TITLE:Program Leader for Family and Consumer Sciences
DEPARTMENT:Cooperative Extension
REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator
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
The Program Leader for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) provides statewide leadership for Family and Consumer Sciences programming within Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program. This position is responsible for the strategic planning, development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of research-based educational programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
The Program Leader provides leadership to Extension faculty and staff, develops partnerships with governmental agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community partners, and industry representatives, and ensures that Family and Consumer Sciences programming aligns with the University's Land Grant mission and strategic priorities.
This position requires a consistent on-campus presence while supporting statewide programming and travel throughout Kentucky.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provides statewide leadership for Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension programming.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for Family and Consumer Sciences programs.
- Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for Family and Consumer Sciences programming.
- Plans, coordinates, implements, and evaluates research-based educational programs addressing nutrition, health and wellness, financial literacy, food safety, family resilience, consumer education, and related Family and Consumer Sciences topics.
- Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with governmental agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to expand program delivery.
- Identifies emerging issues affecting individuals, families, and communities and develops educational programming to address those needs.
- Coordinates professional development opportunities and training for Extension personnel.
- Oversees program planning, budgeting, compliance, reporting, and evaluation activities.
- Identifies funding opportunities and assists with the development and administration of grants and cooperative agreements.
- Maintains accurate program records and prepares reports using the Kentucky Extension Reporting System and other required reporting systems.
- Participates in state, regional, and national Cooperative Extension organizations, advisory groups, and professional associations.
- Represents Kentucky State University at meetings, conferences, public events, and professional activities.
- Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Demonstrated leadership and administrative experience.
- Extensive knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences programming and Cooperative Extension principles.
- Knowledge of Extension program planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting.
- Knowledge of nutrition, health and wellness, financial literacy, consumer education, family development, and community education.
- Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Ability to supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze program data and utilize assessment results for continuous improvement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other software used for program administration and reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Valid driver's license.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position has supervisory responsibility for assigned Family and Consumer Sciences Extension faculty and staff.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Public Health, Nutrition, Community Development, Education, Human Development, or a closely related field is required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in Family and Consumer Sciences, Cooperative Extension, community education, higher education, or a related field is preferred.
- Leadership and supervisory experience is preferred.
- Experience with strategic planning, program evaluation, grant administration, and partnership development is preferred.
Licensing and Certifications:
- Valid Driver’s License Required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in office, classroom, community, and outdoor environments.
- Extensive statewide travel is required.
- Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support Extension programming and University events.
- May involve exposure to varying weather conditions and community-based educational settings.
- Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
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
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.
