Rural Community Nutrition Educator

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Community Nutrition Advisor to implement Purdue Extension's Smart SNAP Education in rural Indiana. You will coordinate, deliver, and evaluate nutrition and physical activity education across local health departments, YMCAs, libraries, and schools.

The role requires collaboration with regional directors, partners, and Community Champions to expand reach and ensure high-quality programming, data reporting, and adherence to required trainings.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• 4 years of experience in community-based work or related fields.
• Ability to communicate in English.
• Proficient with Word, Excel, Outlook and virtual meeting tools.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• ServSafe certification or ability to obtain within first year.
• Willingness to travel regionally.
• Background checks and compliance trainings.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling, coordinating, and delivering evidence-based nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity education programs in community settings throughout assigned service areas.
• Delivering approved curricula through one-time programs, multi-session series, food demonstrations, community events, and virtual platforms.
• Supporting implementation of place-based strategies that embed nutrition education and health promotion within trusted community environments.
• Assisting with implementation of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies that compliment direct education and reinforce healthy behaviors.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with local health departments, YMCAs, public libraries, food pantries, schools, healthcare organizations, community centers, workforce development organizations, and other community partners.
• Delivering programming to rural residents across the lifespan, including adults, older adults, youth, families, and community groups.
• Assisting with recruitment, training, and support of Smart SNAP Community Champions to expand community reach and reinforce key health messages.
• Supporting multi-level interventions that strengthen nutrition security and improve health outcomes in rural communities combining direct education, community engagement, and environmental supports.
• Collecting, maintaining, and reporting program data in accordance with Purdue Extension and funding agency requirements.
• Administering participant evaluations using approved reporting tools.
• Maintaining proficiency in approved curricula, public health strategies, community engagement approaches, and emerging nutrition and physical activity recommendations.
• Completing program goals and assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision while maintaining timely and accurate records.
• Staying informed of local demographic, community, and health trends to support program planning, outreach, and partnership development.
• Contributing to statewide reporting efforts by documenting program reach, partnership engagement, Community Champion activities, and PSE implementation efforts.
• Contributing to statewide planning efforts and share best practices with regional and statewide colleagues.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Travel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Purdue University is seeking a Community Nutrition Advisor to implement Purdue Extension's Smart SNAP Education in rural Indiana. You will coordinate, deliver, and evaluate nutrition and physical activity education across local health departments, YMCAs, libraries, and schools.

The role requires collaboration with regional directors, partners, and Community Champions to expand reach and ensure high-quality programming, data reporting, and adherence to required trainings.