REACH WIC Technical Assistance Lead

Working Title: REACH WIC Technical Assistance Lead

Classification: 9742R5 - Researcher 5

Appointment: 100%, full time, UMN Benefits

Estimated Salary Range: $75,000 - $83,000; DOQ

Reports To: REACH Lab Projects Director

Location: St Paul campus, with potential for some hybrid work options

Application Deadline: November 25, 2024

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

This position is housed within the Center for Research and Outreach (REACH) Lab and is led by Dr. Lynne Borden, Associate Dean for Research and Engagement for UMN Extension and Mr. Mark Otto, Director of Strategic Partnerships for UMN Extension. The REACH Lab focuses on conducting applied research and outreach to inform the design and implementation of community and systems strategies to enhance the lives of children, youth, and families. Many of the REACH Lab projects address issues around youth development, early childhood education, families, and community outreach. The REACH Lab is a federally funded lab through multiple grants from sources including USDA-NIFA and the DoD. In addition to providing research and outreach, the REACH Lab provides professional development and technical assistance through online resources.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Through the development and provision of comprehensive resources around critical cultural competencies, proactive peer coaching (PC), and centralized technical assistance (TA), the WIC Technical Assistance-Peer Coaching (TA-PC) Center will develop replicable learning opportunities for WIC professionals, leading to the retention of a highly trained WIC workforce that is attuned to the unique contexts of the families served. Under the direction of the REACH Lab leadership and in cooperation with other members of the REACH team, the candidate will develop, evaluate, and manage technical assistance tools for WIC Coaches, support identification of resources and learning opportunities from across organizations serving nutritional education needs, and support the development of a Peer Coaching Model.

RESPONSIBILITIES

50% Technical Assistance

• Develop and identify technical assistance tools for use by Local and State WIC Agencies related to implementation of WIC TA-PC programs, program evaluation, evaluation tools, and site reporting.
• Provide technical assistance to Local and State WIC Agencies on the implementation of WIC TA-PC programs, program evaluation, evaluation tools, and site reporting.
• Work as part of the technical delivery team to deliver new and innovative technical assistance strategies that assist State and Local WIC Agencies in building their own capacity to collect data, report data, and meet the WIC workforce initiative goals.
• Develop additional capacity-building information, trainings, and resources to be delivered to the WIC community as identified by project staff members.
• Provide guidelines and support to WIC programs throughout the US States and Territories.

25% Project Management

• Generate reports, summaries, and presentations as required by various grant projects, including annual and evaluation reports.
• Assist the REACH Lab Projects Director and PI's in coordinating the work of WIC coaches in coaching individual community programs in the areas of professional development, program evaluation, and program technical assistance.
• Assist the PI, and other research staff, in coordinating the work of the WIC TA-PC project and assuring project deadlines, goals, and requirements are being met.
• Other duties as assigned

25% Research and Evaluation

• Under limited supervision, conduct research and evaluation activities related to Center and Lab projects including but not limited to research in support of and evaluation of state programs using specialized common measure evaluation instruments and logic models.
• Collect and analyze data using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Lead and contribute to grant and contract proposals.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

The position may involve some travel (conferences) which may include overnights and weekends.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, nutrition, social work, family studies, educational leadership, evaluation studies, or related discipline at time of application
• Two years of post-master's degree related technical assistance experience
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Experience in designing and conducting community-engaged research
• Ability to collaborate with academic researchers and community members or organizations
• Proficiency in working with community partners to identify research questions, design and implement studies, and analyze data
• Experience in disseminating research findings to both academic, professional, and community stakeholders
• Ability to develop and support infrastructure programs that build community-academic partnerships
• Experience working with diverse populations and understanding the unique cultural and contextual factors that affect service delivery
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (English), with the ability to translate research findings into practical recommendations and resources
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and experience in creating training programs for professional development
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with experience in program evaluation, data analysis, and reporting
• Collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and across organizational boundaries
• Excellent computer skills with Microsoft and Google Suite applications

Additional Requirements

• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office
• Must be able to work on computer for prolonged periods of time.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekend work and overnight stays
• Ability to travel on occasion
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in public health, nutrition, social work, family studies, educational leadership, evaluation studies, or related discipline
• Familiarity with maternal and child health, nutrition, and food assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP or related education programs such as SNAP-Ed or EFNEP
• Experience contributing to an applied research team
• Experience in developing and managing technical assistance programs, including the creation of technical assistance tools and resources
• Ability to support the implementation and scaling of technical assistance initiatives across multiple sites or organizations
• Strong understanding of human-centered design principles and their application in the development of training and resource models
• Experience in designing user-centered solutions that are responsive to the needs of both service providers and recipients
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating training or peer coaching models, particularly in the context of public health or social services

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information at www.extension.umn.edu.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $83,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required of those invited for interviews.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:
Heidi Fahning, REACH Lab Research Project Director and Search Chair, fahni021@umn.edu

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).