Field Specialist in Human Development – Laclede County, MO

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,200 - 63,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

University benefits package

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The University of Missouri invites applications for the Human Development and Family Sciences Specialist (Field Specialist in Human Development) to plan, implement, and evaluate education programs in parenting, family strengthening, mental health awareness, adolescence, aging, and early childhood care and education.

This 12‑month, ranked, non‑tenure track appointment is based in Lebanon, Missouri with statewide service and travel across Missouri.

Qualifications

• Earned PhD or master's degree at appointment.
• Ability to translate research into educational programs for diverse audiences.
• Experience in youth/adult education.
• Administrative and leadership experience managing fiscal, human, and data resources.
• Strong teaching strategies and communication skills.
• Experience using technology in education delivery.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs in parenting, family strengthening, mental health awareness, adolescence, aging, and/or early childhood care and education.
• Create an annual plan‑of‑work reflecting local needs and statewide program area efforts; provide monthly impact reports.
• Collaborate with campus‑based specialists on research projects and disseminate findings via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and media.
• Work with other specialists to serve the needs of the headquarters county and ensure promotional materials are provided ahead of programming.
• Complete administrative tasks in coordination with supervisors and local leaders.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject‑matter knowledge, delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research‑based information during natural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University on boards and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional development events to improve technical and leadership skills.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support MU Extension’s mission.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Teaching

Teamwork

Interpersonal relations

Education

PhD or Master’s degree

Job description

Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional

Location: Lebanon, Missouri and primarily serves Laclede, Dallas, Texas and Webster Counties in West Central and Southwest Region, with additional service across the state as needed.

Specialist Emphasis

The Human Development and Family Sciences Specialist is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in parenting, family strengthening, mental health awareness, adolescence, aging, and/or early childhood care and education.

This position is a 12‑month, ranked, non‑tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional. The working title is Field Specialist in Human Development. Workload distribution is 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service. The appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of the University; workload distribution may change at the discretion of Extension leadership.

Core Duties

MU Extension Specialists deliver the University of Missouri to all Missourians. These core duties fall into three major areas:

• Educate: design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs. Deliver research‑based information via meetings, in‑person and online courses, continuing education classes, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, websites, and consultation.
• Create: develop innovative and research‑informed educational products, services, materials, and other scholarly works, including curricula, publications, presentations, educational tools, and websites.
• Connect: engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, including county extension councils, government officials and agencies, partners, and University and professional organizations.

Professional Expectations

• Engage with councils, commissions, legislators, and stakeholders in all coverage counties to identify educational needs and collaborate with partners to meet those needs.
• Create an annual plan‑of‑work that reflects local needs and aligns with statewide program area efforts. Provide a monthly report of impact to county extension council, supervisors, county commissioners and others.
• Collaborate with campus‑based specialists on research projects and deliver findings via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and appropriate media.
• Work in collaboration with other specialists to serve the needs of the headquartered county, ensuring promotional materials are provided in advance of programming.
• Effectively work with supervisors and local leaders to complete administrative tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject‑matter knowledge, educational delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonal relations, organization knowledge, leadership, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research‑based information during natural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional development events to improve technical and leadership skills.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of MU Extension.

Additional Expectations

• MU Extension programs often occur outside of normal business hours; specialists should expect to attend these events as needed.
• Specialists travel regularly throughout Missouri and occasionally to out‑of‑state locations. A valid Missouri driver’s license, a legally operating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service are required. Travel expenses are reimbursed per University of Missouri policy.

Qualifications

An earned PhD or master’s degree at the time of appointment.

Candidates Will Be Evaluated On

• Coursework in Human Development and Family Sciences or related areas.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into educational programs in parenting, family strengthening, mental health awareness, adolescence, aging, and/or early childhood care and education for audiences of all age groups.
• Successful experience in youth and/or adult education.
• Successful administrative and leadership experience, particularly in managing fiscal, human, and data resources.
• Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage others, with strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to integrate new and emerging technology into teaching strategies.
• Experience in designing, conducting, and evaluating educational programs, and applying research‑based knowledge in community cooperation, capacity assessment, action planning, needs assessment, citizen participation, leadership, resource management, and volunteerism.

Anticipated Hiring Range

This position offers a minimum starting salary of $58,000, with the final salary determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Copies of all unofficial academic transcripts
• List of 3‑5 references

Visa Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for employment visas for this position.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. The University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA Accommodations

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.