Associate Director for Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences

The FCHS Associate Director position (100% Extension, 12-month appointment) is for an interdisciplinary, transformational leader to guide statewide Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) programming. Fundamental to our FCHS programming is a commitment to strengthening individuals, families, and communities facing social, economic, and technological challenges. We seek candidates who can provide leadership in developing and advancing a vision and associated strategic goals for FCHS, within the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (UACE), state of Arizona, and nationally. The successful candidate will maintain a continuing/continuing-eligible appointment in an academic department that aligns with their programmatic area.

Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences Extension Programming

The Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) program area focuses on strengthening individuals, families, and communities through education and systems work in Human Development, Health and Safety, Financial Literacy, Early Childhood and Family Development, Consumer Economics, and Nutrition and Food Safety. FCHS faculty and staff address crucial issues facing Arizonans as they cope with social, economic, and technological change.

 This program area delivers intellectual resources of the university to solve challenges facing individuals and families across Arizona. Our faculty have achieved national prominence for their innovative and transformational programming. FCHS programming uses evidence- and research-based practices with comprehensive program evaluation to measure impact. Arizona FCHS has an outstanding record of external funding, currently generating approximately $8.7 million annually in grants and contracts to support Extension educational programs and applied research.

FCHS program goals are advanced with a network of trained professionals. Specifically, FCHS is comprised of twelve county-based agents and over 135 professional and support staff covering all Arizona's 15 counties and many of the federally recognized tribes in the state. The FCHS program currently has five campus-based specialists in the following areas: Early Childhood, Financial Literacy, Evaluation, and Nutritional Sciences and Wellness. We look forward to welcoming an inclusive and professional leader to support our programmatic efforts and to represent us to key stakeholders and administration. It is important to note that this position is eligible for Continuing Status (Tenure equivalent) at the Associate or Full Status within an appropriate academic unit.
 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nurture reciprocal, beneficial relationships with Cooperative Extension colleagues both throughout Arizona and nationally.
• Facilitate strategic planning with Extension agents and specialists to incorporate best practices to meet community needs.
• Coordinate research opportunities, seek external funding and support the implementation of effective programming statewide.
• Provide leadership and support to faculty and staff for equitable design, delivery, and evaluation of programs and policies. 
• Effectively represent, advocate, and communicate on behalf of FCHS interests at the state and national levels.
• Provide leadership for faculty professional development and mentorship in promotion review.
• Pursue equitable programming and policy aimed at providing opportunities for under-resourced communities.
• Work closely with the Cooperative Extension Director and Administrative Team to provide support and assistance in FCHS program delivery.

• Build partnerships across the University and within communities to address local and statewide FCHS priorities.
• Actively collaborate with other land grant universities to leverage resources and activities for current and future partnerships.
• Travel throughout the state regularly to effectively promote and foster working relationships with county-based faculty and their staff, build strong relationships with current and potential funders, and ensure program quality and continuous improvement.

Specific skills/experience include:

• Prior experience demonstrating the abilities necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position successfully.
• Ability to create and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships both internally and among diverse external audiences.
• Experience developing, delivering, and evaluating community-based programs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Record of scholarly publications, presentations, and other accomplishments.
• Grant and contract management experience.
• Commitment to quality and integrity.
• Experience with budget administration.
• Experience supervising personnel.
• Commitment to promoting and fostering equity and inclusion.
• Ability to travel to offsite locations is expected to develop relationships and represent FCHS to stakeholders effectively.