Extension 4-H Program Coordinator Job

Mission Statement:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone's job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Job Summary:

This position provides leadership and oversight for growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants. The incumbent will recruit, select, and train volunteers who engage with them in the local 4-H Youth Development Program, and ensure that the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process is followed.

The individual will identify opportunities for program promotion, expansion, and evaluation, as well as promote the visibility of 4-H and strengthen public understanding of 4-H and MSU Extension programs. They will work to build new partnerships which will result in programs being delivered within schools and community groups. A particular focus is on reaching youth in Mecosta County.

The incumbent will ensure that youth and volunteer audiences are reached through established and newly developed programs, providing leadership to these groups through 4-H clubs, after school programs, youth mentoring, etc. They will provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops, and individual contacts.

In this position, the individual will recruit and train volunteers who will conduct direct programming with youth. They will also conduct some direct programming with youth, but focus will be on developing partnerships and program expansion.

The incumbent will lead and advise local 4-H groups in managing funds to support 4-H youth work and conduct financial management training to 4-H councils, committees, clubs, etc. on a regular basis. They will be responsible for initiating efforts to expand Extension programs to the unreached, including limited resource families, youth, minorities, and the disabled.

The primary program delivery will be through in-school, after-school, and short-term special interest groups. The individual will plan, organize, and implement youth development programs that are relevant to the needs of residents in Mecosta County. Additionally, they will be responsible for communicating information about newly implemented and existing 4-H programs and activities (progress, objectives, target dates, problems addressed, etc.) to their supervisor, District Director, and Institute leadership.

The incumbent will work collaboratively with other local 4-H staff to prepare and submit the county 4-H youth development program plan, annual reports, and other necessary reports. They will be provided with professional development to help them build skills and knowledge related to volunteer screening and management, youth development, and program management.

Through their work, the individual will create, promote, and represent MSU Extension in activities, meetings, events, etc. in a manner that reflects collegial connection with the community, the research and knowledge of the University, and the goodwill of MSU Extension. There will be space available to work from the Mecosta County MSU Extension office.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Train 4-H volunteers to reach and involve the youth, adults, and families, from diverse backgrounds, with non-formal 'learning by doing' experiences.
• Work to build new partnerships with schools and community groups with a focus on reaching youth through a variety of program delivery methods. Programs will be delivered by you and/or volunteers.
• Attend and act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Leaders' Council and other program committee meetings, leading volunteers, and members in coordination of county-wide projects and ensuring that all MSU Extension and 4-H policies are followed.
• Provide leadership to local volunteer management; ensure on an annual basis metrics are achieved to identify, recruit, select, train, and assist volunteers to teach and advise youth in various programs and activities.
• Work collaboratively with the 4-H Staff Development and Supervising Educator, District Director, Extension Educators, and other program partners to identify, implement, and disseminate MSU Extension's educational priorities across the state and within communities.
• Operate independently, ensuring that program delivery follows established guidelines and meets the goals set for reaching the desired number of youths locally and statewide.
• Use program development and advisory committees and conduct needs assessments in conjunction with local program partners to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate youth development programs, identify needs, opportunities, and carry-out programming that is relevant to the needs of county residents.
• Provide leadership, management and oversight of all county-based financial resources related to 4-H programs.
• Understand and support the Children and Youth Institute's efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and Civil Rights, including the availability of 4-H Youth programs and activities, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development program.
• Volunteer management and experience supervising volunteers or of others.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, and team-based communications.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel is required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Non-formal education teaching experience.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships across diverse audiences and/or communities.
• Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials:

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Special Instructions:

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Work Hours:

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed.

Description of End Date:

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website Advertised:

Jan 22, 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications Close:

Feb 11, 2025 Eastern Standard Time Michigan State University