Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

About the role

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist.
• Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Extension 4-H youth programs, including under-served youth audiences.
• Conduct evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendation for continuation or discontinuation of the program.
• Provide leadership, as primary contact, to volunteers, 4-H members and their families in support of local 4-H Clubs and their activities.
• Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
• Works with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.
• Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
• Maintain required records and data.
• Provides monthly reports to the County Extension Director.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development

• Recruit, screen and select adult 4-H volunteers.
• Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the 4-H programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
• Cook volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
• Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
• Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities, to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.

Marketing & Networking

• Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for 4-H opportunities.
• Utilize a variety of promotion methods including, personal contacts, social media and printed materials.
• Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.

Organizational Duties

• Participates in professional development opportunities.
• Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
• Complies with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.

Working Conditions

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

Work Schedule, Travel or Other Job Expectations

• To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion.
• Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred qualifications

• A valid driver’s license is preferred.