Community Nutrition Advisor - Gibson, Pike, Dubois Counties

Supports the implementation of Purdue Extension’s place-based Smart SNAP Education initiative as part of Indiana's Rural Health Transformation Program. This role works within a regional cohort model to improve nutrition security, healthy eating, physical activity, and cardiometabolic health through direct education, community partnerships, environmental supports, and community engagement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, scheduling, coordinating, and delivering evidence-based nutrition, food resource management, food safety, and physical activity education programs in community settings throughout assigned service areas
• Delivering approved curricula through one-time programs, multi-session series, food demonstrations, community events, and virtual platforms
• Supporting implementation of place-based strategies that embed nutrition education and health promotion within trusted community environments
• Assisting with implementation of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies that complement direct education and reinforce healthy behaviors and improve access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with local health departments, YMCAs, public libraries, food pantries, schools, healthcare organizations, community centers, workforce development organizations, and other community partners
• Delivering programming to rural residents across the lifespan, including adults, older adults, youth, families, and community groups
• Assisting with recruitment, training, and support of Smart SNAP Community Champions to expand community reach and reinforce key health messages
• Supporting multi-level interventions that strengthen nutrition security and improve health outcomes in rural communities combining direct education, community engagement, and environmental supports
• Collecting, maintaining, and reporting program data in accordance with Purdue Extension and funding agency requirements
• Administering participant evaluations using approved reporting tools
• Maintaining proficiency in approved curricula, public health strategies, community engagement approaches, and emerging nutrition and physical activity recommendations
• Completing program goals and assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision while maintaining timely and accurate records
• Staying informed of local demographic, community, and health trends to support program planning, outreach, and partnership development
• Contributing to statewide reporting efforts by documenting program reach, partnership engagement, Community Champion activities, and PSE implementation efforts
• Contributing to statewide planning efforts and sharing best practices with regional and statewide colleagues

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• 4 years of experience in community-based work, education, public health, nutrition, physical activity promotion, health promotion, or a related field
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, internet-based applications, and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Ability to learn and utilize program reporting systems, data collection platforms, mobile applications, and other technology required for program delivery
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to travel throughout assigned service areas and to Purdue Extension offices, trainings, and community partner locations
• Ability to regularly lift and carry 10–20 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to transport educational materials, supplies, and equipment and navigate stairs and community-based settings as needed
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends based on community programming needs
• Must obtain ServSafe Food Handler certification within the first year of employment (training provided) or possess a current ServSafe certification
• Must successfully complete all Purdue University required trainings, including but not limited to Title IX Mandatory Reporter Training, Civil Rights Training, Youth Protection Training, and other required compliance trainings
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Nice to Have

• Experience working with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, local agencies, or other community partners
• Experience facilitating group education in community settings and virtual environments
• Experience working with low-resource, rural, or underserved audiences

Schedule

This is a part-time (.75) FTE, 1-year limited duration position through September 2027. Continued employment is contingent upon funding availability, project continuation, and satisfactory job performance.

Benefits

To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary, click here.