Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Nancy Johnson, nancy.johnson@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$56,040 - $84,060

Commensurate with education and experience

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing their experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications, 2) resume, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) copy of college transcript showing degree conferral.

About this Position

About Us: As a part of Oklahoma State University Extension (OSU Extension), the mission of the Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) is to educate and empower limited-resource families and youth to improve nutrition and physical activity behaviors. CNEP encompasses the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), known as the Oklahoma Nutrition Education (ONE) program in our state. Our nutrition lessons focus on diet quality, food safety, physical activity, food security and food resource management. Our Nutrition Education Assistants (NEA’s) provide research-based, hands-on learning experiences for families and youth at no cost.

Join our team and make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans! 
Who Are We: https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/community-nutrition-education-program/index.html
About Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/about-us.html 
Why OSU Extension: https://extension.okstate.edu/extension-careers.html
OSU Agriculture: https://agdivision.okstate.edu/

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

The Position
Oklahoma State University (OSU) Extension is seeking a qualified and motivated individual to support a CDC federally funded High Obesity Program initiative. This program focuses on policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving access to healthy foods; safe, accessible places for physical activity; and fostering healthy community environments.  The position works collaboratively with Extension educators, community organizations, and other partners to implement, evaluate, and sustain evidence-based strategies that advance public health outcomes in 10 counties with high adult obesity rates.
The HOP Nutrition Area Specialist is a full-time, 12-month position funded through a 5-year grant; currently in Year 3 (2025-2026). Continuation of the position beyond the current funding period is contingent upon annual renewal of funds, program needs, and satisfactory performance. 

The nutrition area specialist is responsible for providing expertise in supporting policy, system and environmental approaches aimed at improving healthy food access through farmers’ markets, food pantries, community gardens, food is medicine partnerships, etc. The position reports to the HOP Project Director and Principal Investigator in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at OSU. This role partners with Cooperative Extension, public health, local food producers, retail food outlets, local government stakeholders, etc. to plan, implement, evaluate and support coordination of nutrition and food systems initiatives across all 10 HOP-eligible counties.

The position office location is negotiable within Northeastern Oklahoma. Daily in-state travel is expected with some out-of-state travel for professional meetings. Related travel expenses are reimbursed in accordance with OSU travel guidelines. 
Primary Responsibilities
•    Lead and coordinate community-based nutrition and food access projects across all 10 HOP counties. Support initiatives such as local farmers' markets, Double Up Oklahoma programs, healthy retail efforts, community and school gardens, and nutrition education campaigns designed to strengthen community food environments.
•    Engage in frequent, day-to-day travel across Oklahoma to meet with community partners, attend coalition and planning meetings, and support on-site implementation. Provide technical assistance to county Extension educators, local governments, and collaborative groups to advance equitable access to nutrition.
•    Develop, implement, and monitor annual work plans that align with CDC and OSU Extension objectives. 
•    Build and maintain relationships with local governments, community-based organizations, public health partners, and tribal entities. Facilitate monthly collaborative meetings and assist local coalitions in identifying, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based strategies.
•    Prepare and submit all required program reports, budgets, surveys, and continuation documents. Maintain compliance with CDC and OSU fiscal and data management procedures. Assist in writing grant renewals and sustainability proposals.
•    Gather and analyze community-level data for needs assessments, planning, and evaluation. Document project outcomes and assist with the development of success stories, infographics, and public health communications.
•    Attend required trainings, conferences, and meetings at local, state, and national levels. Represent OSU Extension and the HOP program professionally in public settings, fostering strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Master's in Public Health, Nutrition, Community Health, Health Promotion, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• •    Experience in community-based program coordination, Extension, or public health program implementation.
  •    Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
  •    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in diverse community settings.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  * Valid driver’s license required. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties. Reimbursement for official travel.

• Preferred Qualifications

• •    Three or more years of professional experience in nutrition, food systems, or community health initiatives.
  •    Experience working with Cooperative Extension, CDC-funded programs, or multi-county projects.
  •    Knowledge of rural and tribal health systems and culturally responsive approaches to community engagement.

• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  •    Skills in data collection, reporting, and grant writing.
  •    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration platforms (Teams, Zoom, etc.).