Assistant Head, Center for 4-H Youth Development

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking an Assistant Head of 4-H to lead statewide youth development initiatives, oversee program planning, evaluation, and compliance, and support Extension staff across the state.

The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty, staff, and volunteers to deliver research-based programs, manage budgets, and drive strategic initiatives within 4-H.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in youth development, education, leadership development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, Extension education, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for development, coordination, and evaluation of statewide 4-H programs, events, and initiatives.
• Assist the State 4-H Program Leader in strategic planning, policy development, and program administration.
• Support county Extension personnel through training, coaching, and resource development.
• Ensure program compliance with federal, state, and university policies, including youth protection, risk management, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee program quality assurance processes, including data collection, evaluation, and impact reporting.
• Coordinate development and dissemination of 4-H curricula, educational materials, and professional development resources.
• Strengthen volunteer systems, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and recognition.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to expand program reach.
• Assist with grant development, budget planning, and resource allocation to support statewide programming.
• Represent the 4-H program at state, regional, and national meetings assigned.
• Serve as acting State 4-H Program Leader in their absence.

Job description

Position Function:

The Assistant Head of 4-H at the MSUES Center for 4-H Youth Development provides leadership and administrative support for statewide 4-H youth development initiatives. This position is responsible for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and compliance across all major 4-H program areas. The Assistant Head works collaboratively with Extension faculty, staff, and volunteers to ensure high-quality, research-based youth programming that aligns with organizational goals and federal and state requirements. This is a 12-month position that reports directly to the Head, Center for 4-H Youth Development.

Salary Grade:17

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

December 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for the development, coordination, and evaluation of statewide 4-H programs, events, and initiatives.
• Assist the State 4-H Program Leader in strategic planning, policy development, and program administration.
• Support county Extension personnel through training, coaching, and resource development.
• Ensure program compliance with federal, state, and university policies, including youth protection, risk management, and reporting requirements.
• Oversee program quality assurance processes, including data collection, evaluation, and impact reporting.
• Coordinate development and dissemination of 4-H curricula, educational materials, and professional development resources.
• Strengthen volunteer systems, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and recognition.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, community organizations, agencies, and stakeholders to expand program reach.
• Assist with grant development, budget planning, and resource allocation to support statewide programming.
• Represent the 4-H program at state, regional, and national meetings assigned.
• Serve as acting State 4-H Program Leader in their absence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree in youth development, education, leadership development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, Extension education, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years demonstrated experience in youth development, leadership development and administrative leadership including supervision, program management, or organizational leadership.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in youth development, education, leadership development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, Extension education, or a closely related field.
• Significant administrative leadership experience in an educational, youth-serving, or community-based organization.
• Experience in personnel management, performance evaluation, conflict management, and employee development.
• Experience applying disciplinary procedures and enforcing organizational policies.
• Experience leading organizational change and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Experience managing budgets, grants, and fiscal compliance.
• Experience working with Extension, K-12, higher education, or youth development environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in program evaluation and reporting.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and professional development.
• Effective leadership and team-building skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Ability and willingness to travel frequently within the state and occasionally out of state to support statewide programming, training, and events.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.