Job Details

Assistant Professor and Extension Public Health Nutrition Specialist

This faculty position provides strategic leadership, operational input, and subject matter expertise to inform nutrition and health promotion initiatives including those focused on limited-resource populations throughout Washington State. The candidate will join the statewide Youth and Families Program Unit team integrating community-based Extension programming with applied research related to nutrition and food safety, individual and family development, and health, wellness, and prevention.

This position is responsible to the Extension Youth and Families Program Unit Director and works collaboratively with Extension faculty and staff across the state and with WSU public health faculty and staff across the state.

Provide subject-matter expertise to inform the vision, planning, and development of WSU Extension Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs, in collaboration with program leaders, funders, county directors, extension faculty, and key stakeholders. This includes conducting and utilizing original and applied research to shape the development, evaluation, and direction of programs.

The successful candidate will accomplish the following while demonstrating a commitment to access, opportunity, and inclusion that is a primary consideration and woven throughout their work:

Team Building & Collaboration

• Establish and lead the WSU Extension Nutrition Team by uniting faculty, staff, and stakeholders in program implementation and applied research.
• Promote cross-sector collaboration to align goals, foster innovation, and enhance statewide impact.

Research & Program Development

• Develop a robust applied research agenda in healthy eating, active living, and health promotion targeting individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Translate research into evidence-based programming and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) improvements.

Grant Management & Resource Development

• Secure external funding to expand and sustain nutrition and health programming through grant writing and donor engagement.

Community Engagement & Equity

• Address health disparities by centering the needs of limited-resource individuals and families.
• Build strategic partnerships with communities, tribal nations, government agencies, and academic units to promote equity, inclusion, and access.

University Service & Scholarship

• Participate in the academic and service mission of WSU's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and the Extension Youth and Families Unit.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, Extension materials, and scholarly presentations.

Annual Salary: 9 Month Salary: $52,160 - $69,545 | Summer Salary: $11,591 - $15,455, 2 months | Total Salary: $63,751 - $85,000 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

Required Qualifications:

• Earned master's degree in nutrition, dietetics, prevention science, public health, social work, nursing, family and consumer sciences, human development, or other related field by the time of hire.
• Two years of experience in nutrition, health, or wellness programming for the general public or individuals from limited resource populations (e.g., federal and state programs such as EFNEP, SNAP-Ed, Head Start, ECAP).
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary, collaborative programming.
• Experience conducting PSE work and education that addresses poverty, racism, food systems, health equity and impact on nutrition, health, and wellbeing.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver's license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related travel at the approved state rate if using a private vehicle. While using a private or WSU motor pool vehicle for official business, have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in nutrition, dietetics, prevention science, public health, social work, nursing, family and consumer sciences, evaluation, human development, or another related field.
• Evidence of ability to communicate ideas effectively through written, verbal, and technology when relating to a variety of audiences.
• Evidence of experience in program evaluation and sharing impact at local, state, and federal level.
• Record of research excellence and delivery in community-based programming related health, promotion, and/or prevention as evidenced via scholarly products, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, Extension publications, and national presentations.
• Evidence of resource acquisition skills in grants, gift development, and revenue generation.
• Demonstrated experience managing grants and contracts including planning, assigning, and supervising the work of staff, budget reconciliation, financial planning, and reporting.
• Demonstrated strong program leadership and management skills.

With 39 county Extension offices and 2 tribal locations throughout the state, WSU Extension is the front door to the University. Extension builds the capacity of individuals, organizations, businesses, and communities, empowering them to find solutions for local issues and to improve their quality of life. Extension collaborates with communities and industries to create a culture of life-long learning and is recognized for its accessible, learner-centered, relevant, high-quality, and evidence-based, unbiased educational programs. To learn more about WSU Extension, visit:

Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) Department Name: Extension, Youth and Families Location: This position may be based at any of the Extension, REC, or campus facilities in Washington State, negotiable at the time of hire. This position requires the successful candidate to reside in Washington State, or neighboring state within commuting distance, and be available to work alongside colleagues from WSU Extension offices, Research and Extension Centers, (REC) or campuses.

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

• Cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position
• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of Official College Transcripts
• Provide a statement describing your commitment and contributions to inclusive excellence in your professional positions
• Names and contact information for four professional references

External candidates, upload all documents in the "Application Document" section of your application. Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application. Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible. Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.