Post by MSUExtension on Jul 17, 2018 11:30:17 GMT -5
Community Nutrition Program Evaluation Specialist Position - deadline August 6, 2018
careers.msu.edu/cw/en-us/job/499576/extension-specialistfixed
The Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Health and Nutrition Institute seeks a qualified candidate to provide leadership for program evaluation and data analysis of community-based nutrition and physical activity interventions, including evaluation of multi-level programming related to obesity prevention and wellness, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socioecological model of health, health policy, systems and environmental change approaches, and the full spectrum of prevention. Specifically, this position focuses on community based nutrition education, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), and other externally funded programs. Work will be done in collaboration with MSUE work teams, other MSU faculty, external partners, and the Health and Nutrition Institute Director and Associate Director. The Community Nutrition Programs Evaluation Specialist is responsible for (1) oversight of the development and implementation of an evaluation plan in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Workgroup (NPA), including oversight of NPA needs assessment activities; (2) performing evaluation and data analysis that assists the NPA leadership to make decisions related to programming, curriculum, training, evaluation and reporting; (3) oversight of data reporting systems; (4) managing the NPA data sets for evaluation and research studies; (5) providing data for proposals, reports, and research studies; (6) representing MSUE locally and nationally in evaluation and research efforts, and; (7) disseminating program evaluation results to stakeholders and colleagues. As a statewide staff member, this position provides evaluation related support to all of the NPA staff, including district coordinators, supervising and staff development educators, educators, paraprofessionals and other support staff.
Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities
In collaboration with the NPA Leadership, this position is responsible for providing leadership for the evaluation of multi-level programming related to obesity prevention and wellness, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socio-ecological model of health, health policy, systems and environmental change approaches, and the full spectrum of prevention. Conduct and report applied research, as it relates to Extension nutrition, obesity prevention, and wellness program needs and efforts (i.e. research agenda in the area of policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives).
- Work in partnership with other states and organizations to prepare and implement multi-level/multi-state grants.
- Supervise the preparation of evaluation reports; share the results, interpretation, and feedback with the stakeholders.
- Provide oversight for needs assessment activities.
- Collaborate with the NPA co-chairs and state staff in writing annual plans of work, including the logic model for overall nutrition and physical activity programming, and SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, plans of work.
- Support staff training needs to evaluate Extension health, wellness, and nutrition programs.
- Develop and provide non-credit professional development opportunities to the staff related to evaluation and research, and/or to prove a linkage to identify and access resources in these areas.
- Supervise students (research assistants, data entry) assigned to evaluation and research projects.
- Provide support to NPA staff in the preparation of new study designs and evaluation tools, as necessary.
- Write, submit, and implement grant proposals that further the evidence-base of NPA interventions.
- Collaborate with MSU faculty in evaluation and research studies.
- Keep the leadership team informed of research study findings related to nutrition and physical activity evaluation.
- Identify and implement evaluation instruments and protocols that are culturally appropriate to diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with the NPA staff in the preparation of professional posters, or presentations, for professional conferences.
- Disseminate MSUE research studies through the manuscripts in professional journals.
- Develop and deliver customized comprehensive data reports that inform and assist local, regional and state decision-making efforts.
- Produce county-level economic and data profiles.
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including developing and following a personal plan for professional development, consistent with personal and organizational goals, participate in organizational meetings and other program activities, as appropriate and needed.
- Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSUE, the Health and Nutrition Institute and the work group(s) aligned with.
Required Degree
Masters -Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences
/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences
/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience conducting program evaluation for large-scale community-based nutrition and physical activity education programs.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate nutrition education programs that address nutrition and physical activity needs throughout the life cycle.
- Capacity to manage and analyze large secondary data products.
- Experience obtaining and managing grants.
- Basic understanding of the Cooperative Extension System, the land-grant university, and two core Extension programs, SNAP-Ed and EFNEP.
- A record of refereed publications and demonstrated experience creating evaluation reports.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and work productively as a team member, and develop multi-disciplinary collaborations.
- Supervisory skills to help employees set and meet goals, motivate individual and collective effort, and evaluate performance.
- Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including strong organizational and time management skills to establish goals and priorities, oversee multiple projects, achieve goals and meet critical deadlines.
- Experience in evaluating programs for diverse audiences.
- Experience working with academic faculty to research the effectiveness and impact of educational programs.
- Ability to support Extension educators/agents in their scholarship efforts.
- Ability to interpret food and nutrition research, and communicate effectively to public and lay audiences.
- Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to day work, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management, including ability to use and adapt multiple computer and distance learning technologies.
- Proven record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally.
- Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to travel, as well as occasional overnight travel, in order to perform the duties of this position.
- Transportation is the responsibility of the employee (monthly reimbursement provided).An understanding and commitment to equal access and opportunity and to diversity and inclusivity.
- Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, including but not limited to, race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
- Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences, to assist with program development and outreach.
- Understanding of, and ability to, implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
- Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Desired Qualifications
- Ph.D in Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
- Demonstrated success working with land-grant university extension programs.
- Experience conducting research with multi-disciplinary partners.
- Record of successful nutrition-related partnerships at community, state and/or national levels.
- Understanding of evaluation research related to health disparities, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socio-ecological model of health, and the full spectrum of prevention.
- Experience with SNAP-Ed and EFNEP.
- Health Education Specialist certification (CHES/MCHES).
Required Application Materials
Applicants are asked to submit a current resume/CV, cover letter and four (4) professional references.
