Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development – Cole County

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement community-based 4-H PYD programs, in-school and after-school programs, short-term interest (SPIN) Clubs, and enrichment activities.
• Use and recommend research-based curriculum and teaching methods.
• Secure a culture of high-quality service for all the 4-H members and volunteers
• Provide leadership to 4-H councils and committees
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist as leaders with implementing the 4-H program.
• Conduct evaluations of the Missouri 4-H programs (evaluations provided).
• Ensure that all the youth and adults in the county have the opportunity to participate in extension programs.
• Apply for and administer local grants and other funding sources.
• Provide supervision and development to program associate(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE DUTIES OF MU EXTENSION SPECIALISTS

• Educate. Design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs. Teach research-based information via meetings, in-person and online courses, continuing education classes, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, websites, consultation, and other educational methods. Provide educational programs that support Missouri's learners and clients' individual, organizational, and community goals.
• Create. Develop innovative and research-informed educational products, services, materials, and other scholarly works. Include curricula, publications, presentations, educational tools, websites, and similar resources. Obtain and use extramural funding to support creative works. Evaluate programs that result in learning and behavior changes that impact individuals and communities.
• Connect. Engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, including county extension councils, government officials and agencies, partners, and University and professional organizations. Listen and respond with care. Foster engaged partnerships and robust connections to the vast array of programs offered by the University of Missouri System.

Professional Expectations

• Engage with stakeholders in all counties to identify educational needs and then collaborate with appropriate internal and external partners to meet those needs.
• Create an annual plan of work that reflects local needs and aligns with statewide program area efforts. Provide a monthly report to county extension councils, supervisors, county commissioners, and others regarding programmatic efforts. Attend at least one county extension council each month and provide an oral update on program efforts at that meeting.
• Collaborate with campus-based specialists on research projects and then deliver findings from those efforts via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and appropriate media.
• Effectively work with supervisors, other specialists, and local leaders to complete administrative tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject matter knowledge, educational delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonal relations, organization knowledge, leadership, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research-based information during times of natural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional development events to improve both technical and leadership skills.
• Conduct all activities per the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of MU Extension.

Additional Expectations

• MU Extension Specialists regularly travel throughout Missouri and occasionally to out-of-state locations. MU Extension requires specialists to have a valid Missouri driver’s license, a legally operating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service for University use. MU Extension specialists receive reimbursement for approved travel expenses, per University of Missouri policy.
• MU Extension programs often occur outside of regular business hours. MU Extension Specialists should expect to attend these events as needed to meet the needs of learners, clients, and stakeholders.

MU EXTENSION LEADERSHIP RECEIVED

• The Senior Program Director for 4-H Youth Development provides overall programmatic leadership. Programmatic supervision comes from the Assistant Director of Missouri 4-H (Education Director) for the Missouri 4-H and administrative oversight from the Regional Director.

MU EXTENSION INFORMATION

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, economic development, and healthy people. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri System. It is one of the state’s land-grant universities. MU’s comprehensive undergraduate and graduate, professional, and research programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Qualifications

An earned PhD or master’s degree at time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Hours of upper-level coursework in one or more of the following areas: child, adolescent, and adult human development; education, learning theory, and learning strategies; organizational systems and human resource management; community development/partnerships; and volunteerism.

Anticipated Hiring Range

This position offers a minimum starting salary of $58,000, with the final salary determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Application Materials

• Complete the brief online application and be prepared to upload:
• • Cover Letter
• • Resume/CV
• • Copies of all academic transcripts, and
• • a list of 3-5 references

For questions regarding the online application process contact

MUHR@missouri.edu or call 573.882.7976. For technical problems with the online application process contact Helpdesk@missouri.edu or call 573.882.5000.

Sponsorship Information

Visa Sponsorship Information: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits/.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at

573-884-7278.