Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development

UM01 University of Maryland College Park (UMCP); United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park is seeking an Extension Specialist to oversee statewide educational programs focused on youth development. This position is parallel to Assistant or Associate Professor ranks and involves collaboration with various stakeholders and volunteers to create engaging, educational opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree and 7-10 years of relevant experience, including leadership and program management skills. This role requires strong communication abilities and a commitment to enhancing community engagement through innovative educational approaches.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in youth development with teaching experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering and technology principles.
• Experience working with diverse youth and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Organize and run statewide educational programs.
• Secure funding for youth development initiatives.
• Supervise program administration staff.

Skills

Leadership in youth development

Effective communication

Program management

Research skills

Volunteering experience

Education

Master's degree

Ph.D. (preferred)

Job description

Job Description Summary

UME is seeking an Extension Specialist responsible for organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating statewide educational programs for youth, families, and communities. This rank is parallel to the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The Educator will work with Extension educators, volunteers, and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills. As a tenure‑track faculty member, the Educator will provide leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the state. This position reports directly to the Maryland4‑H Program Leader.

Responsibilities

• Support the Extension network by coordinating 4‑H engineering and technology programs, processes, and curricular systems.
• Coordinate statewide engineering and technology program support, including incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and academic pathways, to enhance career readiness aligned with the contemporary needs of agriculture and food systems.
• Facilitate research‑based methods to increase knowledge, leadership, and life skills in alignment with the UME Strategic Plan and 4‑H Program Priorities.
• Lead experiential learning programs in collaboration with County Educators and volunteers in engineering and technology, aligned with 4‑H national priorities around science, health, and civic engagement.
• Conduct needs assessments, outreach, and marketing to reach broad audiences to support UME’s land‑grant mission.
• Secure grants and extramural funding to develop and conduct creative intellectual activities that are peer‑validated and effectively communicated.
• Serve on state, regional, and national committees, as well as on department, college, and university committees.
• Develop collaborations with other campus colleges and the Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) departments.
• Provide leadership for committees, professional organizations, and special assignments at the state and national level.
• Promote positive public relations with stakeholders and the community.
• Increase resources through grants, local funding sources, and collaborative proposals to support and expand 4‑H youth development programs.
• Supervise, as appropriate, full‑ and part‑time program administration staff, according to the 4‑H Program Leader’s determination.
• Coordinate programmatic direction in concert with faculty and staff.
• Perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a faculty member of the University of Maryland.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required.
• Seven to ten years of post‑undergraduate experience in the youth development field, with teaching experience and demonstrable knowledge of engineering and technology principles and volunteer‑lead 4‑H support groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities, and effective communication with a broad range of peers and clientele.
• Evidence of excellent research and teaching skills.
• Experience working with diverse youth groups and volunteers.
• Demonstrated successful state, regional, and national partnerships in support of youth.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, and to travel within the state, region, and occasionally nationwide.
• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the check.

Physical Demands

• Transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading vehicles.
• Lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Set‑up and tear‑down of displays, tables, and chairs at teaching sites.
• Work outdoors during State Fair, 4‑H residential or day camps, and youth recreation activities, sometimes in hot or inclement weather.
• Maintain visual acuity required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Preferences

• Preferred emphasis in youth or child development, education, life science, or related fields.
• Ph.D. preferred.
• Broad STEM skill sets.
• Experience in volunteer development, youth development, program management, and grant writing/management.
• Knowledge of educational program development and use of logic models to achieve meaningful outcomes.
• Extension or similar work experience, particularly with 4‑H youth development programs.
• Experience in distance and virtual education strategies.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships and community‑based partnerships.
• Engagement with limited‑resource and underserved audiences.

Licenses/Certifications

N/A

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.