Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

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

Job summary

The University of Rhode Island in Kingston, RI, invites applications for a Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension). This in-person, calendar-year role supports interdisciplinary energy-related extension programming addressing community needs, policy input, and climate resilience.

Key duties include developing the Community-Based Energy Navigator Program, training community workers, and forming cross-sector partnerships to improve energy efficiency participation and health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in environmental studies, public health, environmental science/management, sustainability or related field.
• minimum of three years of project management or program coordination experience on sustainability topics.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent written communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and stay organized.
• Experience engaging with community-based organizations or leading community initiatives.
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
• Experience organizing events or outreach activities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel statewide.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement the Community-Based Energy Navigator Program to increase participation in RI energy programs for income-eligible residents.
• Coordinate training for community-based workers, creating curricula and tools on energy efficiency and health.
• Build partnerships with community orgs, health and housing groups, energy-sector partners, state agencies, and stakeholders.
• Lead community engagement and gather feedback to tailor training and outreach.
• Create and coordinate outreach tools helping residents and landlords navigate programs.
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, inform recommendations, and report progress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Organizational skills

Community engagement

Diversity experience

Event organization

Travel readiness

Education

Master’s degree in environmental studies, public health, environmental science and management, environmental economics, sustainability or related field

Job description

80 Lower College Road, Kingston, RI 02881

Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number SF02233

Job Title

Job Title Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

Position Number

Position Number PS# 00008220

FTE

FTE 1.00

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Position Type

Position Type Professional Staff

Union

Union PSA/NEA - Professional Staff Assoc

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

Status

Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Limited

Department Information

Department

Department Cooperative Extension Admin.

Contact(s)

Physical Demands

Campus Location

Campus Location Kingston

Grant Funded

Grant Funded Yes

Position is full-time calendar year, limited to 09/04/2027 with anticipated renewal.

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

KEY 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.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

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.

Required Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in environmental studies, public health, environmental science and management, environmental economics, sustainability or related field.

2. Minimum of three years of experience working in project management or program coordination on sustainability-related topics.

3. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skill.

4. Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.

5. Demonstrated ability to work independently.

6. Demonstrated organizational skills related to project management.

7. Demonstrated experience engaging with community-based organizations and/or leading community development initiatives.

8. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.

9. Experience organizing events or outreach activities.

10. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel state-wide.

Preferred Qualifications

PREFERRED

1. Demonstrated experience in community outreach, education, or program development.

2. Spanish language proficiency.

EEO Statement

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.

Environmental Conditions

This position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions. May require a combination of office, field, and community-based settings. May include evening and weekend hours depending on programming needs.

Posting Date

Posting Date 10/14/2026

Closing Date