Youth Program Associate III - Cooper County

MU Extension’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 faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians, including educational attainment, environmental concerns, community and economic development, global food systems, and health systems.

The University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development provides leadership and expertise in developing communities of young people across Missouri who are learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H is publicly supported by county, state, and federal partners, as well as private resources to enrich the learning experiences of both youth and adults.

About the role

This position will assist in the planning, management, and support of 4-H Youth Development programs in Cooper County under the guidance and supervision of the 4-H Youth Development Specialist/Educator.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for positive youth development in the community and MU Extension.
• Coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, camps, and programs utilizing a positive youth development approach as part of the leadership team.
• Build and expand external local partnerships to grow the 4-H program in Cooper County, including schools, community centers, and other youth-serving organizations.
• Build and expand internal partnerships to grow the 4-H program, including collaborations with other UM Colleges and Missouri Extension programs (Agriculture & Environment, Business and Community, Health and Human Science).
• Lead the coordination, planning, management, marketing, implementation (including teaching), and evaluation (including reporting) of research-based curriculum with an emphasis on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and other career exploration topics, offered both in-person and online.
• Build capacity among volunteers and community partners, fostering developmental relationships to contribute to program growth.
• Engage and empower volunteers and community partners to effectively implement 4-H programs across all delivery modes.
• Develop leadership capacity among youth.
• Assist in the management of financial and in-kind resources.
• Contribute to the statewide effort to positively impact the lives of all Missourians, including promotion of state and national events and contests.
• Report accomplishments and impacts to appropriate sources, including supervisors, funders, and stakeholders.
• Assist with record keeping and report preparation for 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Ensure that individuals in the county can participate in extension programs.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to maintain and enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the 4-H Youth Development program.
• Travel and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

• An Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least 6 months of relevant experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work with minimal supervision and take initiative.

Qualifications

• A minimum of six hours in one or more domains of the 4-H Professional, Research, Knowledge and Competency Taxonomy (PRKC) for youth development (youth and adult development, learning strategies and education, organizational systems and resource management, community partnerships, and volunteerism).
• Experience in group work involving direct care and interaction with children (e.g., YMCA, day care, schools, recreational facilities) may substitute for the stated education on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to learn and implement hands-on learning focused on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and career exploration topics.
• Ability to build internal and external partnerships to grow the 4-H program.
• Proficiency in using social media and information technology, including various Windows-based computer software programs.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, dependability, and a positive attitude with a willingness to work as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills for working with partners, youth, volunteers, and community members/organizations to provide a quality program.
• Experience in marketing, promotion, and evaluation of programs.
• Creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think on your feet.
• Ability to understand, synthesize, and communicate relevant information to various audiences.
• Ability to recruit, develop, and train youth and adults as volunteer leaders to assist with the implementation of the 4-H program.

Pay

Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required.

Benefits

This position is eligible for University benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Retirement benefits
• Paid time off
• Short- and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave
• Paid caregiver leave
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses

For additional information, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.