Kent County Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

About the role

This position provides leadership and oversight for growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants with a particular focus on the Spanish speaking populations in Kent County.

Responsibilities

• Train 4-H volunteers to reach and involve the youth, adults, and families, that represent the communities we serve, with non-formal “learning by doing” experiences.
• Work to build new partnerships with schools and community groups with a focus on reaching youth through a variety of program delivery methods.
• Attend and act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Leaders’ Council and other program committee meetings, leading volunteers, and members in coordination of county-wide projects and ensuring that all MSU Extension and 4-H policies are followed.
• Provide leadership to local volunteer management; ensure on an annual basis metrics are achieved to identify, recruit, select, train, and assist volunteers to teach and advise youth in various programs and activities.
• Operate independently, ensuring that program delivery follows established guidelines and meets the goals set for reaching the desired number of youths locally and statewide.
• Understand and support the Children and Youth Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, including the availability of 4-H Youth programs and activities, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching populations representative of the communities we serve, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences.
• Develop and maintain partnerships across audiences reflective of varied backgrounds and perspectives and/or communities.
• Manage and oversee all county-based financial resources related to 4-H programs.
• Develop and deliver youth development programs that are relevant to the needs of county residents.
• Communicate information about newly implemented and existing 4-H programs and activities (progress, objectives, target dates, problems addressed, etc.) to your supervisor, District Director, and Institute leadership.
• Prepare and submit the county 4-H youth development program plan, annual reports, and other necessary reports.
• Participate in professional development to help build skills and knowledge related to volunteer screening and management, youth development, and program management.
• Create, promote, and represent MSU Extension in activities, meetings, events, etc. in a manner that reflects collegial connection with the community, the research and knowledge of the University, and the goodwill of MSU Extension.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development program.
• Volunteer management and experience supervising volunteers or of others.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and varied economic backgrounds and perspectives of the target population served.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, and team-based communications.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel is required as a regular part of this position.

Qualifications

• Fluency in reading, writing and speaking in a language other than English is strongly desired - Spanish preferred.
• Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.