The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Extension Professor with a primary focus on rural sociology to join a diverse environment of high-quality scholars dedicated to the discovery, education, and application of research-based knowledge. This is a 12-month non-tenure track position (100% Extension). The successful candidate will provide leadership for extension programming at the intersection of agriculture, organizations, and communities in relation to social and economic well-being. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to assess evidence-based outcomes that will inform solutions, program direction, and policy. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise and extension interest in one or more of the following areas: processes of domestic social change; inequality; food and agriculture; political economy/ecology; rural communities, including resilience and/or adaptation to climate change; and other environmental and natural resource challenges. Teaching opportunities (e.g., Extension Methods), may be possible upon agreement of the Department Head, the Director of ACES, and the faculty member, but teaching is not required for this position. The expected start date is Fall 2022.Specific responsibilities include the following:· Develop a robust, scholarly, and data-driven extension program in rural development and document its impact,· Serve as a member of Extension’s Farm and Agribusiness Management and Community Resource Development Priority Program Teams to develop needs-based plans-of-work,· Ensure that program supports activities by Extension teams in Agriculture, Human Sciences, and Forestry and Wildlife,· Build capacity among Regional Extension Agents and County Extension Coordinators to implement and multiply educational programming consistent with plans-of-work,· Deliver relevant, new, and creative programming through workshops, county/state/regional presentations, short-courses, and digital products,· Write Extension and popular press publications, as well as in other media (broadcast radio/TV, social media, podcasts, etc.),· Collaborate with other professionals at Auburn University to develop and disseminate high-quality research-informed Extension education programs, which are funded by external grants and contracts,· Generate scholarly output including articles in peer-reviewed journals and/or peer-reviewed Extension publications,· Provide leadership to the profession through state and regional professional society participation,· Interpret U.S. Census and Census of Agriculture data to inform internal and external stakeholders of demographic directions and trends,· Fully participate in Department activities as a faculty member.