Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement University of Illinois Extension

The Visiting Senior Program Lead, Community and Stakeholder Engagement, serves as a full‑time 12‑month academic professional. This senior‑level Extension position provides administrative oversight for building, sustaining, and coordinating community and stakeholder relationships that advance the mission of the Center for Food Systems, Nutrition Security, and Health Integration (FSNSHI) and affiliated Health and Community Wellness programs. The role shapes strategy, directs implementation, and ensures quality, impact, and sustainability of those initiatives.

The position strengthens external partnerships, aligns stakeholder engagement with institutional priorities, provides strategic communications and stakeholder education, supports grants and funding initiatives, and builds staff capacity for effective engagement. One full‑time position is available.

Location:

Urbana‑Champaign Campus. In‑state hybrid remote work arrangements are available. This is a security‑sensitive position. Background checks will be conducted.

• Provide overall leadership and oversight of design, implementation, and evaluation of statewide community and stakeholder engagement strategies that advance Extension programs within HCW and FSNSHI.
• Oversee strategy and development of grants related to capacity building and systems‑based initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage grant‑funded initiatives to strengthen long‑term partnerships, build institutional capacity, and position the Center and Illinois Extension for future funding.
• Lead the Community Engagement team within FSNSHI; supervise staff, conduct performance reviews and develop staff development initiatives.
• Communicate with 27 units across Extension, grantors, and subcontractors across the state.
• Work with the Extension Business Office to maintain sound fiscal decisions that meet grant requirements.
• Monitor stakeholder priorities, emerging issues, and external trends related to food systems, nutrition security, health, and community wellness to inform strategic planning.
• Serve as the primary liaison with mission‑aligned organizations that provide advocacy, visibility, or support for the Center.
• Assist the Assistant Dean and Executive Director in managing and responding to stakeholder and public inquiries related to Center initiatives.
• Oversee preparation of grant reports, impact narratives, and materials for leadership, funders, and stakeholders ensuring timely communication regarding project milestones and deliverables.
• Contribute to the overall vision of FSNSHI.

• Initiate and direct interdisciplinary committees and work groups pertaining to grants.
• Give regular presentations, in‑services, and trainings to team members and field staff related to coalition building, community engagement, and stakeholder relations.
• Support Center leadership and field staff in effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development through coordinated training, guidance, and engagement opportunities.
• Represent FSNSHI and HCW on the Extension teams.
• Support development of outreach and communication products, including newsletters, digital content, stakeholder updates, and partnership communications.
• Assist with planning and coordination of strategic events, initiatives, and collaborations involving Extension personnel, college colleagues, and community partners.

• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus‑based partnerships that connect academic programs and research to complement Extension programming.
• Provide coordination and oversight for stakeholder‑facing components of funded projects, including advisory groups, coalitions, community engagement strategies, and dissemination activities.
• Monitor progress of grant‑funded and special initiatives related to engagement, communications, and partnerships; contribute to reporting, evaluation, and documentation of outcomes and impacts.
• Participate in research activities with faculty and collaborating partners. Contribute to…