State Specialized Agent II–IV & Associate Program Leader 4-H Youth Development

SSA & EXT AGENT II-IV

Candidates shall hold a masters degree along with qualifying experience or accomplishments.

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The Opportunity

This is a 12-month 100% Extension appointment as a State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV with an administrative appointment of 60% as an Associate Program Leader. This position provides operational leadership for Florida 4H and is responsible for ensuring that statewide priorities are implemented consistently and effectively. This position manages the daytoday operations of the Florida 4H State Headquarters supervises headquarters staff coordinates statewide processes and provides statewide leadership for workforce development for youth and implementation of 4-H agent professional development.

Working closely with the State 4H Program Leader the Associate Program Leader focuses on operational leadership implementation coordination organizational follow-through and resolution of operational challenges across the statewide system. The State 4H Program Leader sets vision priorities and final staffing decisions; the Associate Program Leader ensures that those decisions are carried out through clear processes staff coordination and effective operations.

The Associate Program Leader serves as the operational lead for Florida 4H ensuring the statewide system functions effectively and consistently. This position plays a key role in advancing Florida 4Hs mission to prepare youth to be Beyond Ready and in supporting the goal of reaching 300000 youth statewide.

This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II-IV depending on eligibility. Candidates who have obtained permanent status in the Florida Cooperative Extension Service will retain this status. The position is in State 4-H Headquarters located at East Campus in Gainesville Florida.

Position Summary

The Associate Program Leader (APL) is a faculty role within UF/IFAS Extension providing statewide leadership in youth workforce readiness and operational leadership for Florida 4-H Youth Development. This is a 12-month 100% Extension appointment as a State Specialized Extension Agent IIIV with a 40% statewide Extension assignment focused on workforce readiness and youth development and a 60% administrative assignment as Associate Program Leader for Florida 4-H. The position is located at the Florida 4-H State Headquarters in Gainesville Florida.

The primary Extension assignment focuses on statewide leadership for youth workforce readiness including development implementation evaluation and expansion of experiential workforce-aligned programming that prepares youth to be Beyond Ready. The Associate Program Leader works collaboratively with county faculty Regional Specialized Agents State Specialized Agents and external partners to strengthen employability skills technical skill development career navigation leadership development and postsecondary preparation opportunities for youth across Florida.

In addition to workforce readiness leadership the Associate Program Leader supports the professional and operational capacity of the Florida 4-H system through headquarters coordination staff supervision onboarding and support for new agents and implementation of statewide operational processes. Working closely with the State 4-H Program Leader the Associate Program Leader supports implementation of statewide priorities through effective coordination communication operational systems and organizational follow through. The Associate Program Leader works collaboratively with State 4-H faculty and staff to support coordinated implementation of statewide priorities operational systems and organizational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Associate Program Leader (60%)

Headquarters Operations and Staff Supervision

• Support day-to-day operations of the Florida 4-H State Headquarters.
• Supervise headquarters staff including oversight of work responsibilities priorities timelines and follow through.
• Ensure headquarters operations communications and administrative workflows effectively support statewide 4-H efforts and county faculty.
• Coordinate administrative and operational support for statewide initiatives.
• Coordinate organizational follow-through for operational processes implementation efforts and statewide projects including tracking progress supporting communication and assisting with resolution of operational barriers.
• Coordinate response and follow-through for operational questions concerns and implementation challenges directed to State 4-H Headquarters ensuring timely communication problem resolution and referral as appropriate.

New 4-H Agent Onboarding and Support

• Design and oversee a multi-year onboarding and early career support program for new 4-H agents.
• Establish statewide onboarding expectations training structures and professional development supports for new agents.
• Coordinate onboarding implementation in partnership with State 4-H faculty and staff.
• Provide operational guidance coaching and troubleshooting support as new agents navigate statewide systems policies procedures and program expectations.
• Support early identification and resolution of operational and implementation challenges affecting new agents.

Statewide Hiring Process Coordination

• Coordinate statewide screening processes for Florida 4-H hires including scheduling communication and documentation.
• Ensure screening processes are applied consistently and comply with UF/IFAS Extension and University of Florida requirements.
• Work with UF/IFAS Extension administration and Human Resources to support efficient hiring processes.
• Support statewide hiring efforts while recognizing that final hiring decisions and staffing priorities are made by the State 4-H Program Leader.

