Extension Professional III, FCHS (Willcox, AZ)

This advanced professional Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) position serves as a key member of the Cochise County Cooperative Extension team by developing and delivering research-based, community-focused education programs that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

The Extension Professional III emphasizes nutrition, health, food safety, and family wellness while assessing local needs, designing and implementing educational programs, evaluating program outcomes, and collaborating with Extension faculty, community partners, and stakeholders to create meaningful, measurable impacts throughout Cochise County.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Strategic Program Design and Leadership:

• Design and lead comprehensive extension programs that respond to complex community, agricultural, or socioeconomic issues across Arizona regions in assigned focus areas.
• Set program goals, strategies, and evaluation plans in collaboration with faculty, specialists, and stakeholder groups.
• Oversee coordination of multiple projects or initiatives within the broader program portfolio.

Advanced Outreach and Research Integration:

• Lead strategies for educational outreach and specialized extension workshops that provide evidencebased solutions to complex community challenges.
• Collaborate with university researchers and faculty to translate advanced research findings and new technologies into practical tools and programs for Arizona communities.
• Develop specialized instructional materials and curricula tailored to various audiences and delivery formats (for example, field days, producer meetings, family workshops).

Needs Assessment and Impact Evaluation:

• Design and conduct independent, systematic needs assessments, including regional data analyses, to determine strategic extension program priorities and identify community assets.
• Develop or refine methods for measuring program effectiveness and longterm impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Use findings to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and regional extension service delivery.

Scholarly Communication and Reporting:

• Author and publish technical reports, extension publications, and scholarly articles that communicate researchbased program results to professional peers, community stakeholders, and university leadership.
• Present program outcomes at conferences, advisory meetings, and university forums in clear, accessible language.
• Provide datainformed briefings to administrators and partners on program performance and regional trends.

Partnerships and External Funding:

• Cultivate and advise strategic partnerships with campus units, agencies, industry groups, schools, and local governments to advance extension unit goals in assigned focus areas.
• Lead development of proposals to secure competitive external funding and grants to sustain and expand strategic extension initiatives.
• Steward funded projects by monitoring deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Excellent program planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Knowledge of FCHS programming areas (nutrition, health, food safety, parenting, etc.).
• Ability to secure and manage external funding.
• Ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships and to lead project teams or small groups of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple large projects, and make informed decisions within broad guidelines.
• Proficiency with technology and distance-learning tools.
• Ability to commit to the mission and values of Cooperative Extension.
• Ability to communicate effectively with audiences from various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of southern Arizona's communities, culture, and public health or nutrition issues.
• Familiarity with data-driven decision-making and program evaluation.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based educational programs.
• Experience with fiscal management and reporting.
• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, land-grant universities, or other community outreach organizations.
• Experience conducting or supporting applied research and program evaluation in community settings.
• Experience with youth and adult education, including curriculum design and informal learning environments.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers.