Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension)

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

Job summary

University of Rhode Island seeks a Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension) to develop and implement interdisciplinary extension programming at the intersection of public and environmental health. The role emphasizes community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and informed policy development.

You will coordinate training, materials, and outreach while evaluating program impact and outcomes to advance energy efficiency and climate resilience across Rhode Island communities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in environmental studies, public health, environmental science and management, environmental economics, sustainability or related field.
• Minimum of three years experience in project management or program coordination on sustainability topics.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; proficient written communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement interdisciplinary Extension programming addressing public and environmental health needs.
• Engage community members, industry experts, and decision-makers to inform policy and partnerships.
• Coordinate outreach and capacity-building for community-based workers and stakeholders.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on program outcomes and energy efficiency engagement.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Independent work

Organization / project management

Community engagement

Diversity & inclusion

Event planning

Driver’s license

Travel eligibility

Education

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

Job description

Position Information

Posting Number SF02233 Job Title Research Associate II (Cooperative Extension) Position Number PS# 00008220 FTE 1.00 FLSA Exempt 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 Status Calendar Year, Full-time, Limited

Department Information

Department Cooperative Extension Admin. Contact(s)

Contact Phone/Extension Contact Email Physical Demands Campus Location Kingston Grant Funded Yes Extension Contingency Notes

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.

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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in environmental studies, public health, environmental science and management, environmental economics, sustainability or related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience working in project management or program coordination on sustainability-related topics.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skill.
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated organizational skills related to project management.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with community-based organizations and/or leading community development initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
• Experience organizing events or outreach activities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel state-wide.

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, education, or program development.
• 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 10/14/2026 Closing Date