Statewide Workforce Readiness and Career Pathways Leadership (40%)

Workforce Readiness Program Leadership

• Co-lead statewide workforce readiness efforts for Florida 4-H (Priority Work Group 3).
• Lead development and implementation of experiential workforce-aligned youth programming that strengthens employability skills leadership development career readiness and postsecondary preparation.
• Develop workforce readiness resources and implementation strategies aligned with Florida workforce needs.

Career Pathways and Youth Opportunities

• Support career exploration career navigation technical skill development and work-based learning opportunities such as internships mentoring credentialing and industry-connected experiences
• Build partnerships that expand workforce readiness opportunities and strengthen career pathways for youth.

Program Evaluation and Resource Development

• Evaluate programs and use results to improve quality effectiveness and reach.
• Secure grants and partnerships that expand Florida 4-H workforce readiness efforts.

Extension Scholarship and Professional Contribution

• Document and share effective practices that strengthen youth development and workforce readiness programming.
• Contribute scholarly Extension products appropriate for promotion at the State Specialized Agent level.
• Represent Florida 4-H in professional meetings and related settings as assigned.

About UF

The University of Florida is one of the nations leading public research universities consistently ranked among the top institutions for academic excellence innovation and public impact. As Floridas landgrant university UF is deeply committed to advancing knowledge improving lives and addressing critical issues facing communities across the state nation and world.

About UF/IFAS Extension

UF/IFAS Extension is a core component of that mission translating university research into practical sciencebased education that strengthens youth families agriculture natural resources and communities. Through a statewide network of faculty and staff Extension connects Floridians with timely education that builds skills supports decisionmaking and prepares future generations for success.

About 4-H

4H Youth Development is one of the largest and most impactful youth development organizations in Florida reaching hundreds of thousands of young people annually. Florida 4H empowers youth to become confident capable and ready for the future through handson learning experiences focused on leadership citizenship workforce readiness and personal growth. This position plays a pivotal statewide leadership role in ensuring Florida 4H functions as a coordinated highquality system that prepares youth to be Beyond Ready.

UF offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans health insurance paid leave and professional development opportunities. Learn more at UF Benefits.

About The State 4H Headquarters

The Florida 4H State Headquarters is located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville the administrative and operational center for UF/IFAS Extension. Gainesville is situated in northcentral Florida and serves as a hub for statewide Extension leadership academic collaboration and program coordination. Alachua County is home to a population of approximately 280000 residents and is recognized for its strong educational presence rich agricultural history and central role in statewide Extension operations.

State 4H Headquarters supports Floridas 67 county Extension offices and works closely with regional and state faculty to ensure consistent program quality operational efficiency and alignment with statewide priorities. Gainesvilles location allows for direct collaboration with university faculty Extension administration and external partners while providing access to a vibrant community known for innovation culture and natural resources.

Commensurate with education and experience.

• Candidates must hold a masters degree from an accredited institution in youth development education agricultural education or a closely related field. Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II-IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
• Demonstrated experience providing statewide or multicounty program leadership.
• At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
• Proven ability to manage complex systems workflows and operational processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for statewide audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with university faculty Extension professionals and external partners.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
• Ability to travel statewide and work occasional evenings or weekends as required by programming.
• Candidates must also have a commitment toUF core values.
• Successful completion of a Level 2 DCF background check due to youth involvement.

• Doctorate in a relevant discipline related to youth development or Extension education.
• Experience supervising personnel and coordinating crossfunctional teams.
• Experience leading largescale youth development initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in workforce readiness or career development programming for youth.
• Experience designing professional development or onboarding programs.
• Record of Extension scholarship appropriate for advanced faculty rank.
• Familiarity with statewide Extension systems and organizational structures.

Apply at Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (Eastern) of the posting end date and attach:

• Cover letter that states applicants interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.A transcript will not be considered official if a designation of Issued to Student is earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events restaurants year-round outdoor recreational activities and social opportunities.