Extension Educator, Youth Development, Volunteer Systems NE Region

Title: Extension Educator, Youth Development, Volunteer Systems NE Region

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P&A

Office Location: Extension Regional Office options of (Brainerd, Cloquet, Grand Rapids). Hybrid flexible work options available

Extension Area: Department of Youth Development

Salary Range: $68,000 - $80,000 estimated starting annual salary range; depending on qualifications

Apply By: February 7, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This regional youth development Extension educator position (regional educator) works with a team of Extension educators in the multi-county northeast region and across the state to provide educational leadership to the full range of 4-H Youth Development and adult learning programs. Regional educators lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive. They use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship. Regional educators are on an academic promotion track.

This regional Extension educator position will work directly with 4-H Extension educators and volunteers in the northeast region to build and strengthen the county's or tribal community's volunteer system. They will lead efforts to ensure that components central to a successful volunteer system (staff and organizational readiness, volunteer education and engagement, sustainability and review and analysis of systems for improvement) are developed and effectively operationalized within the region.

This position will work with a state volunteer systems function team to ensure adults working with and on behalf of young people create the conditions for high quality, culturally responsive learning environments. They will ensure that current 4 H volunteers and program delivery partners are equipped to effectively engage and support new and historically underserved youth and families. They will develop and implement a plan that mobilizes staff, volunteers and partners to expand the Minnesota 4 H volunteer base that is reflective of the diversity in our communities and includes a range of volunteer opportunities.

This position will report to the northeast Extension Program Leader.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate evidence-based educational programs to identify, recruit, train, and retain volunteers, using program models that are accessible to and inclusive of underserved audiences.
• Lead the program development process with 4-H Extension educators to assess program needs and priorities through engagement with current and prospective volunteers and community partners, including those who have been underrepresented in our program.
• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate a volunteer training plan that includes the delivery of volunteer training sessions in local and regional programs, including annual volunteer training.
• Develop, evaluate and improve upon educational resources and tools that support an effective volunteer system.
• Develop and deliver volunteerism training for Minnesota youth workers.
• Work with 4-H Extension educators to strengthen local volunteer systems with emphasis on volunteer growth, retention, access and equity.
• Serve as subject matter expert to local 4-H Extension educators in volunteer systems and other areas as needed.
• Make decisions on the consideration and acceptance of volunteer applicants.
• Communicate volunteer opportunities and resulting impacts to stakeholders.
• Ensure volunteer compliance with the Safety of Minors policy and Code of Conduct.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required within six years and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator; if this position is extended past the current funding date.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, volunteer administration or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen and grow programs in partnership with individuals, organizations, and communities representing new, diverse, and underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated effective leadership of volunteer systems.
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation processes
• Demonstrated skills addressing conflict.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance in order to travel to/from multiple locations for programming, at times in a single workday; may occasionally need to transport other people and supplies and/or equipment to those locations. See policy on Use of Personal Vehicle for University Business.
• Travel (in-state and national) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a field applicable to youth development, e.g., youth development, human development, adult development, or community development
• Course work in child and adolescent development, educational program design, experiential learning, volunteer administration, non-profit leadership, community development/engagement, ethnic studies, or adult education
• Demonstrated success in developing community, agency, business and corporate partnerships to grow programs
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven approaches in leading program design, development, implementation, and reporting
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning

ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay Range: $69,000 - $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

Application requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity Statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

a. Personalized views and experiences

b. Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

c. If you do not have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

d. Demonstrated learning and growth

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Jan Derdowski, Program Leader, Youth Development, derdo003@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.