Community Nutrition Advisor - Newton, Jasper, White Counties

About the Role

The Community Nutrition Advisor supports the implementation of Purdue Extension’s place-based Smart SNAP Education initiative as part of Indiana's Rural Health Transformation Program. This position 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.

In this role, you will coordinate and deliver evidence-based nutrition and physical activity education in rural community settings such as local health departments, YMCAs, libraries, food pantries, healthcare sites, schools, community centers, and other trusted community hubs. Programming is delivered using approved curricula and educational resources, incorporating Smart SNAP waiver information, 5-2-1-0 messaging, and other approved health promotion strategies through one-time classes, multi-session series, food demonstrations, community events, and virtual engagement opportunities.

This position also supports the implementation of policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies and assists in developing and maintaining partnerships with local organizations, Community Champions, and regional stakeholders to expand program reach and sustainability. Staff work closely with Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program’s Regional Directors and statewide leadership to support coordinated implementation of Smart SNAP Education across rural Indiana.

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) position.

Pay

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

FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)