State Extension Specialist in 4-H Positive Youth Development

Job Description

Purpose:

The Extension State Specialist in 4-H Positive Youth Development holds a pivotal role within Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE), spearheading initiatives to empower and inspire Missouri youth. This position involves planning, administering, and evaluating educational programs, developing curricula, and providing training in 4-H Positive Youth Development while incorporating effective methodologies of extension. The Specialist collaborates with diverse stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address the needs of youth, particularly those with limited resources in rural areas. Additionally, the Specialist interacts with other LUCE Core Programs to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance program effectiveness. This is an Assistant Professor, 12-month, non-tenure track, full benefit-eligible position, with 100% extension responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Create and/or lead events, activities, camps, lessons, and resources that allow students to purposefully explore educational and recreational activities that encourage them to become leaders in their communities.
• Partner with other entities involved in this work (LU Office of Admissions, LU Extension Teams, etc.) to develop statewide reach and recruitment strategies.
• Lead the development and implementation of research-based 4-H Positive Youth Development education programs targeting eligible clients, including limited-resource youth.
• Secure extramural funding through writing grant proposals; identify private and public funding sources to assist in program development and Extension needs.
• Produce and disseminate educational resource materials and publications (e.g. fact sheets, guide sheets) as well as publish in Extension-related publications and other peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with agencies and community partners to extend program outreach and maximize program reach and effectiveness.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, including community organizations, health agencies, educational institutions, and governmental entities, to leverage resources and maximize program impact.
• Comply with all federal, state, and university reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Associate Extension Administrator and the Dean.

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in Child Development, Education, Psychology, or related field is required.
• Minimum of four years of experience working in 4-H Positive Youth Development Extension or a related field is required. Experience with limited-resource populations preferred.

Technical and Communication Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Effective and innovative teaching strategies that engage diverse target audiences.
• Proficient in using computer systems, office productivity software, and extension specific tools for data collection and analysis.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise and mentor staff, volunteers, and community partners.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required.

Physical Demands:

• The position involves frequent travel and occasional evening or weekend work.
• Lifting or carrying objects (up to 20 lbs.)
• Possible exposure to sun, pesticides, and allergens.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of Lincoln University. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.