Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

University of Rhode Island; City of Kingston (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI, is seeking a Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension) to develop and implement interdisciplinary programming at the intersection of public and environmental health. The role emphasizes community engagement and cross-sector partnerships to address energy efficiency, weatherization, and health challenges.

Full-time in-person position with opportunities to contribute to policy-informed programming and community impact across Rhode Island communities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement interdisciplinary Extension programming addressing community needs at the intersection of public and environmental health.
• Engage, convene, and collaborate with community members, industry experts, and decision-makers to inform policy and partnerships.
• Lead outreach to inform policy development and advance solutions for health challenges.
• Develop and coordinate outreach tools and strategies for energy efficiency and weatherization education.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, engagement, and progress toward climate resilience and health improvements.
• Coordinate project logistics including schedules, meetings, and partner communications.
• Represent URI Cooperative Extension in partner meetings, events, and professional settings.

Job description

Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

Posting Number: SF02233

Position Type: Professional Staff

Union: PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc

Pay Grade Level: Grade Level: 9

Pay Grade Range: Salary Hiring Range: $65,000 - $70,000

Department: Cooperative Extension Admin.

Campus Location: Kingston

Job Description Summary:

Search will be open until filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by 10/24/2026. Applications received after 10/24/2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.

About URI:

The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community. URI is just 30 minutes from Providence, RI and within easy reach of Newport, Boston, and New York City.

THE POSITION IS IN-PERSON.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Develop, plan, and implement interdisciplinary, cross-sector Extension programming that addresses critical community needs at the intersection of public and environmental health. Identify, engage, and convene community members, industry experts, and decision-makers to inform policy development, strengthen partnerships, and advance meaningful solutions to public and environmental health challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement the Community-Based Energy Navigator Program to increase participation in Rhode Island energy efficiency and weatherization programs among income-eligible and historically underserved residents.
• Design, coordinate, and facilitate training and professional development for community-based workers, including developing curricula, participant resources, workshops, and tools that build knowledge and skills related to energy efficiency, weatherization, health, and energy burden.
• Build and sustain cross-sector partnerships with community-based organizations, public health and housing organizations, energy-sector partners, state agencies, and other stakeholders to support equitable energy efficiency education and engagement.
• Lead community engagement and stakeholder-informed program development, including conducting interviews, facilitating feedback sessions, identifying community needs, and adapting training, resources, and outreach strategies to local contexts.
• Develop and coordinate outreach tools and strategies that help community-based workers, residents, and landlords navigate energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
• Monitor, evaluate, and communicate program outcomes and recommendations, assessing training effectiveness, community engagement, and progress toward increased energy efficiency participation, reduced energy burden, improved health and comfort, and climate resilience.
• Coordinate project logistics, including schedules, meetings, workshops, participant communications, and partner coordination.
• Develop and maintain program materials, educational resources, communications, and other tools to support Energy Navigator activities.
• Collect, organize, and synthesize program data, participant feedback, and stakeholder input to support continuous improvement and reporting.
• Represent URI Cooperative Extension in partner meetings, community events, and professional events related to energy efficiency, climate resilience, public health, housing, and community engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LICENSES, TOOLS, AND EQUIPMENT:

Personal computers, social media platforms, printers, and software including word processing, database management, learning management systems, and spreadsheets.

Posting Date: 10/14/2026