Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Duties Responsibilities Organizational Leadership • Provide overall leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations for the design, implementation, and evaluation of statewide community and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance Extension programs within HCW and FSNSHI. • Oversee the strategy and development of grants related to capacity building and systems-based initiatives. • Identifies 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 designated staff, including conducting staff performance reviews and developing and implementing staff development and staff performance improvement initiatives. • Communicate with 27 units across Extension, grantors, and subcontractors across the state. • Work in coordination with the Extension Business Office to maintain sound fiscal decisions that meet grant requirements. • Monitors stakeholder priorities, emerging issues, and external trends related to food systems, nutrition security, health, and community wellness to inform strategic planning and decision-making. • Serves as the primary liaison with mission-aligned organizations that provide advocacy, visibility, or support for the Center. • Assists 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, deliverables, and emerging issues. • 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. • Supports 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. • Supports development of outreach and communication products, including newsletters, digital content, stakeholder updates, and partnership communications. • Assists 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. • Provides coordination and oversight for stakeholder-facing components of funded projects, including advisory groups, coalitions, community engagement strategies, and dissemination activities. • Monitors progress of grant-funded and special initiatives related to engagement, communications, and partnerships; contributes 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(s) to keep abreast of changes within 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.