College of Arts and Sciences

The University of Missouri St. Louis Political Science department seeks to recruit a faculty member with experience in community development. The incumbent will engage with University of Missouri Extension (MU Extension) Business and Communities Program and build effective working relationships with others across campus, across the UM System and throughout the state to help support an integrated approach to community development and food systems in Missouri. This is a 1.0 FTE, non-tenure track position. Assignments are subject to annual negotiation between the faculty member and leadership.
Faculty with MU Extension appointments are commonly known as Specialists, with titles that indicate geographic focus and programmatic specialization. Specialists provide educational opportunities that enable businesses, farms, families, and communities to strengthen the economy and enhance quality of life. Additionally, specialists create partnerships with civic and business organizations, educational institutions, local and state leaders, and key stakeholders to identify priorities, increase resources, and determine how research-based education can best meet the needs of residents.

The Community Development program works collaboratively with communities to foster economic development, leadership development, community decision making, community emergency preparedness, food systems alignment and inclusive communities. For more information on community development programs, visit https://extension2.missouri.edu/programs/community-leadership

The Assistant Extension Professor in Community Development will:
* Contribute to high-impact applied research in community development and civic capacity through applied research on community belonging, civic contribution, collective leadership and with special attention to mechanisms that drive vitality and thriving communities in key areas such as food systems, broadband access, housing, and economic development.
* Develop and deliver community development programming through preparing curriculum, offering in-service education (ISE) classes to field faculty, delivering train-the-trainer programs
* Strengthen MU Extension programs & resources to support effective civic capacity-building through evidence-based research and evaluation
* Identify, secure, and manage competitive external funding opportunities
* Support Community Development Extension faculty by providing mentoring and evaluation resources for faculty related to community development and community planning tools
* Support scaling of successful programming through expansion fidelity and accountability
* Lead collaborative initiatives to address Missouri Food Systems challenges
* Work with UM System units on data, mapping, and utilizing geospatial technologies for community development and civic capacity building outcomes
* Write research reports and briefs; synthesize and present findings to key stakeholders
* Publish in appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals and extension outlets and present at appropriate regional and national meetings
* Direct student research and outreach projects
* Participate in public, professional, and internal service activities
* Connect the resources of UMSL Economic Community Development academic home to the Extension field faculty
* Develop and support certificate offerings in UMSL continuing education
* Work with UMSL Geospatial Collaborative on community engaged research and projects.
* May include teaching courses within the UMSL Political Science department.
* Other duties as assignedClick here to enter the job description.

* PhD degree in political science, sociology, community development, or closely related social sciences discipline.
* 10 years Cooperative Extension System experience preferred or comparable experience in community development and applied research, experience may include a range of specialties including Missouri food systems, civic leadership, local government
* Expertise in qualitative research methods and participatory research
* Demonstrated ability to obtain and manage externally funded projects is preferred
* Demonstrated ability as a highly effective communicator in written and verbal form, including well-designed, reports, presentations, and peer reviewed journal articles
* Demonstrated ability to effectively, inclusively and independently engage and communicate with diverse state, regional, and community leaders and policymakers
* A demonstrated record of leading teams to conduct research and outreach on topics related to community development
* Expertise with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint

Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Copies of all academic transcripts
• list of 3-5 references

As one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse campuses in Missouri, UMSL is committed to maintaining a climate where all students, faculty, staff and visitors can explore their interests, refine their talents and flourish. Inclusive excellence is embedded in our strategic plan which focuses on actions to recruit and retain diverse students and employees and promote activities that encourage civil and constructive discourse, reasoned thought and sustained dialogue in an environment of inclusion, respect and appreciation.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

The University of Missouri - St. Louis offers benefit-eligible employees a wide variety of benefits including: health, dental and vision coverage effective on the first day of employment, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents and employee and dependent life insurance. For more information about our benefits, please visit:

https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits

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