Youth Program Associate III - Henry County

About the Role

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. The 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.

This position will assist in the planning, management, and support of 4-H Youth Development programs in Henry 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 using a positive youth development approach.
• Build and expand external local partnerships to grow the 4-H program in Henry 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.
• Lead the coordination, planning, management, marketing, implementation (including teaching), and evaluation of research-based curriculum with emphasis on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and career exploration topics (both face-to-face and online).
• Build capacity among volunteers and community partners 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 statewide efforts to positively impact the lives of Missourians, including promotion of state and national events and contests.
• Report accomplishments and impacts to supervisors, funders, and stakeholders.
• Assist with record keeping and report preparation for 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Ensure county residents can participate in extension programs.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities related to 4-H Youth Development.
• Travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to fulfill responsibilities.

Requirements

• An associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least 6 months of relevant experience.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred 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, organizational systems, 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 education on a year-for-year basis.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to learn and implement hands-on learning in Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and career exploration.
• Ability to build internal and external partnerships to grow the 4-H program.
• Proficiency in social media and information technology, including Windows-based software.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to market, promote, and evaluate programs.
• Creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Ability to recruit, develop, and train youth and adults as volunteer leaders.

Skills

• Effective written and oral communication.
• Positive interpersonal relationships and teamwork.
• Self-directed learning and adaptability to changing environments.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate information to diverse audiences.

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, and paid caregiver leave.
• Educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

For more details, visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

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 evenings and weekends, is required.