Extension Volunteer Specialist

Job Summary

Purdue University is seeking a highly-experienced professional to provide statewide support, expertise, and applied research in volunteer development. As the Extension Volunteer Specialist, you will work in collaboration with the 15 state 4-H staff members who support area and county 4-H staff members who deliver the 4-H program at the county level.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Provide leadership to statewide volunteer development training opportunities to include the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of volunteer training
• Conduct applied research and engagement in the area of volunteer development
• Share results of applied research to appropriate scholarly organizations and translate the research to practice for implementation across Extension
• Involve diverse stakeholders in the design and implementation of 4-H volunteer development programming
• Collaborate with other Indiana 4-H state staff and county staff in developing, facilitating, and evaluating 4-H youth programs
• Strengthens Purdue Extension network and capacity by developing volunteer training programs, researching and implementing strategies to improve volunteer retention
• Develop and maintain relationships with departments and units within the College of Agriculture, external to the College of Agriculture, and external stakeholders and organizations which have a volunteer development interest in partnering with 4-H youth development
• Provide leadership to volunteer development policies and procedures, working with appropriate internal and external stakeholders
• Seek grants and private gifts (in cooperation with the Purdue Research Foundation or 4-H Foundation) to support assigned programs
• Commit to working at the extension-wide, regional, and national level such as serving on 4-H North Central volunteer development teams
• Build interest and enthusiasm for volunteer efforts in 4-H and across extension to build a robust pool of volunteers to support county and state 4-H programming
• Work collaboratively with Purdue Extension staff to create an effective and meaningful volunteer development system; provide evaluation plans to assess program and implement improvements as necessary
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall goals of Indiana 4-H
• Work as part of the State 4-H Staff to support statewide events such as the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana 4-H Leadership Summit

What We're Looking For:

• Master’s degree in an appropriate discipline closely related to 4-H youth development
• 7 years of relevant experience
• Extensive conflict resolution and mediation skills within an Extension/4-H program or closely related organization
• Organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and/or programs simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and public relation skills
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to travel throughout the state and to work evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation

Nice To Have:

• PhD
• Applied Research
• Program development and evaluation
• Grant writing
• Project Management
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access in community-based youth programs

What We'd Like You Know:

• Purdue will not sponsor work authorization for this position
• A background check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non- exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply

What You'll Get In Return:

All university employees are afforded a generous benefits package, https://www.purdue.edu/hr/benewell/index.php, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions. As part of Purdue University’s expansive employee benefit package, the University is proud to offer its employees the opportunity to grow, learn, and advance by offering a tuition remission opportunity at both Purdue University and Purdue Global.

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