Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Principal Agent and Assistant Director
Working Title: Assistant Director and State Program Leader for Family & Consumer Sciences
Position Number: 103322
Category Status: 12-Month Tenure Faculty
Unit: University of Maryland Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences
Location: Symons Hall, College Park, Maryland

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The University of Maryland Extension (UME), within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, (AGNR) seeks a nationally recognized leader in Extension, outreach, and scholarship to serve as Assistant Director and Program Leader (AD/PL) for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS). This position provides leadership and direction for UME’s FCS programs and faculty across the state. UME’s FCS program strives to advance the health and socioeconomic development of Maryland’s individuals, families, communities, and organizations through education, research, and outreach programs. The FCS works with youth, families, and communities to prevent and manage chronic diseases through healthy food and physical activity choices, handling food safely, teaching financial and health insurance literacy, addressing mental health needs, and creating safe and healthy environments. UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment and natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, the SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Operations, and other administrators. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS
programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and
maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education
and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health
equity and well- being.

Major responsibilities include:
• Providing leadership and oversight of FCS Extension programs, scholarship, and applied research projects.
• Securing and managing extramural funding to support FCS extension programs and research projects.
• Providing direction for FCS programs, including needs assessment, program planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of outcomes.
• Developing and maintaining external partnerships with organizations and agencies such as academic institutions, local/state/federal agencies, industry groups, and non-profit organizations.
• Providing leadership and program evaluation to faculty in long-range planning, reporting, professional development, and grants.
• Mentoring faculty to ensure clarity of expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, service, and teaching, providing opportunities for success as an Extension Educator while instilling professional confidence and pride.
• Providing leadership, promotional guidance, and coaching to tenure track and professional track faculty.
• Conducting annual program and faculty evaluations, including approval of individual Extension plans and delivery of annual faculty reviews to county and state faculty and staff as needed.
• Providing annual reports and impacts for Federal agencies and other organizations as appropriate.
• Facilitating collaboration among UME nutrition and health programs at county and state levels, including EFNEP, Maryland SNAP-Ed, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and 4-H Healthy Living.
• Serving as a member of the UME administrative team, which includes program leaders in Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, and Environment and Natural Resources.
• Assisting in recruitment, hiring, and retention of faculty in critical areas of need for Extension while fostering a thriving environment in support of AGNR’s strategic values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect.

Required Qualifications:
• Candidates must have an earned doctorate degree and must be able to be tenured in a department as a Professor or tenured Extension as a Principal Agent. At least one graduate degree, preferably a doctorate, must be in Family & Consumer Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition, Sociology, Education, Community Development, Program Evaluation or other related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably land-grant systems or comparable organizations with significant recognition within a field of specialization.
• Outstanding record of research-based Extension/community-engaged programming.
• A demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant mission.
• Evidence in successful grant and contract acquisition and management for interdisciplinary approaches.
• Excellent scholarly work, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the UME’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect strategic plan.
• Evidence of leadership, teamwork, collaboration, excellence in human relationship skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required—ability to travel statewide and nationally as needed.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through Extension program model.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts and three (3) professional references, including names, mailing address, telephone numbers and an e-mail address.

Physical Demands: This is primarily an office position, but travel throughout the state to attend meetings and events is expected. This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations. There are times when extensive viewing a computer terminal and reading is required as part of the position duties.

Closing Date: For best consideration, complete application by November 15, 2023. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws
and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The
University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital
status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment,
educational programs and activities, and admissions.