Assistant Professor, Extension Public Health Specialist - WVU Extension

The Division for Land-Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a WVU Extension Public Health Specialist. We are seeking a dynamic faculty member to help improve lives and livelihoods through Cooperative Extension's teaching, research, and service delivery models. This twelve-month tenure-track position carries the academic rank of Assistant Professor.

About the Opportunity

The West Virginia University (WVU) Extension Public Health Specialist is a 1.0 FTE faculty assignment within Extension's Family and Community Development program. This tenure-track position provides statewide leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences programs that address chronic disease prevention, health equity, and overall community health and well-being. This is a hybrid position with some remote work and significant on-campus, in-field, and travel requirements.

This specialist will work collaboratively across WVU Extension, the WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement, WVU Health Sciences, and other university, state and national partners to design and implement research and evidence-based public health programming. This position offers an exciting opportunity to improve health outcomes and address persistent health disparities in West Virginia and to enhance Extension's health work. This specialist position will also provide leadership and/or support for the Extension and Division health outcome teams.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

Major Responsibilities

• Programming (Teaching, Research, Service) that supports Cooperative Extension's 2021 Health Framework
• Develop and lead statewide, research-based Extension programs in public health, with emphasis on chronic disease prevention, health promotion, and behavior change.
• Serve as a subject matter resource for county Extension faculty and provide technical support and professional development in public health programming.
• Identify and address emerging public health trends affecting diverse West Virginia communities.
• Engage in applied research and disseminate findings through Extension publications, peer-reviewed journals, and community education.
• Collaborate with faculty across WVU and external organizations to enhance programming reach and effectiveness.
• Secure extramural funding to support public health outreach and research activities.
• Ensure inclusion of underrepresented populations in all public health initiatives.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Partner with WVU Health Sciences Center, local health departments, schools, community coalitions, and state agencies to expand the impact of Extension's public health work.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams addressing social determinants of health.
• Serve on university, state, or national advisory boards and coalitions related to health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
• Utilize technology, media, and innovative delivery methods (e.g., social media, webinars, mobile outreach) to reach new and underserved audiences.

Accountability and Professional Engagement

• Evaluate program effectiveness and report impact at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Actively participate in professional development to stay current in public health, Extension education, and instructional strategies.
• Contribute to the mission of WVU Extension Service through service, committee work, and faculty mentorship.
• Maintain regular communication with county Extension faculty and statewide Extension teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in public health, health promotion, community health, behavioral health, family and consumer sciences, or a closely related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in community-based health education or Extension programming.
• Evidence of proficiency in oral and written communication and use of technology for educational outreach.
• Commitment to continued professional development in teaching, research, and service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in health behavior change, policy/systems/environmental (PSE) approaches, or rural health outreach.
• Knowledge of Cooperative Extension's 2021 Health Framework.
• Experience in grant writing and securing external funding.
• Track record of applied research related to public health.
• Experience collaborating in regional or national public health initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrate exceptional organizational and managerial skills, effectively coordinating complex tasks and personnel.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences, including the development of comprehensive reports.
• Proactively organize and prioritize multiple administrative tasks, meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities efficiently.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships, fostering collaboration across diverse constituencies.
• Effectively analyze and solve problems, utilizing logical reasoning and data evaluation to develop sound recommendations.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of sensitive information, exercising sound judgment and discretion in all communications and decisions.
• Develop and implement efficient organizational systems, streamlining workflows and improving overall productivity.
• Facilitate productive communication and collaboration, effectively conveying complex information and fostering shared understanding.
• Skillfully manage and prioritize communication channels, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
• Structure and deliver comprehensive reports and presentations, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Coordinate logistical details for projects and tasks, ensuring seamless execution and successful outcomes.
• Effectively utilize technology and software, to organize information and enhance communication.
• Independently manage tasks and projects, working with minimal direction and under broad guidelines.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Driver's License
• Background check required, Title IX and Children on Campus trainings
• Ability to travel throughout West Virginia and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Must pass a criminal background check and required university trainings, including Title IX and Children on Campus.
• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct training sessions and perform job duties.

Position Details

• Appointment: 12-month, full-time, tenure-track
• Rank and salary: Extension Assistant Professor, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Location: Hybrid, with statewide responsibilities.
• Start date: March 16, 2026

Application Process

Apply online at https://careers.wvu.edu. Application materials must include:

• Cover letter highlighting qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.