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set-up and teardown of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position may require the employee to work in community or school environments, as well as outdoors at certain times of the year, such as county fairs.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Candidate must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hiring. The department will not provide sponsorship for work-visa requirements.