4-H State & National Events Coordinator

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State Extension in Pennsylvania seeks an innovative 4-H State & National Events Coordinator to lead the logistics, promotion, and execution of high-level 4-H events, including state competitions, national trips, and educational conferences. The role focuses on youth development and building community collaborations to drive attendance.

You will recruit and train adult volunteers, manage budgets and registrations, coordinate travel, and ensure youth safety.

Qualifications

• Experience in program development, event logistics and evaluation.
• Strong communication skills with youth, parents, and the public.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Logistics & Event Management: Plan, Manage, and Coordinate all aspects of state and national events, including venue selection, scheduling, participant registration, and on-site execution.
• Volunteer & Committee Leadership: Recruit, screen, and train adult volunteers to serve as event staff and judges, and work with program development committees to create the event schedule.
• Communications & Outreach: Create and distribute marketing materials, including newsletters and social media content, to promote 4-H events and recruit youth and volunteer audiences.
• Travel Coordination: Manage registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held across the state or out of state.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight: Manage budgets for specific events, handle enrollment fees, and ensure all activities follow university policy and procedural expectations.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Implement program evaluation and documentation to measure event effectiveness and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Youth Safety: Work with the 4-H Leadership team and event leads to ensure physical and emotional safety for youth and adult attendees at events.
• General Support: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

Skills

Program development

Event logistics

Evaluation

Communication

Youth development

Time management

Team leadership

Education

Master's Degree or higher

4-H experience preferred

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional for a 4-H State & National Events Coordinator with a passion for positive youth development to lead the logistics, promotion, and execution of high-level 4-H events. 4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. The individual in this position serves as a representative of The Pennsylvania State University in delivering a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program focused on large-scale event management. This includes managing the day-to-day activities for state-level competitions, national trips, and educational conferences, while building community collaborations and partnerships to drive attendance and public awareness.

• Logistics & Event Management: Plan, Manage, and Coordinate all aspects of state and national events, including venue selection, scheduling, participant registration, and on-site execution for judging and knowledge contests, member/volunteer recognition events, and leadership forums.
• Volunteer & Committee Leadership: Recruit, screen, and train adult volunteers to serve as event staff and judges, and work with Program Development Committees to create the event schedule.
• Communications & Outreach: Create and distribute marketing materials, including newsletters and social media content, to promote 4-H events and recruit youth and volunteer audiences.
• Travel Coordination: Manage registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held across the state or out of state.
• Financial & Administrative Oversight: Manage budgets for specific events, handle enrollment fees, and ensure all activities follow university policy and procedural expectations.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Implement program evaluation and documentation to measure event effectiveness and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Youth Safety: Work with the 4-H Leadership team and event leads to ensure physical and emotional safety for youth and adult attendees at events.
• General Support: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The candidate should possess skills in program development, event logistics and management, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work with youth, parents, and the public.
• Ability to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience with 4-H programming or large-scale event coordination.
• Volunteer management experience.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form,
• and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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