PFAS Community Outreach & Grant Support Specialist

PFAS Community Outreach & Grant Support Specialist

The PFAS Community Outreach & Grant Support Specialist within the UW-Madison Division of Extension works collaboratively with state and local agencies, health and water quality professionals, community leaders, and university partners to improve community awareness, engagement, and access to the PFAS community grant program, enhance proposal quality, and increase grantee readiness. The Specialist serves as a trusted resource, connecting expertise across organizations to support communities, including Tribal Nations and rural towns and villages.

Primary responsibilities of this position are to facilitate community conversations; coordinate subject matter expert "road shows" to provide training for local government officials, community-based groups, and the general public; and host grant writing workshops to assist communities in applying for funding according to the DNR program requirements. The position will also facilitate peer learning across communities and connect PFAS-related technical assistance with broader community and regional development efforts.

The Specialist works closely with the Natural Resource Institute (NRI) Emerging Contaminants Outreach Specialist as part of a statewide PFAS team. Together, the team coordinates education and outreach activities that support DNR PFAS grant objectives and statewide priorities.

Division of Extension headquarters are located within Madison, WI. This location as well as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) are being considered as a potential location. However, the position location is flexible within WI and will be determined based on programmatic needs, successful candidate's preferences, and availability of suitable space.

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). A RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.

This position has the possibility of working up to 2 days remote per Extension's Remote Work Policy.

This position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to meet the program needs and priorities of the communities served.

It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization.

Applicants are required to:
Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.

There are three years of funding for this position with the opportunity to extend, pending additional funding.

Works closely with other Extension and DNR colleagues on the PFAS outreach team to coordinate and align information, resources, events, and deadlines

Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program

Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers

Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members

Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials

Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program

Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement

May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending

The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary for the position is $63,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.

Knowledge of grant writing principles and best practices.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills in team-based and community-centered settings.

Demonstrated experience facilitating educational programs, community conversations, public engagement activities, or other participatory decision-making efforts.

Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and communicate evidence-based information and research findings to support community decision-making and problem-solving.

Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining…