Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement University of Illinois Extension The Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, serves as a full‑time 12‑month academic professional. This senior‑level Extension position provides administrative oversight for building, sustaining, and coordinating community and stakeholder relationships that advance the mission of the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and affiliated Health and Community Wellness programs. The role shapes strategy, directs implementation, and ensures quality, impact, and sustainability of those initiatives. The position strengthens external partnerships, aligns stakeholder engagement with institutional priorities, provides strategic communications and stakeholder education, supports grants and funding initiatives, and builds staff capacity for effective engagement. One full‑time position is available. Location: Urbana‑Champaign Campus. In‑state hybrid remote work arrangements are available. This is a security‑sensitive position. Background checks will be conducted. Duties and Responsibilities Organizational Leadership Provide overall leadership and oversight of design, implementation, and evaluation of statewide community and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance Extension programs within HCW and FSNSHI. Oversee strategy and development of grants related to capacity building and systems‑based initiatives. Identify opportunities to leverage grant‑funded initiatives to strengthen long‑term partnerships, build institutional capacity, and position the Center and Illinois Extension for future funding. Lead the Community Engagement team within FSNSHI; supervise staff, conduct performance reviews and develop staff development initiatives. Communicate with 27 units across Extension, grantors, and subcontractors across the state. Work with the Extension Business Office to maintain sound fiscal decisions that meet grant requirements. Monitor stakeholder priorities, emerging issues, and external trends related to food systems, nutrition security, health, and community wellness to inform strategic planning. Serve as the primary liaison with mission‑aligned organizations that provide advocacy, visibility, or support for the Center. Assist the Assistant Dean and Executive Director in managing and responding to stakeholder and public inquiries related to Center initiatives. Oversee preparation of grant reports, impact narratives, and materials for leadership, funders, and stakeholders ensuring timely communication regarding project milestones and deliverables. Contribute to the overall vision of FSNSHI. Program Development and Implementation Oversight Initiate and direct interdisciplinary committees and workgroups pertaining to grants. Give regular presentations, in‑services, and trainings to team members and field staff related to coalition building, community engagement, and stakeholder relations. Support Center leadership and field staff in effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development through coordinated training, guidance, and engagement opportunities. Represent FSNSHI and HCW on the Extension teams. Support development of outreach and communication products, including newsletters, digital content, stakeholder updates, and partnership communications. Assist with planning and coordination of strategic events, initiatives, and collaborations involving Extension personnel, college colleagues, and community partners. Research Establish professional relationships and participate in campus‑based partnerships that connect academic programs and research to complement Extension programming. Provide coordination and oversight for stakeholder‑facing components of funded projects, including advisory groups, coalitions, community engagement strategies, and dissemination activities. Monitor progress of grant‑funded and special initiatives related to engagement, communications, and partnerships; contribute to reporting, evaluation, and documentation of outcomes and impacts. Participate in research activities with faculty and collaborating partners. Contribute to publications that advance the research‑based evidence. Be an active member within a professional society to keep abreast of changes within the discipline. Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area. Other Information Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements. Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned. Local, regional, and statewide travel required; personal transportation required. Physical Demands The employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, requiring timely travel between locations. The employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors including hot or cold weather, noise, allergens, and uneven ground. Physical demands include moving, transferring, and transporting items up to 40 pounds and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. Additional details may be obtained from Human Resources. Administrative Relationship The Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement is administratively responsible to the Assistant Dean, Family and Consumer Sciences. Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in nutrition, community/public health, adult education, organizational leadership, community development, Food Systems, or a related field from an accredited institution. At least five (5) years full‑time professional experience with community engagement, outreach education, stakeholder relations, systems coordination, or related areas. Experience building partnerships with stakeholders, community partners, and coalitions in Illinois affiliated with food, nutrition, agriculture, and health. Staff management experience including facilitating groups to achieve program deliverables. Preferred Qualifications PhD in a related field. Experience with University of Illinois Extension. Experience translating funded project goals into effective stakeholder engagement, communication, and partnership strategies. Experience in Extension program development, coordination, or delivery, including programs implemented across multiple sites or regions. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work within a team environment and lead cross‑functional teams to achieve high‑level deliverables. 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. These are temporary, full‑time, benefits‑eligible, non‑tenured academic professional positions. They may become non‑visiting later due to funding or programmatic needs. Expected start date: as soon as possible after the closing date. Salary range: $78,000 to $100,000. Final salary offer will be determined by a calculation involving internal equity, candidate experience, and budget constraints. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement 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. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. #J-18808-Ljbffr