Kalamazoo Youth Development Extension Program Instructor

Working/Functional Title

Kalamazoo Youth Development Instructor

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE), the Children & Youth Institute (CYI), and with support from the 4-H Staff Development & Supervising Educator, District Director and Institute Director, this position provides leadership and oversight of local programs, clients and participants, related to MSU Extension youth development education, assists with growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants. Working with the supervising educator, this position will work in concert with the CYI to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of the Institute and organization.

As a member of the Children and Youth Institute, you will recruit, select and train volunteers who engage with you in the local 4-H Youth Development Program, and ensure that that MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process is followed. You will identify opportunities for program promotion, expansion, and evaluation, as well as promote the visibility of 4-H and strengthen public understanding of 4-H and MSU Extension programs. You will work to build new partnerships which will result in programs being delivered within schools and community groups. A particular focus is on reaching youth in Kalamazoo County and partnering with Zoo City Farms, LLC to Identify and create pathways for youth, adults, organizations, and other stakeholders in the urban agricultural ecosystem to access formal and informal agricultural or skills-based education. Schedule, organize, and host events and programming related to urban agriculture, including their Freedom School initiative.

Collaborate with local partners to strengthen and expand youth urban agriculture programs and participate in identifying opportunities for integrating MSUE services, networks, and capacities into youth programming being carried out by partners.

Through your efforts, you will ensure that youth and volunteer audiences are reached through established and newly developed programs, after school programs, youth mentoring, etc. You will provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops, and individual contacts.

You will conduct direct programming with youth, and focus on developing partnerships and program expansion. In working closely with the District Director and Supervising Educator, you’ll conduct formal and/or informal needs assessments that will drive strategies for program topics and delivery methods.

You will be responsible for initiating efforts to expand Extension programs to the unreached, including limited resource families, youth, minorities, and the disabled. Primary program delivery will be through in-school, after-school, and short-term special interest groups. You will plan, organize, and implement youth development programs that are relevant to the needs of residents in Kalamazoo County. Additionally, you will be responsible for communicating information about newly implemented and existing youth development programs and activities (progress, objectives, target dates, problems addressed, etc.) to your supervisor, District Director, and Institute leadership.

Working collaboratively, you will work with other local 4-H staff to prepare and submit the county 4-H youth development program plan, annual reports, and other necessary reports. You will be provided with professional development to help you build skills and knowledge related to volunteer screening and management, youth development, and program management.

Through your work, you will 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.

There will be space available to work from the Kalamazoo County MSU Extension office.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Characteristic Duties/ Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out programs that focus on positive youth development.
• Operates somewhat independently, with minimal supervision, ensuring that program delivery follows prescribed guidelines and meets the goals for reaching specific audiences.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and Children and Youth Institute
• Initiate efforts to expand MSU Extension programs to ensure that community, needs assessments, program development and recruitment efforts include the engagement of Michigan’s diverse residents across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.

• When appropriate, train 4-H volunteers to reach and involve the youth, adults, and families, from diverse backgrounds, with non-formal “learning by doing” experiences.
• Provide direct youth development education through school enrichment programs, afterschool programs, at home kits and more in a variety of topic areas using existing 4-H curriculum as requested by partner organizations .
• Work to build new partnerships with schools and community groups with a focus on reaching youth in Kalamazoo County through a variety of program delivery methods. Programs will be delivered by you and/or volunteers.
• Work collaboratively with the 4-H Staff Development and Supervising Educator, District Director, Extension Educators, and other program partners to identify, implement, and disseminate MSU Extension’s educational priorities across the state and within communities.
• Operate independently, ensuring that program delivery follows established guidelines and meets the goals set for reaching the desired number of youths locally and statewide.
• Use program development and advisory committees and conduct needs assessments in conjunction with local program partners to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate youth development programs, identify needs, opportunities, and carry-out programming that is relevant to the needs of county residents.
• Provide leadership, management and oversight of all county-based financial resources related to 4-H programs.
• Understand and support the Children and Youth Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and Civil Rights, including the availability of 4-H Youth programs and activities, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, 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.
• Attend various and related local program meetings or committee meetings, as well as community planning activities, as appropriate.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development program.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse 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 economic diversity of the target population served.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• 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.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel is required as a regular part of this position.

• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Current resume/CV.
• Cover letter.
• Four (4) professional references including at least two (2) prior or current supervisors.

Special Instructions

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed.

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://youtu.be/KjG34cLt9a8