Materials Evaluation Training Manager - Nutrition Education Program

Title: Materials Evaluation Training Manager - Nutrition Education Program

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: UMass Extension

Work Location: Amherst or Raynham

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Develop and implement program materials, evaluation, and training for the UMass Extension Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP). Work under the Nutrition Education Director and in close collaboration with state office staff and Regional Directors to: identify, develop, implement, evaluate, and update curricula and materials used for EFNEP programming; develop, implement, analyze, and report evaluation activities and impacts; plan, develop, deliver, and coordinate statewide training efforts for EFNEP; and contribute to short and long range planning, program development, annual plan development, and annual report development.

Essential Functions

Develop, implement, analyze, and report evaluation activities and measures of program/intervention impact and success. Develop EFNEP evaluation tools, methods, and protocols. Work closely with Nutrition Education Director and Regional directors in these activities. Analyze evaluation results and write reports. Make recommendations regarding future EFNEP programming based on evaluation results.

Identify, develop, implement, evaluate, and update curricula and materials used for EFNEP programming. Develop new materials or modify existing materials to meet program needs. Assure alignment of nutrition education materials with latest federal government nutrition recommendations. Work closely with the EFNEP Leader, Regional Directors, and state office staff in these activities.

Plan, develop, deliver, and coordinate statewide training efforts for EFNEP, such as semi-annual training conferences, webinars, teleconferences, and regional trainings. Utilize technology when appropriate to deliver training.

Develop EFNEP promotional materials consistent with the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) and Extension marketing plans and the guidelines for each program. Ensuring that all program publication materials are formatted and visually appropriate. Using digital media programs such as Adobe, revise and update graphics and artwork on all publication materials as needed.

Identify and/or develop and conduct orientation and training curriculum and/or manual for newly hired nutrition education staff. Assist supervisors with local training needs as appropriate.

Work together with EFNEP Leader to develop annual plans, budgets, and reports that incorporate materials, evaluation plans and results, and training activities.

Draft an annual marketing and publications budget that includes materials and initiatives reflective of state-wide program needs and goals.

Collaborate with CAFE and NEP state office staff in updating and maintaining the NEP website.

Curate and compose content for social media sites, including, but not limited to posts for Facebook, Instagram, blog posts, and scripts for videos for social media use.

Work in partnership with the State Office Clerk to place orders, manage publication inventory, and procure quotes for services and materials as needed.

Compose and distribute a monthly internal newsletter for NEP staff.

At the guidance of the Regional Directors, determine and facilitate which publications need to be translated and reproduced in different languages by the UMass Translation Center.

Participate in program development activities and short and long-range planning for EFNEP. Collaborate on nutrition education initiatives, special projects, and grant- or non-grant-funded activities outside of EFNEP that support the growth, innovation, and strategic goals of the Nutrition Education Program.

Represent and promote UMass NEP EFNEP at the state, regional and federal level as appropriate.

Participate in NEP, Extension, and Department of Nutrition staff meetings and committees as appropriate.

Maintain and increase personal and professional competence through participation in in-service training, professional association activities and continuing education. Prepare and implement a professional development plan.

Work actively to ensure that all programs are conducted in compliance with NIFA/USDA, state and University affirmative action policies.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in the nutrition field (e.g. nutrition, nutrition education, community nutrition) and five (5) years of experience relevant to the position.

Current registration as a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Active state license or certification as required by applicable state regulations (or eligibility to obtain within 9 months of start date).

Proven successful experience working with nutrition education programs for low-income, low-literate, culturally diverse audiences.

Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activity which is not restricted by access to public or private transportation.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate in nutrition.

Knowledge and experience with curriculum development and program evaluation theory and methods with this audience.

Experience providing nutrition or nutrition education training.

Demonstrated ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts and with diverse groups of people.

Knowledge and demonstrated ability to implement education theories and practices with diverse adult and youth audiences.

Working knowledge of Access and statistical software packages.

Additional Details

The position may be based in either Amherst, MA or Raynham, MA.

This position is grant funded. Continuation of this position is contingent upon funding.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, a resume is required. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.