Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 103322
Title: Principal Agent and Assistant Director
Functional Title: Principal Agent and Assistant Director (FCS)
Category Status: 01-Faculty Tenured
Applicant Search Category: Faculty
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: AGNR-UME-Family and Consumer Sciences
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The University of Maryland Extension (UME), within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, (AGNR) seeks a nationally recognized leader in Extension, outreach, and scholarship to serve as Assistant Director and Program Leader (AD/PL) for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS). This position provides leadership and direction for UME’s FCS programs and faculty across the state. UME’s FCS program strives to advance the health and socioeconomic development of Maryland’s individuals, families, communities, and organizations through education, research, and outreach programs. The FCS works with youth, families, and communities to prevent and manage chronic diseases through healthy food and physical activity choices, handling food safely, teaching financial and health insurance literacy, addressing mental health needs, and creating safe and healthy environments.
UME has four major program areas: Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, Environment and natural Resources and Sea Grant, and FCS. UME faculty and staff are located at offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City, the 4-H State office, the SNAP-Ed State office, and five research and education centers. This position collaborates with Program Leaders, the Assistant Director of Operations, and other administrators. The position reports to the UME Associate Dean/Associate Director.
Benefits Summary
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
  • An earned doctorate degree and must be able to be tenured in a department as a Professor or tenured Extension as a Principal Agent. 
  • At least one graduate degree, preferably a doctorate, must be in Family and Consumer Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition, Sociology, Education, Community Development, Program Evaluation or another related field.


Experience:
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably land-grant systems or comparable organizations with significant recognition within a field of specialization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Outstanding record of research-based Extension/community-engaged programming.
  • A demonstrated understanding of the Land Grant mission.
  • Evidence in successful grant and contract acquisition and management for interdisciplinary approaches.
  • Excellent scholarly work, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
  • Demonstrated ability to contribute to the UME’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect strategic plan.
  • Evidence of leadership, teamwork, collaboration, excellence in human relationship skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through Extension program model.

This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and a University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.
Preferences:
Additional Certifications:
Required:
Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required—ability to travel statewide and nationally as needed.
Additional Information:
Duties and Responsibilities:
This AD/PL provides leadership and an expansive vision for innovation and excellence of interdisciplinary FCS programs. Responsibilities include identifying emerging issues, prioritizing programs, developing and maintaining university-wide and external partnerships, securing and managing resources for extension education and applied research projects, ensuring innovative and impactful program implementation, and advancing health equity and well- being.
Major responsibilities include:
  • Providing leadership and oversight of FCS Extension programs, scholarship, and applied research projects.
  • Securing and managing extramural funding to support FCS extension programs and research projects.
  • Providing direction for FCS programs, including needs assessment, program planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of outcomes.
  • Developing and maintaining external partnerships with organizations and agencies such as academic institutions, local/state/federal agencies, industry groups, and non-profit organizations.
  • Providing leadership and program evaluation to faculty in long-range planning, reporting, professional development, and grants.
  • Mentoring faculty to ensure clarity of expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, service, and teaching, providing opportunities for success as an Extension Educator while instilling professional confidence and pride.
  • Providing leadership, promotional guidance, and coaching to tenure track and professional track faculty.
  • Conducting annual program and faculty evaluations, including approval of individual Extension plans and delivery of annual faculty reviews to county and state faculty and staff as needed.
  • Providing annual reports and impacts for Federal agencies and other organizations as appropriate.
  • Facilitating collaboration among UME nutrition and health programs at county and state levels, including EFNEP, Maryland SNAP-Ed, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and 4-H Healthy Living.
  • Serving as a member of the UME administrative team, which includes program leaders in Agriculture and Food Systems, 4-H Youth Development, and Environment and Natural Resources.
  • Assisting in recruitment, hiring, and retention of faculty in critical areas of need for Extension while fostering a thriving environment in support of AGNR’s strategic values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect.


Salary & Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.
Applications: All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts and three (3) professional references, including names, mailing address, telephone numbers and an e-mail address.
Posting Date: 09/18/2023
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes
Best Consideration Date 11/15/2023
Physical Demands
This is primarily an office position, but travel throughout the state to attend meetings and events is expected. This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication. The ability to express or exchange ideas vocally is important. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations. There are times when extensive viewing a computer terminal and reading is required as part of the position duties.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Similar Positions