FNEC Associate Director of Downstate Nutrition Partnerships and Programs
The Division of Nutritional Sciences (DNS) is seeking an Extension Associate/Senior Extension Associate and Associate Director of Community Nutrition based in New York City. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Food and Nutrition Education in Communities (FNEC) Director, FNEC Associate Director of Upstate Nutrition Partnerships and Programs, and Associate Director Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) to implement and enhance the New York State EFNEP and other programs to support healthy eating and physical activity in limited resource audiences. This position will serve as Nutrition and Health Program Leader within Cornell University Cooperative Extension-New York City (CUCE-NYC) and will collaborate with the FNEC team of extension and research associates, support specialists, faculty, and other state and county extension staff to assure quality programming statewide and optimal engagement with NYC residents.
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.
The FNEC Associate Director of Downstate Nutrition Partnerships and Programs serves as a vital link between EFNEP, and other nutrition and health programs conducted in the New York City metropolitan area and the FNEC and EFNEP efforts conducted throughout New York State. This position provides leadership to CUCE-NYC’s Nutrition and Health Program and plays a vital role in fostering community partnerships, with special emphasis on promoting excellence in urban extension efforts.
Responsibilities:
Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
In collaboration with the Director and Associate Directors, provide leadership to FNEC, EFNEP, and CUCE-NYC, 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 and promote EFNEP programming activities in the five boroughs of New York City. Conduct program reviews, workshop observations, and site visits to ensure fulfillment of guidelines regarding quality of programming, safety, and appropriate use of funding.
Working with the Director and Associate Directors and with the CUCE-NYC Nutrition and Health team, set program priorities, develop strategies for program excellence, address program improvement needs, identify innovation opportunities, and ensure compliance to program guidelines.
Work with Director and Associate Directors to incorporate research and evaluation results into the design and operation of EFNEP in NYC and throughout NYS.
Work with the EFNEP Director and Associate Directors to coordinate the operations of the FNEC unit to ensure that community nutrition and health program objectives are achieved.
Provide direct supervision for CUCE-NYC Nutrition and Health Program professional staff and guidance to the professional staff who directly supervise community educators.
Provide leadership for nutrition education delivered by program staff.
Oversee development of audience specific curricula, tools, resources, with attention to curricula, tools, and resources in the multiple preferred languages spoken by participants in NYC and throughout NYS.
Work with the Director and Associate Directors to develop and implement research addressing the needs and building on the assets of low-income participants, including participatory research developed in collaboration with community partners and leading to the co-creation of curricula and resource materials.
In collaboration with FNEC, the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, CUCE-NYC and CCE Family and Youth Development programs, contribute to the integration of positive youth development research and engagement efforts in nutrition education activities.
In collaboration with the Training and Professional Development Coordinator, contribute to the identification, development, and facilitation of training and professional development programs for staff.
In collaboration with Director and Associate Directors, inform FNEC social media efforts and websites designed to promote nutrition education and healthy eating.
Participate actively in state and national EFNEP conferences, in the Northeast Regional Urban Extension Network, and in the National Urban Extension Leadership organization.
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.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals
Preferred Qualifications:
Registered Dietitian
PhD in nutrition, community nutrition, public health, or closely related field
Supervisory experience
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a team
In addition to strong English language communication skills proficiency in Spanish and/or other languages frequently spoken in NYC and NY.
names of three references (final candidates will be asked to submit letters later).
Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Questions about the search can be sent to Annette O’Hara, FNEC Administrative Assistant, (aeo37@cornell.edu)
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
