Instructor - FCS Volunteer Development & Extension Homemakers Council (EHC) Faculty Advisor

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Faculty - Non-TenureNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.  To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

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Department:

Family & Consumer Science * Assistant Vice Presidentuada.edu

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas seeks a talented full-time Instructor in Extension Homemakers Council and Volunteer Development. This position is 100% funded through the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service. This is a twelve-month, non-tenure-track position with a starting rank of Instructor and a work assignment of 95% Extension and 5% service.

Major Focus: The primary focus of this position is to extend the Cooperative Extension Service’s research-based educational programming in FCS, nutrition, health, family life, and consumer economics through the strategic management, instruction, and coordination of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Council (AEHC) volunteer network. This position serves as the official faculty advisor, ensuring all local EHC club activities align with the Division of Agriculture’s guidelines and community needs.

Extension Responsibilities: The candidate will lead statewide efforts and provide expert guidance on volunteer development and EHC programming to enhance the value of Arkansas agricultural, FCS, and community development efforts. The Instructor will lead this content area. This Instructor must thrive in an environment working with a variety of internal and external collaborators and managing and prioritizing multiple projects simultaneously.

This position will lead statewide and internal programs and coordinate programming with the state's land-grant universities to improve impact and outcomes. This position will secure grant funding for Program Associates and/or Program Technicians to support FCS programming. (95% extension)
Service Responsibilities: The candidate will attend faculty and departmental meetings, serve on committees, and interact professionally and positively. (5% service)

Primary Duties: The Instructor for FCS Volunteer Development & Extension Homemakers Council (EHC) Faculty Advisor functions under the guidance of the Assistant Vice President for FCS and serves as an integral part of the Extension team, providing expert leadership in volunteer supervision, communication, needs assessments, and program development, implementation, and evaluation.

This position contributes specialized knowledge in all FCS program areas, including culinary nutrition/hospitality/tourism, education & training, food science & nutrition, health & wellness, personal development & family life, personal & family finance, and textiles/apparel, all under the overarching goal of advancing health promotion, economic growth, and cultural awareness across Arkansas communities. Overarching responsibilities include developing and delivering educational programs, mentoring and supporting EHC volunteers, and creating resources for FCS initiatives.

The Instructor implements Extension objectives in these areas, collaborates with faculty and stakeholders, and ensures program quality and relevance. This role also involves securing external funding, evaluating program outcomes, and supporting Extension agents’ and volunteers’ professional development across the state.

Duties
Volunteer Management & Leadership Development (EHC Faculty Advisor Role)
• Provide local program governance, serving as the designated faculty advisor to the state’s EHC clubs, state and county EHC councils, and elected officers to ensure compliance with the AEHC Standing Rules and UADA policy.
• Support agents’ volunteer recruitment and retention efforts, fostering an inclusive environment that appeals to a diverse, multi-generational demographic.
• Maintain the AEHC membership database.
• Support community service projects by overseeing and approving county-level EHC community initiatives.
• Guide planning and implementation of state- and district-level meetings and events, including AEHC executive officer meetings, District Rallies, Spring Workshops, State Meeting, and others as needed. Advise and guide volunteers on meeting and event planning, including facilities, registration, agenda, promotion, and other details.
• Coordinate with volunteers, Communications, IT, and others.
Educational Design & Program Delivery (Faculty Instructor Role)
• Support the mission, vision, and core values of UADA Extension.
• Implement the objectives of the Assistant Vice-President of FCS and the FCS Department.
• Communicate and collaborate with the Assistant Vice-President of FCS, FCS faculty, and staff by serving as a collaborative and interprofessional member of the FCS Department to determine content needs, work efficiently and effectively, reduce redundancy, and foster teamwork.
• Understand the landscape and status of UADA FCS and the land-grant system; refine and improve the bridge between the LGUs and the LRSO and the LRSO and the FCS county agents for a comprehensive and smooth delivery of AEHC content to meet the needs of Arkansans.
• Secure external funding and serve as PI or co-PI to support Extension outreach and workforce development initiatives.
• Conduct AEHC officer training and leadership development.
• Disseminate research-based information to the general public through multimedia outreach, including social media platforms and educational fact sheets.
• Respond to agent and client questions in a timely manner.
• Attend faculty and department meetings, activities, and events and participate in a positive and respectful manner.
Program Planning, Evaluation, and Reporting
• Collect local data and feedback from the advisory committee to address the distinct socio-economic needs of county residents through needs assessments.
• Maintain rigorous records of volunteer service hours, public and educational contacts, and program outcomes for required federal, state, and county impact reporting.
• Advocate for and influence FCS evaluation throughout Extension, including the LGU campuses, all 75 counties, and the LRSO campus.
• Oversee and provide guidance for the evaluation, analysis, and dissemination of program outcomes and performance measures.
• Coordinate with agents and the Community Professional and Economic Development (CPED) Department to design reporting procedures to gather and report impact data for AEHC.
Communication and Media
• Write, proofread, and/or edit news articles, newsletters, blog posts, media messages, and social media assets.
• Manage social media and webpage.
• Serve as moderator, host, or other support panelist for training, meetings, and other events.
• Provide management and use of email distribution list and text group.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of information in a variety of outlets for assigned topics and volunteer groups.
• Maintain communication with AEHC officers and leaders, EHC members, and County Extension personnel.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

The successful applicant must hold an earned master’s degree in FCS, Human Development, Nutrition, Education, or closely related discipline by date of hire; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate technical information to non-technical audiences, both orally and in writing; commitment to fostering a diverse, collaborative, and collegial work environment; ability to drive a motor vehicle, lift and move equipment, and manipulate food, kitchen implements, and visual displays; and flexibility to travel throughout the state as required.

Preferred Qualifications

The successful applicant will have experience in volunteer development and FCS programming; experience with curriculum development, grant writing, and project management; and experience with program evaluation and partnership development.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

• Knowledge of adult education principles and techniques.

• Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation processes.

• Understanding of social, economic, political, and cultural factors affecting volunteerism.

• Skilled in verbal communication, presentations, and hands-on training for diverse audiences.

• Skilled in motivating adult learners and facilitating positive behavioral changes.

• Skilled in working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Ability to obtain and interpret research information and anticipate trends in volunteerism.

• Ability to work effectively with both professional and lay audiences.

• Ability to communicate with strong written, oral, and presentation skills to effectively translate complex scientific research into everyday, practical life skills for the public.

• Ability to manage, organize, and inspire adult volunteer groups.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with experience and educationCover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Dr. Nina Roofe / Assistant Vice President - FCS / [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Grasping, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Balancing, Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Reaching, Stooping

Occasional Physical Activity:

Climbing, Crawling, Crouching

Benefits Eligible:

Yes