Program Associate I, SPVR

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Program Associate I, SPVR

Job Category

Staff & Executive - Administrative & Support

Department

EFNEP

Overview

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H agents, Extension specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Program Associate I, SPVR for The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). Reporting to the RCE, NJ EFNEP Assistant Director, SPVR this grant funded 12-Month Program AssociateI SPVR position for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will be housed in Middlesex County, and will provide professional leadership, management, supervision and support for programs that utilize a paraprofessional (Community Assistant) model in Middlesex County for the delivery of research-based, behaviorally focused nutrition education classes to both adult and youth limited-resource participants. The goal of the education provided is to help program participants improve their food security, dietary quality, physical activity, and food safety behaviors.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Supports volunteers in the delivery of educational outreach.
• Provides some direct education including: ongoing training provided for staff and volunteers, and train-the-educator programs for agencies interested in offering education to their eligible participants using their own staff.
• Recruits agencies willing to host the program.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, and University outreach and budget guidelines with regards to all activities that occur within the project.
• Oversees various reports designed to document the project’s success.
• Serves on appropriate boards and councils in the community to maintain a strong presence for the program.
• Serves as a role model for his/her staff, and maintains a professional demeanor and confidentiality at all times.

FLSA

Exempt

Grade

04

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

62129.000

Mid Range Salary

78642.000

Maximum Salary

95154.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

37.50

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description

Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in nutrition, public health, or a related health sciences subject area appropriate to the position responsibilities.
• At least two years of professional experience (including some supervision) post degree or equivalent experience.
• This professional experience period may include work done at the graduate level, if the candidate’s graduate experience required a substantial project leadership role that was related to Community Nutrition.

Certifications/Licenses

• A valid driver’s license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with the public and evidence of effective public relations skills.
• Teaching experience.
• Excellent computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet).
• Proficient in video conferencing platforms (Zoom, WebEx, Google Meets, Google Classrooms, Microsoft Teams).
• Experience and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and public speaking.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Accurate, excellent budgeting and financial management skills.
• Seasoned negotiation philosophies and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with limited-resource, culturally diverse audiences.
• Ability and willingness to work in a consistently high-energy, high-pressure atmosphere.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to quickly assess situations, think broadly and logically, make appropriate decisions that account for broad consequences, and act swiftly.
• Ability to evaluate teaching skills of paraprofessionals and support staff, and provide proper supervision and management of staff and volunteers.
• Ability to train new employees and volunteers.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Dietitian
• Fluent speaking, strongly preferred writing, and reading in Spanish.

Equipment Utilized

• Familiarity with website maintenance.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Email), and Internet.
• A government supplied reporting system to data entry information will be needed for nutrition classes.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability and willingness to work in a consistently high-energy, high-pressure atmosphere.
• Ability to travel using own vehicle.
• Ability to lift to 35 lbs.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities with accuracy.

Special Conditions

• Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number

26ST1919

Posting Open Date

10/08/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus

Rutgers University - New Brunswick

City

New Brunswick

State

NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Do you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in nutrition, public health, or a related health sciences subject area appropriate to the position responsibilities?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have at least two years of professional experience (including some supervision) post degree or equivalent experience? This professional experience period may include work done at the graduate level, if the candidate’s graduate experience required a substantial project leadership role that was related to Community Nutrition.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents