Genesee County Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, where all staff contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants.

About the Role

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Children & Youth Institute (CYI), this position provides leadership and oversight for the growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants in Genesee County. Working with the supervising educator, this role ensures alignment of programs with the overall goals of the Institute and organization. Key responsibilities include recruiting, selecting, and training volunteers; promoting and expanding 4-H programs; building partnerships with schools and community groups; and ensuring programs reach youth through clubs, after-school programs, mentoring, and other initiatives.

A focus will be on reaching youth in Genesee County, including limited-resource families, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. The role involves conducting needs assessments, managing financial resources, and communicating program progress to leadership. Professional development opportunities will be provided to build skills in volunteer management, youth development, and program leadership.

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal. While some flexible work arrangements may be available, there is an expectation to work from the Genesee County MSU Extension office.

Responsibilities

• Train 4-H volunteers to engage youth, adults, and families through non-formal “learning by doing” experiences.
• Build new partnerships with schools and community groups to deliver programs through various methods, including direct programming and volunteer-led initiatives.
• Act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Leaders’ Council and other program committee meetings, ensuring adherence to MSU Extension and 4-H policies.
• Provide leadership in volunteer management, including annual metrics for recruitment, selection, training, and support of volunteers.
• Collaborate with the 4-H Staff Development and Supervising Educator, District Director, and other partners to implement and disseminate MSU Extension’s educational priorities.
• Operate independently to ensure program delivery meets goals for reaching youth locally and statewide.
• Use program development committees and needs assessments to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate youth development programs.
• Manage and oversee all county-based financial resources related to 4-H programs.
• Support the Children and Youth Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a focus on removing barriers to participation and reaching diverse populations.
• Recruit and train volunteers to conduct direct programming with youth, while also conducting some direct programming.
• Communicate program progress, objectives, and challenges to supervisors and leadership.
• Prepare and submit the county 4-H youth development program plan, annual reports, and other required documentation.
• Represent MSU Extension in community activities, meetings, and events.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development programs.
• Experience in volunteer management and supervising volunteers or others.
• Combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences, with proven ability to establish and work with community networks.
• Sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches for working with varied social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work productively in a team, serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in technology (e.g., Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, and communications.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally long-distance as part of the position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials and equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.

Qualifications

• Non-formal education teaching experience.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships across diverse audiences and communities.
• Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.

Schedule

Generally 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends required.