Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Extension is seeking applicants for three full-time (11-month), non-tenure track Assistant/Associate Extension Educators. One position will target Food and Agricultural Literacy, one on Environmental Literacy, and the other will focus on Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. These three vacant positions are not specifically designated to an assigned location. Final placement will be negotiable, with one educator primarily based in each of the following locations: (a) the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, (b) the New Haven County Extension Office in North Haven, and (c)the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn. Extension Educators are community-based faculty who make a difference by connecting public needs with University resources. Position level/rank will be commensurate with education and experience. The anticipated start date is July 2023.

The successful candidates shall create an active 4-H youth development program with a focus on STEM targeting Food and Agricultural Literacy, Environmental Literacy, or Healthy Lifestyles Literacy. Successful candidates will plan, deliver, and evaluate timely and evidence-based STEM programs to increase 4-H youth and adult volunteers' food and agricultural, environmental, and healthy lifestyles literacy, leading to stronger healthier communities. State and multi-state programming are also expected. Work will be accomplished by utilizing innovative approaches to deliver timely, evidence-based solutions for participants to significantly increase youth and adult volunteers’ knowledge of how STEM activities can improve their communities. In addition to community-based learning, these positions will extend the reach of UConn Extension by integrating distance-learning technology into program delivery through computer applications, web pages, electronic mailings, multimedia, and emerging technologies. These 4-H Extension Educators are vital members of the UConn 4-H Youth Development Team and report to the Head of the Department of Extension. For more information about the University of Connecticut 4-H Extension Program, see http://www.4-h.uconn.edu/.

Successful candidates will be expected to increase and broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through public engagement the commitment to, and support of, diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences in extension programs; and provide leadership in developing techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interest. Candidates shall address their commitment to diversity which includes broadening participation and integrating multicultural experiences in Extension to meet the needs of diverse communities.

The Department of Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources works collaboratively with partners in all 169 municipalities across Connecticut, throughout the northeast region, and beyond. It is a non-tenuring unit with 35 faculty, and 50 program and administrative staff. Additional grant-specific program personnel assist in solving problems and enhancing the well-being of our state population where they live, work, and learn. Programs and applied research carried out by the Department constitute the majority of activity of the UConn Extension System. Faculty and staff conduct educational activities through eight-county/community-based centers and may be co-located with additional community/agency-based working partners.

CAHNR has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and Extension programs in the years 2020-2025. All faculty and technical staff are expected to contribute to the implementation of CAHNR’s five strategic priorities https://cahnr.uconn.edu/strategic-vision/

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by building a culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity, inclusion, and belonging by advocating for antiracist policies, practices, and norms are expected in all programming. 

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but is not limited to:

• Develops, implements, and evaluates an active Extension program on cutting-edge 4-H STEM-related activities that foster state, regional, and national recognition. Programming will be provided in support of 4-H community clubs, school enrichment, out-of-school programs, 4-H summer camps, 4-H volunteer development, and other areas as needed. 
• Teaches youth and adult audiences in support of the 4-H program. Required to move boxes containing program and educational materials needed to conduct programming, and set up teaching venues in community centers and other non-traditional classroom settings.
• Works with other faculty, staff, and partner organizations in a multidisciplinary team environment to create and deliver age-appropriate program materials. Create partnerships with other agencies and organizations and actively seek out grants and funding sources to support innovative community programs and outreach efforts.
• Evaluates county and designated state 4-H youth development program accomplishments, outcomes, impacts and create scholarly materials from findings through Cooperative Extension publications and high-impact professional journals.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates adult and youth volunteer programs including recruitment, training, management, evaluation, and recognition.
• Increases program visibility via face-to-face and electronic communication including websites and social media.
• Designs training opportunities and effectively communicates with adult volunteers and teens to help them assume leadership, management, education, and information delivery roles in support of the 4-H program.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

• Earned Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in nonformal or formal education, including agricultural and extension education; food, agricultural, environmental, or health-related sciences; youth development; or associated fields.
• For consideration at the Associate position level, candidates must also have at least five years of experience as an Assistant Extension Educator or the academic equivalent and provide evidence of appropriate outreach and applied research.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to educational program coordination and facilitation, including planning and organization, delivery, and evaluation. 
• Knowledge of teaching methods and processes appropriate for youth and adult audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with diverse audiences including youth, adults, and volunteers.
• Developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.
• Proven communication skills, including writing and presentation skills.
• Computer literacy, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Physical requirements: Must possess adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years of experience working with K-12 youth in the areas of education, food, agriculture, environment, or health.
• At least three years of experience in managing or working with volunteers. 
• Experience with integrated extension programs and the land-grant university system.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating STEM programming and disseminating related scholarship through appropriate outlets, such as conferences and journals.
• Demonstrated experience with enhancing diversity and inclusion in educational program development and implementation.
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed scholarship, extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
• Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

These are full-time, 11-month, non-tenure track faculty positions. These positions are subject to annual renewal based on performance and availability of funding. Information on benefits can be found at: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Starting salary and position rank will be commensurate with training and experience. The anticipated start date is July 2023.

These positions may be located in any of the following locations: (a) the Fairfield County Extension Office in Bethel, (b) the New Haven County Extension office in North Haven, and (c) the Windham County Extension Office in Brooklyn. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY 

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24541 and submit the following application materials:

• Letter of application addressing qualifications identified in the advertisement. Please rank the specific positions you wish to apply for, and what locations you would be willing to serve in.
• Curriculum vitae
• An initiative you would implement in Extension Programming in alignment with the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Strategic Vision (limited to one page).
• Personal statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion (limited to one page)
• Names and contact information, including email, for three references.

Please demonstrate through your written application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications and any of the preferred/desirable qualifications. Screening of applicants will continue until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Jen Cushman, Search Chair at Jennifer.Cushman@uconn.edu.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.