Working/Functional Title
Antrim & Otsego Counties 4H 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 4H Staff Development & Supervising Educator District Director and Institute Director this position provides leadership and oversight for growth and management of local 4H 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 4H 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 4H and strengthen public understanding of 4H 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 Antrim & Otsego Counties. 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 4H 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 youll conduct formal and/or informal needs assessments that will drive strategies for program topics and delivery methods. You will lead and advise local 4H groups in managing funds to support 4H youth work and conduct financial management training to 4H 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 inschool afterschool and shortterm special interest groups. You will plan organize and implement youth development programs that are relevant to the needs of residents in Antrim & Otsego Counties. Additionally you will be responsible for communicating information about newly implemented and existing 4H 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 4H staff to prepare and submit the county 4H 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 either the Antrim or the Otsego 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 individuals position and office location drive the ability and amount of worklocation flexibility.
This is an offdated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Characteristic Duties/ Responsibilities
- Train 4H volunteers to reach and involve the youth adults and families from diverse backgrounds with nonformal 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 4H Leaders Council and other program committee meetings leading volunteers and members in coordination of countywide projects and ensuring that all MSU Extension and 4H 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 4H Staff Development and Supervising Educator District Director Extension Educators and other program partners to identify implement and disseminate MSU Extensions 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 carryout programming that is relevant to the needs of county residents.
- Provide leadership management and oversight of all countybased financial resources related to 4H programs.
- Understand and support the Children and Youth Institutes efforts in diversity equity inclusion and Civil Rights including the availability of 4H 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 socioeconomic class and other human differences.
- Other duties or projects as assigned.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4H 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 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 daytoday work record keeping reporting and teambased communications.
- Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional longdistance 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
- Nonformal 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 offdated 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 offdated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
Experience:
IC