This is a full time, fixed term end-dated appointment renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.
careers.msu.edu/cw/en-us/job/499576/extension-specialistfixed
The Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Health and Nutrition Institute seeks a qualified candidate to provide leadership for program evaluation and data analysis of community-based nutrition and physical activity interventions, including evaluation of multi-level programming related to obesity prevention and wellness, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socioecological model of health, health policy, systems and environmental change approaches, and the full spectrum of prevention. Specifically, this position focuses on community based nutrition education, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), and other externally funded programs. Work will be done in collaboration with MSUE work teams, other MSU faculty, external partners, and the Health and Nutrition Institute Director and Associate Director. The Community Nutrition Programs Evaluation Specialist is responsible for (1) oversight of the development and implementation of an evaluation plan in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Workgroup (NPA), including oversight of NPA needs assessment activities; (2) performing evaluation and data analysis that assists the NPA leadership to make decisions related to programming, curriculum, training, evaluation and reporting; (3) oversight of data reporting systems; (4) managing the NPA data sets for evaluation and research studies; (5) providing data for proposals, reports, and research studies; (6) representing MSUE locally and nationally in evaluation and research efforts, and; (7) disseminating program evaluation results to stakeholders and colleagues. As a statewide staff member, this position provides evaluation related support to all of the NPA staff, including district coordinators, supervising and staff development educators, educators, paraprofessionals and other support staff.
Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities
In collaboration with the NPA Leadership, this position is responsible for providing leadership for the evaluation of multi-level programming related to obesity prevention and wellness, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socio-ecological model of health, health policy, systems and environmental change approaches, and the full spectrum of prevention. Conduct and report applied research, as it relates to Extension nutrition, obesity prevention, and wellness program needs and efforts (i.e. research agenda in the area of policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives).
- Work in partnership with other states and organizations to prepare and implement multi-level/multi-state grants.
- Supervise the preparation of evaluation reports; share the results, interpretation, and feedback with the stakeholders.
- Provide oversight for needs assessment activities.
- Collaborate with the NPA co-chairs and state staff in writing annual plans of work, including the logic model for overall nutrition and physical activity programming, and SNAP-Ed and EFNEP, plans of work.
- Support staff training needs to evaluate Extension health, wellness, and nutrition programs.
- Develop and provide non-credit professional development opportunities to the staff related to evaluation and research, and/or to prove a linkage to identify and access resources in these areas.
- Supervise students (research assistants, data entry) assigned to evaluation and research projects.
- Provide support to NPA staff in the preparation of new study designs and evaluation tools, as necessary.
- Write, submit, and implement grant proposals that further the evidence-base of NPA interventions.
- Collaborate with MSU faculty in evaluation and research studies.
- Keep the leadership team informed of research study findings related to nutrition and physical activity evaluation.
- Identify and implement evaluation instruments and protocols that are culturally appropriate to diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with the NPA staff in the preparation of professional posters, or presentations, for professional conferences.
- Disseminate MSUE research studies through the manuscripts in professional journals.
- Develop and deliver customized comprehensive data reports that inform and assist local, regional and state decision-making efforts.
- Produce county-level economic and data profiles.
- Actively participate in professional development opportunities, including developing and following a personal plan for professional development, consistent with personal and organizational goals, participate in organizational meetings and other program activities, as appropriate and needed.
- Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSUE, the Health and Nutrition Institute and the work group(s) aligned with.
Required Degree
Masters -Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences
/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
Desired Degree
Doctorate -Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences
/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience conducting program evaluation for large-scale community-based nutrition and physical activity education programs.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate nutrition education programs that address nutrition and physical activity needs throughout the life cycle.
- Capacity to manage and analyze large secondary data products.
- Experience obtaining and managing grants.
- Basic understanding of the Cooperative Extension System, the land-grant university, and two core Extension programs, SNAP-Ed and EFNEP.
- A record of refereed publications and demonstrated experience creating evaluation reports.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and work productively as a team member, and develop multi-disciplinary collaborations.
- Supervisory skills to help employees set and meet goals, motivate individual and collective effort, and evaluate performance.
- Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including strong organizational and time management skills to establish goals and priorities, oversee multiple projects, achieve goals and meet critical deadlines.
- Experience in evaluating programs for diverse audiences.
- Experience working with academic faculty to research the effectiveness and impact of educational programs.
- Ability to support Extension educators/agents in their scholarship efforts.
- Ability to interpret food and nutrition research, and communicate effectively to public and lay audiences.
- Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to day work, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management, including ability to use and adapt multiple computer and distance learning technologies.
- Proven record of developing and maintaining positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally.
- Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to travel, as well as occasional overnight travel, in order to perform the duties of this position.
- Transportation is the responsibility of the employee (monthly reimbursement provided).An understanding and commitment to equal access and opportunity and to diversity and inclusivity.
- Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, including but not limited to, race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
- Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences, to assist with program development and outreach.
- Understanding of, and ability to, implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
- Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.
Desired Qualifications
- Ph.D in Program Evaluation, Nutritional Sciences/Human Nutrition, Epidemiology, Public/Community Health, or closely related field.
- Demonstrated success working with land-grant university extension programs.
- Experience conducting research with multi-disciplinary partners.
- Record of successful nutrition-related partnerships at community, state and/or national levels.
- Understanding of evaluation research related to health disparities, and nutrition education and promotion, consistent with public health approaches, the socio-ecological model of health, and the full spectrum of prevention.
- Experience with SNAP-Ed and EFNEP.
- Health Education Specialist certification (CHES/MCHES).
Required Application Materials
Applicants are asked to submit a current resume/CV, cover letter and four (4) professional references.
This is a full time, fixed term end-dated appointment renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.