Quality 4-H Programs & Systems Specialist (2 open positions) Northeast and Southeast MN regions

Working Title: Quality 4-H Programs & Systems Specialist (2 open positions)

Appointment: Full-time, Education Program Specialist 1 (9745S1), P&A

Salary Range: Starting salary range, $69,000 - $80,000; Depending on qualifications

Program Area: Extension Department of Youth Development

Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Position Locations: Work will be done in either the Northeast or Southeast region of Minnesota. Both positions will have hybrid flexible work options available.

1. Northeast Region: Office location options of Extension Regional Office Brainerd, Cloquet, or Grand Rapids.
2. Southeast Region: Office location options of Extension Regional Office Rochester or Mankato.

ABOUT THE POSITIONS

The Quality 4-H Programs & Systems Specialist positions lead a) program development processes, b) program quality systems, c) program enrollment systems, d) delivery of high-quality clubs, camps and showcases, and e) stakeholder reporting in the Northeast or Southeast Region of Minnesota. They also support onboarding and staff development efforts to build the capacity of staff to design and deliver high quality programming. Each position works in the assigned region in collaboration with county and tribal-based 4-H Extension educators to increase program quality, access, and growth through partnerships.

The regional positions work with a team in the assigned multi-county region and across the state to provide educational leadership to the full range of 4-H Youth Development and adult learning programs. They lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive, and use research-based methods to create and manage program development processes.

These positions report to an Extension Program Leader who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4-H Program Director.

Responsibilities

Create and implement systems and processes (45%)

• Serve as a lead to Extension educators (EE) for program development processes, ensuring that local program plans align with organizational priorities and meet community needs.
• Engage stakeholders to inform data-driven local program plans, with clear goals and strategies focused on growth, retention, access, and equity.
• Oversee the implementation of program quality systems, conducting assessments to evaluate program quality, particularly on clubs, camps and showcases and follow up with EE on program assessment results.
• Innovate and create new programmatic approaches to improve the quality and impact of local and regional 4-H experiences, especially club, camp and showcase programs.
• Lead stakeholder reporting efforts, ensuring high-quality reports are delivered to target audiences (verbally, in writing, and digitally). Effectively communicate the impacts and public value of 4-H Youth Development programs to community leaders, County Extension Committees, county commissioners, and other key partners.

System and process management (30%)

• Lead the annual assessment of 4-H member enrollment systems and event registration systems, ensuring these systems are effective and operational across all local programs.
• Manage the program agreement process in the region, working to expand programming by engaging new and underrepresented audiences and formalizing program partnerships.
• Serve as an educational resource to local 4-H Extension educators, providing guidance in the design and delivery of quality youth programs and other areas as appropriate.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes to address questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues in a timely and effective manner.

Training (25%)

• Onboard and assist in training new colleagues in program development processes, program quality systems, program enrollment systems, delivery of high-quality clubs, camps and showcases, and stakeholder reporting, and related.
• Prepare staff, and occasionally youth and volunteers, to integrate project-based curricula and provide opportunities for youth to demonstrate their new knowledge and skills.
• Assess training and development needs for program staff, volunteers, and youth, and create plans to address these needs to ensure continued delivery of high-quality youth programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Youth Development Leadership, Family Science/Studies, Business Administration, Social Work, Education; Leadership, Human, International, Business or Organizational Development or related field is required at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelor's degree professional experience in leading teams through program development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Demonstrated experience in program development in youth development programs.
• Demonstrated success in creating and maintaining community, agency, business and corporate partnerships to grow and advance programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to transport supplies, materials and other people at times. See policy on Use of Personal Vehicle for University Business.
• Travel (in-state and national) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift and/or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in youth development, human development, adult development, or community development or related
• Course work in child and adolescent development, educational program design, experiential learning, and pedagogy
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with stakeholders to manage educational programs.
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management

ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. We lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive and use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship.

For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay Range: $69,000 - $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

Application requirements

1. Cover Letter: Include the region(s) you are applying for: 1) Northeast or 2) Southeast.
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity Statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

a. Personalized views and experiences

b. Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

c. If you do not have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

d. Demonstrated learning and growth

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Jan Derdowski, Program Leader, Youth Development, derdo003@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.