University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evalu

The Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation, serves as a full‑time 12‑month academic professional. This senior level Extension position provides administrative oversight for the research and evaluation team in the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and affiliated Health and Community Wellness (HCW) programs. The role exercises influence across faculty, Extension, and campus units to advance externally funded research, interdisciplinary scholarship, and public impact related to food systems, nutrition security, and community health and wellbeing.

Location: Urbana‑Champaign Campus. Hybrid remote work arrangements are available for in‑state employees.

Security‑Sensitive Position: Comprehensive background checks, including criminal conviction information, CANTS check, and review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of statewide research and programming evaluation strategy and design within FSNSHI and affiliated HCW.
• Oversee the strategy and development of research grants that advance the mission of FSNSHI.
• Oversee data collection strategies to document program goals and objectives.
• Lead and direct evaluation team and evaluation efforts for FSNSHI and HCW. Provide direct supervision for research assistants, student employees, and other evaluation team staff.
• Oversee and manage the budget for the evaluation and research team, complying with all grant and funding requirements. Manage vendor contracts for evaluation projects.
• Provide leadership for the design, implementation, and use of reporting systems and submit required state and federal reports. Oversee necessary changes to reporting systems for HCW.
• Provide training and technical assistance to Extension statewide staff for evaluation instruments and techniques.
• Collaborate with Senior Program Leads to streamline operations across FSNSHI.
• Initiate and direct interdisciplinary committees and work groups pertaining to FSNSHI and HCW evaluation projects.
• Build relationships and establish partnerships with stakeholders. Represent Extension on national and statewide task forces and coalitions.
• Provide presentations, in‑services, and trainings on topics related to the position for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the overall vision of FSNSHI.

• Lead research activities with faculty and collaborating partners.
• Supervise the collection of data that contributes to research‑based evidence of FSNSHI and HCW.
• Write scientific publications that advance the field and represent the work of FSNSHI and HCW.
• Oversee and conduct literature reviews to contribute to the latest research.
• Lead efforts for data analysis and data visualization, integrating resources and expertise that demonstrate solutions for stakeholders, partners, and collaborators.
• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus‑based partnerships that connect academic programs and research to complement Extension programming.
• Serve on state or national boards and work groups to enhance partnerships and collaborations between FSNSHI and organizations.
• Be an active member within a professional society (or societies) to keep abreast of changes within the discipline.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to enhance competency in the subject matter area.

• Perform other duties that contribute to University of Illinois Extension programming, as assigned.
• Local, regional, and statewide travel required; personal transportation required. Some work may occur evenings or weekends. Employee must have personal transportation; a valid driver’s license is preferred.
• Tasks may involve environmental factors such as hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, uneven ground, mental and physical demands including traveling, lifting up to 40 pounds, and twisting, pushing or pulling movements. Detailed information regarding the functions of this position may be obtained from Human Resources by contacting hrinois.edu.

The Visiting Senior Program Lead, Research and Evaluation is administratively responsible to…