4-H Program Operations Specialist (3 positions)

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Generous time off

Tuition benefits

Health insurance

Job summary

University of Minnesota Extension is seeking a 4-H Program Operations Specialist to coordinate regional program operations, budgeting and risk management across multiple Minnesota offices.

The role collaborates with educators, volunteers and partners to embed inclusive, compliant processes, while using data to guide growth, retention and high-quality youth experiences at camps, clubs and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years or related experience, or Master’s degree with at least three years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience applying organizational policies to a program.
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of financial management software.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of risk management policies.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create, review, update and operationalize 4‑H processes and procedures (charters, finances, risk management).
• Collaborate with staff, youth, volunteers and partners to embed inclusive processes.
• Collect and use data to inform program growth and retention decisions.
• Ensure risk and financial practices are embedded in program planning and youth experiences.
• Generate and share resources with staff and volunteers to support 4‑H operations.
• Collaborate with regional team to support club, camp and showcase delivery.

Skills

Policy application

Budget & finance management

Financial software

Risk management

Written communication

Oral communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience

Master’s degree + 3 years experience

Job description

About The Job

Title: 4‑H Program Operations Specialist

Job code: 9704PD (Ed Pro 4-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt), Professional & Administrative

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Appointment: Three (3) Full-time positions, 100% Appointment

Office locations: These are in‑person positions, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available.

Position 1 – Northwest Region: Extension Regional Office options of Moorhead or Crookston

Position 2 – Southeast Region: Extension Regional Office options of Rochester or Mankato

Position 3 – Southwest Region: Extension Regional Office options of Marshall, Morris, Willmar, or another location near the Worthington area may be possible

Salary Range: $64,000 - $78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Apply by: October 5, 2026

Location and Work Environment

Position 1 – Northwest Region: This position is located in an Extension office in the Northwest region: Moorhead or Crookston, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the northwest region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required.

Position 2 – Southeast Region: This position is located in an Extension office in the Southeast region: Rochester or Mankato, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southeast region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required.

Position 3 – Southwest Region: This position is located in an Extension office in the Southwest region: Marshall, Morris, Willmar or another location near the Worthington area, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southwest region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required.

Work Schedule: Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday when no events are occurring. This position requires frequent attendance and participation at evening and/or weekend meetings and events, scheduled in advance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create, review, update and operationalize 4‑H organizational and programming processes and procedures (e.g., charters, finances, risk management).
• Collaborate with program staff, and occasionally youth, volunteers and partners, to embed inclusive processes into programs and events.
• Collect and use data to make operational decisions that support program plans that address growth and retention.
• Ensure risk management and financial practices are embedded in program planning documents and implemented in youth experiences (e.g., camp, exchange, afterschool, session/lesson, local program).
• Generate and share resources with staff and volunteers that support 4‑H program operations.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

Process and Policy Management

• Work with Extension Educators and other Operations team members to ensure 4‑H program policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
• Serve as the first point of contact for questions from Extension Educators regarding agreements, equipment inventory, chartering, financial and risk management, and constitution and by‑laws for the assigned region programs.
• Manage annual 4‑H program charter process, including review of financial information for the assigned region.
• Facilitate problem‑solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.

4‑H Program Operations Training

• Assess and build plans to address training and development needs of program staff, volunteers, and youth as related to risk and financial management, chartering and related.
• Prepare staff, and occasionally youth and volunteers, to embed authentic youth experiences in 4‑H program budgeting, financial management, risk management, chartering, and related.
• Onboard and assist in training new colleagues on 4‑H program operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least five years or related experience or master’s degree and at least three years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in applying organizational policies to a program.
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of financial management software.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of risk management policies.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Willingness and ability to travel in‑state and nationally, using a personal vehicle (mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided); may transport supplies, people and related as part of this role.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work that may include occasional overnight accommodations for non‑local events.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in‑person programming and other in‑person work within the state of Minnesota.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned office location.
• Reliable phone number that can be used, as needed, for work purposes when not in office location. Reimbursement will not be provided.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, deliver/speak/verbally communicate for long periods of time (programming delivery), be present and traverse non‑office locations that may include outdoor camps, fairs, farms, and other rugged terrain and work in various and varied weather conditions.
• 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, community development, or business administration.
• At least two years of post‑bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community‑based or non‑profit organizations.
• Demonstrated success in financial reviews and/or audits.
• Demonstrated ability to teach skills and concepts to adult and youth audiences.
• Demonstrated success in grant development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to be organized, thorough, and pay attention to details.
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning.
• Demonstrated experience in using data‑driven to make program and process improvement decisions.

About The Department

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. Find further information on the Extension website .

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 And Benefits

Pay Range: $64,000 - $78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values 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

Employment Requirements

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.