Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation

Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation The Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation, serves as a full‑time 12‑month academic professional. This senior level Extension position will provide administrative oversight for the research and evaluation team in the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and affiliated Health and Community Wellness (HCW) programs. This position exercises influence across faculty, Extension, and campus units to advance externally funded research, interdisciplinary scholarship, and public impact related to food systems, nutrition security, and community health and wellbeing. Location: Urbana‑Champaign Campus In‑state hybrid remote work arrangements are available. This is a security‑sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted. Organizational Leadership Provide overall leadership and oversight of statewide research and programming evaluation strategy and design within Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and affiliated Health and Community Wellness at University of Illinois Extension. Oversee the strategy and development of research grants that advance the mission of FSNSHI. Oversee data collection strategies to document program goals and objectives. Lead and direct evaluation team and evaluation efforts for the FSNSHI and HCW program area. Provide direct supervision for research assistants, student employees, and other evaluation team staff. Oversee and manage the budget for the evaluation and research team complying with all grant and funding requirements. Oversee and manage vendor contracts for evaluation related projects. Provide leadership for the design, implementation, and use of reporting systems and submit the required state and federal reports. Oversee the necessary changes to reporting systems for HCW. Provide training and technical assistance to Extension statewide staff for evaluation instruments and techniques. Collaborate with Senior Program Leads to ensure streamlined and efficient operations across FSNSHI. Initiate and direct interdisciplinary committees and workgroups pertaining to the FSNSHI and HCW program area evaluation projects. Build relationships and establish partnerships with stakeholders. Represent Extension on national and statewide task forces and coalitions. Provide presentations, in‑services, and trainings on topics related to the position for internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to the overall vision of the FSNSHI. Research Lead research activities with faculty and collaborating partners. Supervise the collection of data that contributes to the research‑based evidence of the FSNSHI and HCW program area. Write scientific publications that advance the field and represent the work the FSNSHI and HCW program area. Oversee and conduct literature reviews to contribute to the latest research. Lead efforts for data analysis and data visualization integrating resources and expertise that demonstrate solutions for stakeholders, partners, and collaborators. Establish professional relationships and participate in campus‑based partnerships that connect academic programs and research to complement Extension programming. Serve on state or national board and workgroups to enhance partnerships and collaborations between the FSNSHI and organizations. Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline. Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area. Other Information Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned. Local, regional, and statewide travel required; personal transportation required. Physical Demands To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Administrative Relationship The Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation is administratively responsible to the Assistant Dean, Family and Consumer Sciences. Minimum Qualifications Education Master’s degree in food systems, human nutrition, community health, public health, higher education, evaluation, or related field. Candidates with a master’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. Experience At least five (5) years of full‑time professional relevant experience. Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods and applied evaluation. Experience supervising and mentoring professional staff and student employees. Experience with data analysis and data visualization tools. Preferred Qualifications Education PhD in community nutrition, community/public health, evaluation or related field. Experience Experience with University of Illinois Extension. Experience with successful research proposal submissions to federal agencies (e.g., USDA-NIFA, NSF, NIH) or major foundations. Experience co‑authoring peer‑reviewed publications and translating research for practitioner, policy, and public audiences. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork as well as the ability to work independently. Ability to lead cross functional teams to achieve high level deliverables and an understanding of land‑grant University Extension and ability to work effectively with the Extension system. Appointment Information Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position is a temporary, full‑time, benefits‑eligible, non‑tenured academic professional position. This position may become non‑visiting at a later time dependent upon funding and/or programmatic needs. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range for this position was $78,000 to $100,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this position. Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Equal Opportunity Employment The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non‑discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify. Applicants with Disabilities Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at View phone number on click.appcast.io, option #1, or View email address on click.appcast.io. Requisition ID: 1036539 Job Category: Off‑Campus #J-18808-Ljbffr