Title:                           Extension Educator- Youth Development, Civic Engagement & Leadership

Appointment:            Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A

Office Location:        Extension Regional Office options of Farmington, Andover, St. Cloud, Minneapolis (UROC). Hybrid work options may be available

Program Area:           Extension Department of Youth Development

Apply By:                   June 4, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This regional youth development Extension educator position (regional educator) works with a team of Extension educators in a multi-county region and across the state to provide educational leadership to the full range of 4-H Youth Development and adult learning programs. Regional educators lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive. They use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship. Regional educators are on an academic promotion track.

This position will develop, lead, manage and monitor civic engagement and leadership programming in the Northeast, Southeast or Southwest Region that aligns with local and state work plans. This position will also ensure that local youth leadership groups (e.g., local ambassador programs) are in place serving as a pathway to regional and state youth leadership programs. This position will contribute to the delivery of state youth leadership experiences (e.g., YELLO, state ambassadors).

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

Responsibilities

• Lead the program development process with tribal or county-based 4-H Extension educators related to Civic Engagement & Leadership, aligning with state priorities and local needs.
• Collect and use data to make programmatic decisions. Engage stakeholders to co-develop data-informed local program plans that have goals and strategies for growth, retention, access, and equity.

• Design new and innovative programmatic approaches to promote and enhance local and regional civic engagement and leadership experiences for young people, including club, camp and showcase experiences.
• Deliver civic engagement and leadership programs within the region, often in partnership with youth, using program models that are accessible to and inclusive of underserved audiences.
• Lead partnership, curriculum, and resource development efforts that expand educational civic engagement and leadership opportunities and reach new audiences.
• Create and share resources with 4-H educators to plan and implement local civic engagement and leadership programs.
• Work in partnership with youth to lead the design and delivery of regional leadership experiences (ie, BLU and TEEL) in the region.
• Collaborate with local staff to develop new, enhance the quality of current, and/or increase the participation in teen leadership groups (e.g., Local Ambassadors) in every local program.
• Serve as subject matter expert to local 4-H Extension educators in civic engagement and leadership and other areas as needed.
• Train staff and youth and adult volunteers to ensure high-quality learning environments around civic engagement and leadership topics are guided by project-based curricula and include opportunities for youth to showcase new knowledge and skills.
• Recruit, train, and lead volunteers to deliver civic engagement and leadership programs.
• Develop and deliver workshops and training sessions on topics related to civic engagement and leadership for adult youth workers.
• Partner with the State Ambassadors and state program teams to develop and implement the state leadership conference (YELLO) and service projects.
• Communicate civic engagement and leadership opportunities and resulting impacts to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required within six years and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits.  Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees 
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. 
5. Estimated starting salary range is $60,000-64,000 annually. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation processes
• Demonstrated experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating youth leadership or civic engagement programs
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with stakeholders to manage educational programs.
• Willingness to work in collaboration with youth as partners in program development
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Travel (in-state and national) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift 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 success in developing community, agency, business and corporate partnerships to grow programs
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven approaches in leading program design, development, implementation, and reporting
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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