TITLE: Extension Associate Family and Consumer Sciences
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Associate
REPORTS TO: Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Staff – 12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
Under the general direction of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program Leader, the Extension Associate – Family and Consumer Sciences provides leadership and administrative support for the development, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of statewide Family and Consumer Sciences educational programming. This position collaborates with Extension faculty, agents, specialists, and community partners to deliver research-based educational programs that address the needs of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The Extension Associate assists in statewide program planning, curriculum development, professional development, grant support, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement while supporting the strategic priorities of Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension. This position requires a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence, along with statewide travel, to effectively perform the essential functions of the position and is not suitable for remote work except as approved in accordance with University policy.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides leadership and technical support to county Extension agents and staff in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Family and Consumer Sciences educational programs.
- Collaborates with state-level Extension personnel to develop, implement, and evaluate research-based educational curricula, initiatives, and multidisciplinary programming.
- Coordinates statewide educational activities that address Family and Consumer Sciences priorities and emerging community needs.
- Strengthens partnerships with professional organizations, community agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to expand program impact and access to resources.
- Develops and delivers professional development opportunities and training for Extension personnel, volunteers, and community partners.
- Assists with curriculum development, educational publications, digital resources, and outreach materials.
- Coordinates program reporting, evaluation activities, and impact data collection to support state and federal reporting requirements.
- Assists with grant development, grant administration, and management of externally funded projects supporting statewide initiatives.
- Maintains program records, educational materials, and inventory of program supplies.
- Provides guidance and support for statewide Family and Consumer Sciences initiatives and special projects.
- Represents Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension at meetings, conferences, professional organizations, and community events.
- Maintains effective working relationships with Extension personnel, University faculty and staff, community partners, and stakeholders.
- Maintains a regular, reliable, and consistent on-campus presence while traveling statewide to support Extension programming and organizational needs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of Cooperative Extension program development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
- Knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences subject areas, including human development, nutrition, financial literacy, consumer resource management, and family well-being.
- Knowledge of adult education principles and educational program delivery.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programming.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Extension personnel, community organizations, and external partners.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other technology used in educational programming and reporting.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative teams.
- Ability to travel extensively throughout Kentucky.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This position does not have supervisor responsibility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in Family and Consumer Sciences or a closely related field with significant coursework in Family and Consumer Sciences is required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience implementing Family and Consumer Sciences educational programming is required.
- Experience with Cooperative Extension programming is preferred.
- Experience with grant-funded educational programs and program evaluation is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Frequent statewide travel is required.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support educational programming, meetings, conferences, and community events.
- Work is performed in office, classroom, community, and outdoor environments.
- Work requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and frequent interaction with individuals and groups.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
