Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development – Cole County

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,200 - 63,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri invites applications for an MU Extension Specialist to implement community-based 4-H PYD programs across Jefferson City and surrounding counties. You will lead in-school and after-school activities, use research-based curricula, and recruit volunteers to support the 4-H program.

The role emphasizes evaluating programs, managing grants, and collaborating with county extension councils; travel across Missouri is expected; the university offers comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• An earned PhD or master’s degree at the time of appointment.
• Hours of upper-level coursework in child, adolescent, and adult development; education and learning theory; organizational systems; and community development.

Responsibilities

• Implement community-based 4-H PYD programs and in-school/after-school activities.
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist as leaders.
• Conduct evaluations of Missouri 4-H programs and manage local grants.
• Provide supervision and development to program associates and collaborate with county extension councils.
• Attend professional development events and represent MU Extension on boards and committees.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Grant acquisition

Volunteer management

Communication

Education

Master or PhD

Job description

Location: Jefferson City, Missouri; primarily serves Cole County along with Callaway and Osage counties. Additional service across Missouri as needed.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Implement community‑based 4‑H PYD programs, in‑school and after‑school programs, short‑term interest (SPIN) clubs, and enrichment activities.
• Use and recommend research‑based curriculum and teaching methods.
• Secure a culture of high‑quality service for all 4‑H members and volunteers.
• Provide leadership to 4‑H councils and committees.
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist as leaders in implementing the 4‑H program.
• Conduct evaluations of the Missouri 4‑H programs.
• Ensure that all youth and adults in the county have the opportunity to participate in extension programs.
• Apply for and administer local grants and other funding sources.
• Provide supervision and development to program associate(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Duties of MU Extension Specialists

• Educate: Design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs; teach research‑based information via meetings, courses, technical assistance, volunteer training, media, websites, and other methods.
• Create: Develop innovative and research‑informed educational products, services, materials, and scholarly works; obtain and use extramural funding to support creative works.
• Connect: Engage with learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities; foster partnerships and connect participants to University of Missouri System programs.

Professional Expectations

• Engage with stakeholders to identify educational needs and collaborate with partners to meet those needs.
• Create an annual plan of work that reflects local needs and aligns with statewide program area efforts; provide a monthly report to county extension councils and other stakeholders.
• Attend at least one county extension council each month and provide an oral update on program efforts.
• Collaborate with campus‑based specialists on research projects and deliver findings via demonstrations, field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, and appropriate media.
• Effectively work with supervisors, other specialists, and local leaders to complete administrative tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educational programming, subject matter knowledge, educational delivery, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonal relations, organization knowledge, leadership, and professionalism.
• Offer timely, research‑based information during natural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional development events to improve technical and leadership skills.
• Conduct all activities per the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of MU Extension.

Additional Expectations

• Semi‑regular travel throughout Missouri and occasionally to out‑of‑state locations; must possess a valid Missouri driver’s license, a legally operating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service for University use. Reimbursement for approved travel expenses is provided per University policy.
• Program events often occur outside regular business hours; specialists should attend these events as needed to meet learners, clients, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

An earned PhD or master’s degree at the time of appointment.

Candidates Will Be Evaluated On

Hours of upper‑level coursework in one or more of the following areas: child, adolescent, and adult human development; education, learning theory, and learning strategies; organizational systems and human resource management; community development/partnerships; and volunteerism.

Anticipated Hiring Range

The position offers a minimum starting salary of $58,000, with final salary determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Benefit Eligibility

The position is eligible for University benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Sponsorship Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor employment visas.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.