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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 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.

Preferred:

• Education emphasis is in youth or child development, education, life science, or related fields or a similar degree emphasis in undergraduate work.
• Ph.D. 
• Experience in volunteer development, youth development, program management, and grant writing and management.
• Knowledge of the educational program development process and using logic models to work toward meaningful outcomes while addressing youth-focused issues.
• Experience with the 4-H youth development program.
• Experience in distance and virtual education strategies.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships and community-based partnerships
• Successful engagement with limited resources and underserved audiences.

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

Best consideration date: 03/25/2024

Under the supervision of the AED and with support of the 4-H educator, this position performs a variety of technical duties to carry out the teaching, demonstration, and other educational and outreach activities in 4-H, and assists with other programs such as educational programs, youth camp, the County Fair, 4-H achievement events, promotional events, and assisting with clubs in close partnership with the 4-H educator. The individual is self-motivated and should meet and communicate with the Cecil County 4-H educator on a weekly basis.

High School Diploma or GED AND Five years experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, health care, research, or social services programs.

• Three years experience performing a variety of duties in support of the teaching, demonstration, and advising work of Extension agents or in community outreach, or social services programs.
• Valid Maryland Non-commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license and transportation. Must pass a background check.

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

Closing Date: 07/29/2024