Extension Specialist II, 4-H Statewide Program Leader

PAY GRADE : 32E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB :

Cooperative Extension is an outreach branch of the University. Cooperative Extension educational and research programs connect the public with university knowledge, research, and resources to address the needs of youth, family, community and agricultural communities.

Cooperative Extension works in the areas of agronomic and vegetable crop production; farm and youth safety; 4-H / youth at risk;

health and well-being. These programs are aimed at improving the quality of life through the transfer of research-based information to the program participants.

Extension also works with a large group of diverse volunteers to enhance educational programming and reach.

Under the limited direction of the Director of Extension, the Extension Specialist 4-H Youth Development State Program Leader provides leadership in the educational program development, resource development, coordination and evaluation, personnel management, communications and marketing, and relationships and liaisons The position is a member of the Extension leadership team and provides overall organizational leadership and support for the Delaware 4-H Youth Development Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

Educational Program Development, Coordination and Evaluation

• Provide leadership for the development and execution of the program team Plan of Work including needs assessment, logic model development, implementation and evaluation.
• Coordinate with other program leaders, faculty and staff within and outside CANR to foster an environment that supports strong interdisciplinary programming based in research.
• Provide oversight in identifying and developing grant and contract proposals to support staffing and operation funds for the total 4-H youth development program.

Provide financial oversight for developing and managing allocated resources.

Provide leadership to ensure that the youth development program impacts K-12 youth inclusive of under-served and under-represented audiences.

Ensures thatall educational programming is conducted in accordance with appropriate UD and USDA / NIFA Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO, Affirmative Action, Civil Rights and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.

Work with educators and specialist to coordinate evaluation and reporting of impact at local and state level. Provide leadership for preparation of all reports at the national and local levels..

Personnel Management

• Create a statewide team approach to youth development programming and build and sustain strong linkages and teamwork between members of the program team.
• Encourage and mentor program team staff through the UD Extension Career Path System. Assist with appointing mentors and orientation as appropriate.
• Provide input into performance appraisals and promotion of team members. Supervise and evaluate annual performance of extension agents as deemed necessary by the Director of Extension and in accordance with current UD guidelines.
• Work with the 4-H grant manager to assist with the management of staff supporting the program and hired on grant funds.
• Coordinate specific staff development needs related to the program area. Encourage skill development incorporating information technology as appropriate.
• Coordination of staffing plan, recruitment, new staff orientation for program team members
• Coordinate statewide 4-H staff meetings for 4-H youth development staff.
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, retention and risk management in conjunction with state level 4-H staff.

Communications and Marketing

• Work with CANR Communications manager to identify and develop state-wide communication platforms to promote 4-H programs.
• Serve as a liaison from the 4-H program team to the extension leadership team.
• Relationships and Liaisons
• Build and maintain substantive partnerships with state and local agencies, and industry partners that have an interest in and support Cooperative Extension programs and activities.

In particular, maintain strong position of 4-H as a leading state youth development program, coordination with other agencies as appropriate for grant development.

• Represent UD 4-H Youth Development when relevant on university committees and build partnerships within the university but outside of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
• Represent UD Cooperative Extension among regional / national program leaders, DE 4-H Foundation, and other youth serving organizations as appropriate.

Organizational Leadership and Support

• Engagement in fund development and external funding opportunities for the 4-H Youth Development program and opportunities to collaborate with extension partners..
• Participate in the Extension Leadership team meetings, providing leadership to various administrative team agenda items and participating in decision making processes for the extension program statewide.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master’s degree plus six years related experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience or Doctorate plus two years’ (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of youth development educational programs and youth and adult education methods.

Relevant experience with planning, conducting and evaluating youth development educational programs.

• Supervisory experience in managing both volunteers and staff.
• Ability to work as a team leader for 4-H youth development program.
• Ability to provide oversight in identifying, developing, and preparing grant proposals for funding of educational programs and applied research projects.
• Ability to communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds ranging from academia to the general public.
• Ability to connect applied research, demonstrations or programs for statewide and regional situations.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.
• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proficient computing skills.
• Experience managing Extension programs.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.

Special requirements : Must be able to pass state background check to work in the schools. Valid driver license with acceptable driving record.