Extension Educator – 4-H Youth Development, Clay County (Moorhead, MN)

This is a part-time, 80% FTE (32 hours/week) salaried academic professional position based in the Clay County Extension Office (Moorhead). The anticipated start date is between September 28, 2026 and October 30, 2026.

About the role

The 4-H Extension Educator links University of Minnesota research and Minnesota residents by creating learning opportunities that address local needs. This position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage, and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in Clay County. You will collaborate with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to achieve two overarching program goals:

• Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest.
• Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents.

4-H Extension Educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring full access to programs, services, and facilities for all participants.

Location and work environment

The position is based at the Clay County Extension Office in Moorhead and works in various educational settings within the county, including outdoors (e.g., camps, fairs). Travel is required several times per week within the county and regionally/statewide multiple times per year.

Schedule

This is a part-time, 80% FTE (32 hours/week) position requiring flexibility, including day, evening, and weekend hours as needed. A specific work schedule will be determined with the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement – 40%
  • Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan reflecting county demographics, local needs, and MN 4-H strategic goals.
  • Design, develop, deliver, and implement high-quality, culturally relevant programs supporting youth learning and leadership.
  • Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach youth and adults using best instructional practices.
  • Plan and manage 4-H clubs, camps, after-school programs, fairs, and other events.
  • Implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring inclusivity for all backgrounds.
  • Collaborate with Extension educators, peers, and stakeholders both in-person and virtually.
  • Develop community partnerships to extend program reach and impact.
  • Establish a staffing plan including volunteers, interns, and short-term employees.
  • Use evaluation tools to inform program design, improve effectiveness, and demonstrate value.
• Volunteer Systems – 35%
  • Establish and support a volunteer development system for long-term program sustainability.
  • Collaborate with volunteers to enrich relationships and roles in 4-H.
  • Recruit and place volunteers in management and delivery roles.
  • Build volunteer capacity through orientation, training, recognition, and evaluation.
  • Ensure compliance with volunteer screening processes; address concerns promptly.
• Program Operations – 15%
  • Manage compliance with organizational policies, including youth safety, risk management, and financial procedures.
  • Oversee and document the County 4-H program budget, including expenses, deposits, and financial reports.
  • Follow University, Extension, and 4-H financial policies and procedures.
  • Ensure adherence to financial procedures by partners, participants, and volunteers.
  • Manage youth enrollment, volunteer enrollment, event participation, club chartering, and program agreements.
  • Recruit, orient, supervise, and support interns and short-term employees.
• Communication and Reporting – 10%
  • Develop and implement a year-round communication plan to attract and retain diverse youth, families, and volunteers.
  • Collect data and prepare reports to share program impacts with stakeholders.
  • Communicate the value of 4-H and Extension programs to peers, partners, and the public.
  • Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and Youth Development positively in all interactions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree at time of hire in fields such as education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, psychology, or agriculture. Degree must be completed by the start date.
• Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, or managing programs for youth in grades K-12.
• Experience recruiting, guiding, or managing volunteers or staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to achieve Extension goals.
• Demonstrated ability to follow financial policies and procedures (University, Extension, Department, County).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and priorities with minimal supervision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (e.g., business correspondence, presentations, web, social media).

Additional requirements

• Must work primarily in the assigned office location, with community-based work including outdoor settings (e.g., camps, fairs). Limited hybrid/remote options may be available.
• Evening, overnight, and weekend work required for events, camps, fairs, and programming.
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation with required liability insurance; mileage reimbursement provided.
• Must be reachable by mobile phone (at employee’s expense) when not in the office.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand or sit for 90 minutes at a time.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred qualifications

• Two or more years of post-bachelor’s experience in youth development, program development, or volunteer systems.
• Knowledge of youth development theory and practice (e.g., college coursework, volunteer training).
• Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating high-quality, culturally relevant educational programs.
• Experience managing a volunteer system, including recruiting, training, and evaluating volunteers.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and work cooperatively with community partners or local governments.
• Proficiency in technology for communication, program design, evaluation, and reporting.
• Experience teaching youth or adults in non-formal settings.
• Experience organizing and managing events and activities.
• Experience applying organizational policies, procedures, and regulations (e.g., safe environments, financial practices).

About the department

The University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development partners with communities to build engaged young people ready to learn and lead in a global society. Using experiential learning and proven youth development methods, we foster sustainability and resilience by building community-wide knowledge, capacity, and networks. Our audiences include youth in grades K-13, volunteers, youth workers, and agencies affecting youth lives. Learn more at extension.umn.edu/4-H.

Pay

Salary range: $59,000–$68,000 (Assistant Extension Educator) or $68,000–$75,000 (Associate Extension Educator). Ranges are based on 100% FTE; actual salary will be determined at the time of offer based on education, qualifications, and experience.