Careers

The Assistant Director and Program Leader of 4-H Youth Development for the University of Maryland Extension provides statewide leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs and faculty. The incumbent is administratively responsible to the UME Associate Director for addressing the mission and goals of 4-H Youth Development programs while aligning 4-H priorities with those of UME and AGNR. Duties include identifying issues and opportunities that align with organizational priorities and working with faculty and partners to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address the statewide needs of consumers, residents, agencies, organizations, industries, and communities in these areas.

Nationally, 4-H youth development aims to support thriving youth and communities. Maryland 4-H Youth Development programming is conducted to address 6 priority areas in Maryland: 1) Building Community and Civic Engagement, 2) Developing Leadership Skills for Life, 3) Nurturing Social Empowerment and Resilience, 4) Improving College and Workforce Readiness, 5) Fostering Exploration and Creativity in Arts and Science, and 6) Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Self-Acceptance.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership and oversight of non-formal Extension education and applied research projects in alignment with program goals and priorities supporting the Maryland team thriving model.
• Secure funding and support faculty in acquiring and managing extramural funds for enhancing 4-H programs from diverse funding sources.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching for faculty, including planning, implementing, and evaluating programs.
• Provide leadership to faculty in long-range planning, writing, reporting, professional development and grant management.
• Provide leadership in developing and maintaining effective teamwork among state and county/city faculty, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Mentor faculty to set clear expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, and service, providing opportunities for success while instilling confidence and pride.
• Conduct annual program and faculty evaluations, including the review of Individual Extension Plans and performance evaluations.
• Personnel supervision and evaluation of Maryland 4-H state staff (including Maryland 4-H Foundation and Maryland 4-H Environmental Education & Camping Center staff).
• Provide annual reports to Associate Director/Associate Dean for various reporting requirements, including the Federal reporting on Extension programs and impacts.
• Work collaboratively with UME Program Leaders, departments, and others, in developing collaborative and interdisciplinary programs, events, and activities.
• Collaborate with the evaluation team to ensure an effective plan and process for 4-H youth development program evaluation and applied research efforts.
• Serve as an active and collaborative member of the UME administrative team, with a diverse portfolio of duties as assigned, including contributions to leadership meetings, strategic planning, programming, and training.
• Provide vision and leadership to expand enrollment in all areas of the state with particular attention to underserved youth in 4-H programs.
• Participate in recruitment and hiring faculty and staff in Extension vacancies.
• Provide fiscal oversight and management of the 4-H operations and programming budget, including the 4-H Environmental and Camping Center.
• Supervise MD 4-H Foundation staff who manages all grants funded by the National 4-H Council cooperatively with the Maryland 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.
• Provide oversight of statewide policies, procedures, and risk management efforts.

Education:

• Candidates must have an earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) and must be able to be tenured in a department as a Professor or tenured in Extension as a Principal-Agent or equivalent rank. At least one graduate degree, preferably a doctorate, must be in youth development, education, and/or social science-related areas.

Experience:

• Applicants should have significant leadership experience, preferably with 4-H Youth Development programs within land-grant systems, and be recognized within a field of specialization.
• A demonstrated understanding and application of the Land Grant mission and relevant administrative experience is desired.

​​​​​​​Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Evidence of excellence in leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and human resources management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, lead and supervise faculty and staff both programmatically and administratively.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with internal/external stakeholders and diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated bility in budget administration and accountability of resources, including extramural funding.
• Demonstrated ability to promote advocacy in educational programming, clientele served, and staffing.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage with various constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build UME diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect capacity through the 4-H program.

To find out more or to apply, click on this card. 

Best consideration date: 11/15/2024

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

This full-time position will work alongside the 4-H Youth Development Specialists to coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational seminars, as well as train volunteers to conduct workshops for youth focusing on environmental science and equine science.

Education:
Bachelor’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the BA.

Experience:

• Evidence of experience in event management and coordination
• Experience working with volunteers and diverse audiences of all socio-economic levels.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Evidence of excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management.
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.

To see more details and to apply for this position, click this post. 

Closing Date: 09/08/2024