Extension Associate

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); Remote; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYS 4-H STEM and Work Readiness Specialist at Cornell University leads STEM and work readiness initiatives across New York State, partnering with 4-H youth, extension staff, and community organizations. The role focuses on youth development, leadership, and system development through hands-on programming in clubs, schools, after-school programs, and online formats.

This one-year, fully remote Extension Associate position requires collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extensions and campus

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a field related to youth development, human development, science, education, communications, or other related fields.
• A minimum of five years of experience in 4-H Youth Development, Extension, or related youth work.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate & develop inclusive working relationships with youth, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Advance positive youth development across New York State with 4-H through STEM and work readiness programming.
• Lead state youth opportunities such as the 4-H Career Explorations program.
• Create leadership and professional development opportunities for CCE staff and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of belonging and healthy work environment across differences.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree in youth development, human development, science, education, communications, or related fields

Job description

The Extension Associate (Business Title: NYS 4-H STEM and Work Readiness Specialist) will advance positive youth development across New York State with Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H through STEM and work readiness programming, leadership, and system development. These initiatives will provide youth opportunities to experience hands-on STEM and be part of supportive relationships where youth and adults work together to create new understanding and design community solutions through investigation and design. They will help prepare youth with skills and experiences to be ready to lead, work, and thrive through today’s challenges and to shape tomorrow’s world. This position is responsible for creating comprehensive STEM and work readiness initiatives that serve 4-H youth in diverse settings including clubs, schools, after-school programs, camps, and online. Key responsibilities also include leading state youth opportunities such as the 4-H Career Explorations program and creating leadership and professional development opportunities for CCE staff and volunteers.

The 4-H Specialist will be a regular, full-time Extension Associate position and a core member of the NYS 4-H State Office in the College of Human Ecology Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), working in close collaboration with CCE Associations and Extension Administration, Departments in CALS and CHE, and other faculty and campus partners across the University.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

NYS 4-H creates opportunities for all youth to reach their full potential and thrive. 4-H professionals provide youth a place to belong, matter, and explore their personal sparks in meaningful relationships with adults and peers who care, challenge their growth, expand their possibilities, and share power.

Position Details
This is a one-year, full-time appointment, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funding. This is a fully remote position within NYS with the expectation of periodic travel to the campus and program locations.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in a field related to youth development, human development, science, education, communications, or other related fields.
• A minimum of five years of experience in 4-H Youth Development, Extension, or related youth work.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships as a leader and/or member of a team.
• Ability to cultivate & develop inclusive working relationships with youth, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Employment is contingent upon successful background screening clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with youth as program collaborators and engaging youth in community service and leadership roles.
• Experience in the design and implementation of youth programs.
• Experience with grant writing and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and follow budgets.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a candidate is selected.

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice [phone], or email at [e-mail].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [e-mail].

EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-12-18

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.