Obesity Program; HOP Nutrition Area Specialist

High Obesity Program (HOP) Nutrition Area Specialist

Join to apply for the High Obesity Program (HOP) Nutrition Area Specialist role at Oklahoma State University
.

Campus: OSU‑Stillwater.

Contact:
Nancy Johnson, nancy.johnson.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 am‑5:00 pm 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: Submit
1) a 1‑2 page cover letter summarizing experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications;
2) resume;
3) contact information for three references;
4) copy of college transcript showing degree conferral.

As part of Oklahoma State University 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!

• Lead and coordinate community‑based nutrition and food access projects across all 10 HOP counties, supporting 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.

• 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.

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

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