Associate Extension Specialist, Family and Community Economics

Job Description

The Family and Community Economics Associate Specialist will provide statewide leadership for Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Family and Community Economics programming. Collaborating with other specialists and agents, the Associate Specialist will develop and implement programs and create educational resources, addressing financial programming needs across the state. The Associate Specialist will conduct, facilitate, and disseminate applied research related to emerging and contemporary issues affecting financial empowerment to help Virginians take steps toward financial stability and self-sufficiency. The Associate Specialist will develop program partnerships with agencies, non-profits, banks, industry, and others to expand the capacity and reach of programming efforts. The associate specialist will develop grants for external funding to support related program efforts.

Responsibilities:

-Provide leadership for assisting VCE campus and field faculty in developing knowledge and skills that will enable them to effectively engage Virginians in economic empowerment educational programming. This includes conducting research and the development of training, resources, and materials in personal and family resources management, housing, and related topics.

-The Associate Specialist will also work with other faculty to provide resources to agents working with entrepreneurs and small businesses. Topics may include business start-up, growth, strategic planning, management, finance, and stability.

-In coordination with other specialists, agents and the Family and Community Economics Program Team, the Associate Specialist will provide leadership for existing VCE financial literacy programs including the Master Financial Education Volunteer program, Reality Store, and Kid’s Marketplace.

Required Qualifications

-Master’s Degree in Economics, Family Financial Management, Agricultural Economics, Personal Financial Planning or closely related field. Degrees in other fields will be considered for candidates with professional Extension experience.

-Experience in designing and implementing community-based Extension or non-formal educational programs.

-Demonstrated use of technology in assessing community needs, managing, and/or delivering educational programs.

-Demonstrated ability to work with faculty, staff, volunteers, and diverse audiences.

-Excellent written and oral communication skills

-Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work as a team member and to develop program partnerships

-A commitment to working with diverse clientele and colleagues and to the Virginia Tech Principles of Community.

-Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends with occasional overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications

-Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC), Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF), HUD Counseling Certification or similar certifications.

-Resource development experience in support of programming efforts

-Demonstrated experience developing effective on-line educational programs and marketing materials, including the use of social media

-Demonstrated experience working with stakeholders, advisory groups, or other professionals.

-Experience in creating and publishing educational materials and/or other scholarly publications

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

April 5, 2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Cathy Sutphin at cmsutph@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: March 15, 2023
Applications close: