Health and Wellness Coordinator; Cooking Matters (2 positions)

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking two Health and Wellness Coordinators to co-lead the Cooking Matters initiative across Minnesota. The roles involve leading design, implementation, evaluation, volunteer management, and partnerships with community organizations from offices in Mankato or Farmington.

Requires a Bachelor's in health/nutrition or related field with two years of relevant programming experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in health, nutrition or a closely related discipline.
• Two years of relevant programming experience or a combination to total six years.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with ability to adapt communication styles.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle for regional travel.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule including some evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to design, develop, implement and evaluate the Cooking Matters Initiative (50%).
• Coordinate partner agreements, contracts, funding paperwork, and staffing with volunteers and partners.
• Train and supervise volunteers and community partners to implement Cooking Matters activities.
• Manage Cooking Matters budget and provide guidance on technical aspects of implementation.
• Develop evaluation plans and data collection tools to assess program impact.
• Support recruitment, training and recognition of Cooking Matters volunteers.
• Build relationships with local agencies and coordinate stakeholder meetings.
• Support communications, social media, and partnerships to expand program reach.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Driver's license

Flexibility with schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree in health or nutrition or closely related discipline

Job description

Health and Wellness Coordinator; Cooking Matters (2 positions)

Job ID: 376883

Location: All Other -See Job Description

Job Family: Education

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 8312CB

Employee Class: Civil Service

Job code: 8312CB; Educ Pro 2 - Cmty-Bsd Educ and Outreach

Employee Group: Civil Service

Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time, 40 hours/week (100% time),

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Mankato or Farmington Extension Regional Office

Pay Range: $28.00 - $34.00 an hour; depending on education, qualifications, experience

Apply by: November 11, 2026

Health and Wellness Coordinators work with communities to help design and implement solutions to improve individual and community health by promoting healthy eating behaviors and physical activity across Minnesota. Seeking applicants committed to relationship-driven work carried out in a manner that promotes strategies and approaches using a public health lens. Two positions will be hired to jointly coordinate the Cooking Matters program The persons advance Cooking Matters, one of the key programs in the Health and Nutrition Program area. In Minnesota, Cooking Matters has been embedded into an integrated approach across the layers of the Spectrum of Prevention including direct education, community education, partner education, organizational development, coalition building and policy and systems change.

They will co-lead the Cooking Matters Initiative through implementation, volunteer development and management, and enhance the growth potential of Cooking Matters at the Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing (FHW). In order to facilitate implementation and growth of Cooking Matters across the state through partnerships, volunteers and local/regional initiatives, travel will be required.

Location and Work Environment

These positions will be located at either the Mankato or Farmington Extension Regional Office. Each office will have one position, so please indicate your office preference in your cover letter.

Work Schedule

This is a Monday through Friday position, with the ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours to meet the program participant needs and availability.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide leadership to design, develop, implement and evaluate the Cooking Matters Initiative (50%)

• Work with the Health and Nutrition Associate Program Director and Health and Nutrition Program Leader and other FHW partners to develop a plan for implementation, evaluation and growth of Cooking Matters.
• Coordinate the implementation of partner level agreements and ensure the necessary partner agreements, contracts, and funding paperwork are completed and recorded.
• Work alongside volunteers, community partners, EFNEP and other FHW colleagues to implement Cooking Matters series across the state. This includes direct education and adaptation as they train community partners and volunteers alongside them.
• Offer programmatic and technical support to volunteers and partners (e.g., staff of partnering agencies) to ensure quality adaptation and implementation of Cooking Matters.
• Work with the Program Leader to manage and monitor the Cooking Matters budget.
• Provide guidance to community-based organizations on the technical aspects of implementing Cooking Matters.
• Work with the FHW evaluation team to develop and implement an evaluation plan - including a data collection plan and evaluation forms that will be used to understand the quality and impact of Cooking Matters.
• Compile course outcome feedback from participant evaluations and distribute it to educators and community partners for continuous improvement of the quality of health and nutrition programming.
• Assess and adapt existing programs and educational materials to ensure relevance and accessibility for audience needs.

Support Volunteer Management (20%)

• Provide support in the recruitment, training, retention, and recognition of Cooking Matters volunteer program to maximize programmatic efficiencies and impacts.
• Plan and implement volunteer training and volunteer networking events.
• Provide technical and programmatic support to volunteers in the field.

Support Communications and Community Partnerships (20%)

• Maintain positive internal and external communications by supporting feedback collection from others on participant and community concerns, program implementation, curricula, and other resources to improve the quality and efficiency in the program and better meet the needs of Cooking Matters participants.
• Collaborate with other Extension and FHW colleagues statewide to help enhance program delivery through coordination and sharing of programmatic activities, success stories, resources, formative research, and program evaluation information.
• Maintain a sound understanding of, and familiarity with, community demographics, key partners and stakeholders such as local health and human services, and county health and nutrition initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with community members, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with ongoing programmatic social media efforts.
• Build effective relationships with local agencies working with the Cooking Matters.
• Advance community-driven changes in policies, systems, and environments through implementing public health initiatives related to Cooking Matters by supporting coalitions and networks working to improve healthy eating, physical activity, and food access.
• Assess and adapt existing programs and educational materials to ensure relevance and accessibility for audience needs.

Procedures and Protocols (10%)

• Stay informed and trained on University of Minnesota, Extension, grant funding agency, and community partners' policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Enter and ensure all course evaluation and participant information get entered into PEARS, the Extension reporting system.
• Secure program participant information related to demographics, eligibility, attendance, assessment, and program evaluation using established privacy and data security procedures.
• Complete administrative tasks accurately and on time, including updated calendar, time entry, expenses, and mileage reimbursement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Current or former Extension SNAP-ED Health and Wellness coordinators who have taught Cooking Matters to participants or organizational partners after October 2024.
• Bachelor's degree in health, nutrition or a closely related discipline and two years of relevant programming experience or a combination of relevant education and experience to total 6 years.
• Demonstrated knowledge of FHW's place based approach, community-led, community-engaged projects.
• Have implemented community-led, community-based nutrition and health promotion projects.
• Demonstrated strong relationships with community partners & members in one or more of the designated regions (Mankato or Twin Cities)
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication styles.
• Experience using computers and distance technology platforms for data entry, creating informational materials, emails, teaching, or training purposes.
• Experience conducting needs assessment and program evaluation.
• Experience implementing and adapting, and teaching evidence-based education programs.
• Professional, volunteer, experience with cooking, teaching food skills, and using safe food handling practices.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle with required liability insurance, to be utilized for frequent driving within the region and infrequent travel in greater Minnesota. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours to meet the program participant needs and availability.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, carry a minimum weight of 20 lbs, and work at various buildings and possible outdoor environments.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and/or experience of public health approaches to promote policy, system, and environmental (PSE) changes and improve access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities.
• Experience building networks and coalitions for shared action, including local community relationships and networks in surrounding communities.
• Experience with grant reporting and financial policies.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed principles and practices.

About the Department

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $28.00 - $34.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.