Position Description

Division of Nutritional Sciences
Cornell University
Extension Associate/Senior Extension Associate
Associate Director of the Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program

The Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS) at Cornell University is among the largest academic units in the United States devoted to human nutrition and is distinguished by its multi‐disciplinary faculty. The scholarly activities of the Division, including research, education, and extension/outreach, integrate knowledge across the physical, biological and social sciences to address important questions related to nutrition and health, food systems and behavior patterns, and social and institutional environments and governmental policies in relation to nutrition and human health. FNEC is an outreach and dissemination arm of DNS that is strongly positioned to leverage the research faculty in providing the latest evidence-informed programming in nutrition.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) at Cornell University, partners with the College of Human Ecology and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to share research-based information and knowledge with the citizens of New York State.  It is within this structure that EFNEP is delivered.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the Director, provide leadership to FNEC, ensuring that all programs are in full compliance with legal and regulatory standards and policies. Interpret, integrate, and implement state and university, cooperative extension, and program specific policies.
  
  
• Monitor programming activities, conduct program reviews and site visits to the counties delivering EFNEP to ensure compliance with funding guidelines, safety, and quality of programming activities. Communicate compliance issues and areas for improvement with program team, staff, and individuals. Develop solutions and strategies for program improvement and set program priorities.
  
  
• Ensure fiscal accountability. Develop and submit yearly EFNEP Letter of Intent. 
  
  
• Update and oversee development of annual county budgets. Prepare and submit revisions and amendments of the EFNEP plan and budget to Cornell Extension administration and the national office.
  
  
• Provide leadership for nutrition education delivered by program staff. Oversee development of audience specific curricula, tools, resources.
  
  
• Manage contracts, memoranda of agreement and other contractual agreements for FNEC.
  
  
• Collaborate with NYS Agriculture and Markets to promote the Farmers Market Nutrition Program.
  
  
• Provide leadership for social media efforts including Day to Day Eats blog, FNEC website, FNEC website and FMNP website to promote nutrition education and healthy eating to consumers and program participants.
  
  
• Oversee training, and professional development of staff.
  
  
• Participate in research to better serve the needs of low-income participants.
  
  
• Provide direct supervision of state/campus FNEC staff.
  
  
• Provide leadership for regional coordinators. 
  
  
• Serve on DNS, CHE, and national advisory boards and workgroups as appropriate.

What we are looking for:

• Knowledge of the principles, theory, research, and application of nutrition education.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Comfortable with new and emerging technology.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.

• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences.

• Experience in implementing policy, systems, and environmental change interventions.

• A commitment to diversity and inclusion

• Ability to build relationships with clients and partners from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to effectively lead and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.  Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and clientele groups.

• Ability to identify and make use of program resources.

• A commitment to integrity and accuracy.

• Sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.

• Organizational skills: ability to manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.

• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation. 

• Experience with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in nutrition, health education, or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of the principles, theory, research, and application of subject-matter in nutrition.

• Minimum of two years’ experience with nutrition programs for limited resource audiences.

• Ability to build relationships with clients and organizational partners from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Registered Dietitian

• PhD in nutrition, community nutrition, public health, or closely related field
  

Click here to apply and upload a curriculum vitae, cover letter, statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion, names of three references (final candidates will be asked to submit letters later).

Review of applications will begin July 16, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

Questions about the search can be sent to Annette E. O'Hara, FNEC Administrative Assistant,  (aeo37@cornell.edu)