Extension Program Coordinator/Specialist, 4-H Youth Development

North Dakota State University   Fargo, ND   Full-time     Social Service
Posted on October 31, 2024
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Position Description Summary:

The Extension Program Coordinator/Specialist for 4-H Youth Development is a 12-month, non-tenure track, 100% Extension position, with the title dependent on the candidate's education level. A candidate with a Bachelor's degree will serve as a Program Coordinator and be required to complete a Master's degree within three years, while a candidate with a Master's degree will be hired as a Specialist. This position plays a critical role in leading research-based programs that empower youth with essential life and work readiness skills to prepare youth that are beyond ready. A core focus of the role is fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The position involves designing, implementing, evaluating, and managing 4-H programs aligned with state standards and the 4-H Thrive Model, ensuring that youth thrive both personally and professionally. Responsibilities include supporting Extension agents and county staff, training volunteers, building partnerships, and collaborating with NDSU Agriculture to deliver high-quality, hands-on youth programming. The role also involves managing 4-H project area guides to ensure relevance and coordination with county agents.

Additionally, this position provides leadership for the ND 4-H Ambassador Program, guiding youth ages 16-22 in event planning, outreach, and promoting educational opportunities across the state. The role engages with youth and adult volunteer advisory groups to identify program needs and enhance outreach efforts, while also supporting positive youth development at the ND 4-H Camp. Through strategic collaboration and expert guidance, the Program Coordinator/Specialist strengthens 4-H programs that build life skills and prepare youth for success in life and work.

Responsibility for the Work of Others:
This position involves leadership and collaboration with co-advisors for the State 4-H Ambassador Program. It includes overseeing volunteers in various functions within any statewide 4-H program and ensuring strict adherence to all NDSU Extension, ND 4-H Youth Development, and national 4-H protocols. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with established procedures, maintaining meticulous record-keeping practices, and following expected behaviors.

Position Information & Duties:
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Provide leadership in planning, developing and delivering education and workshops around the 4-H Thrive Model, leadership development, civic engagement, goal setting, and skill development from introductory to mastery levels or Extension personnel and 4-H volunteers.
  • Identify, lead and offer training and program to reach divers audiences that are culturally responsive learning environments and focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
  • Provide leadership in educational design for youth, fostering creativity in hands-on, innovative, and engaging quality programs.
  • Conduct program assessments to gauge quality and guide improvement strategies. Gather and report programming outputs and impacts to demonstrate effectiveness and guide future priorities.
  • Lead partnership and resource development by engaging NDSU Agriculture and community stakeholders, volunteers, youth and seeking diverse partnerships to reach new and underrepresented audiences.
  • Secure extramural funding to support ND 4-H youth development program.
  • Provide oversight of and serve as the advisor to the State ND 4-H Ambassador Program. This includes 4-H ambassador retreats, North Dakota State Fair efforts, and other events and actives.
  • Help lead and organize other statewide efforts which may include Leadership Awareness Weekend (LAW), Communication Arts, Extension Youth Conference (EYC), and/or develop other engaging statewide opportunities.
  • Actively participate in and develop professional development opportunities.
  • In cooperation with the state 4-H Activities Coordinator, provide support and guidance for the ND 4-H camp located in Washburn, ND, including programming, content planning, and counselor training.
  • Support other 4-H youth development program efforts as assigned.
Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a full-time, 12-month non-tenure track position. Situated within NDSU Agriculture, this role operates under the supervision of the NDSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Assistant Director. This position requires occasional evening and weekend commitments without accruing overtime. Statewide travel is required. Occasionally, overnight trips may be required for meetings, contests, activities, training, and professional development. The office for this position is to be determined. While an office on the NDSU campus in Fargo is available, the position may also be based in central North Dakota, with the final location to be determined.

Advertised Salary:
To be determined based on experience and qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree, by start date, in education, youth development, sociology, or related field. Must complete a Master's degree within three years of start date.
  • Experience working with youth development programs.
  • Experience in teaching (formal or non-formal) and positively interacting with and managing youth and adults.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, both verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated personal/interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines.
  • Evidence of ability to effectively use established and emerging technologies related to education and youth development programming.
  • Ability to travel locally and to surrounding communities, with occasional long-distance travel.
  • Ability to lift and carry 10 - 40 pounds occasionally.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license.
  • Pass a background check and youth protection screening.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in education, youth development, sociology, or related field.
  • Five or more years of professional experience designing, conducting, and evaluating educational programs for youth and adults.
  • Multiple years of experience working within 4-H or the Cooperative Extension System and the land-grant university.
  • Demonstrated success in writing and securing grants with the ability to fulfill grant deliverables.
  • Applied scholarly interest in experiential and inquiry-based education.
  • Record of positive youth development and successful partnerships at community, state, and/or national levels.
  • Experience in program planning and event management.
  • Screening will begin 11/29/24
Full Time Employee Benefits:
  • Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan. Options for a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire. Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation.
  • Superb Retirement Plan - Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
  • Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
  • Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
  • Paid Leave - including annual leave (some positions accrue up to 24 days per year), 12 days per year of sick leave and 10 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
  • More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About NDSU:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .