Kent County Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

Working/Functional Title

Kent County 4-H Program Coordinator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward 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 for 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 Kent County. Through your efforts, you will ensure that youth and volunteer audiences are reached through established and newly developed programs, providing leadership to these groups through 4-H clubs, 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.

In this position, you will recruit and train volunteers who will conduct direct programming with youth. You will also conduct some direct programming with youth, but focus will be 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 lead and advise local 4-H groups in managing funds to support 4-H youth work and conduct financial management training to 4-H councils, committees, clubs, etc. on a regular basis.

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 Kent County. Additionally, you will be responsible for communicating 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.

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 Kent 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.

Characteristic Duties/ 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. Programs will be delivered by you and/or volunteers.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 audiences reflective of varied backgrounds and perspectives 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.

Please note this is a union position represented by AFT Michigan. The university is working with the union to establish a collective bargaining agreement.

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