Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development – Platte County

University of Missouri - Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri Extension in Kansas City, Missouri, invites applications for a 4-H Field Specialist responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating positive youth development programs. The position emphasizes extension teaching and service with a workload split of 90% teaching and 10% service.

The role requires an earned PhD or master's degree and dates for travel across Missouri; ranking as assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional will be determined by qualifications

Qualifications

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

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 the 4-H members and volunteers.
• Provide leadership to 4-H councils and committees.
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist as leaders with implementing the 4-H program.
• Conduct evaluations of the Missouri 4-H programs (evaluations provided).
• Ensure that all the 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.

Education

PhD or Master’s degree

Job description

Hiring Department

University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension andEngagement

University of Missouri Extension 4-H Youth Developmentprogram

Job Description

MU TITLE: Assistant/Associate/Full ExtensionProfessional

LOCATION: : Kansas City, Missouri, primarily serves PlatteCounty along with Clay and Jackson counties in the Urban WestRegion, with additional service across the state as needed.

Specialist Emphasis

University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development programshelp children and teens become caring, capable, competent, andcontributing through a series of progressive experiences over timewith caring adults during non-school hours. 4-H youth developmentprograms focus on the broader developmental needs of youth ratherthan preventing single issues or problems. 4-H youth developmentprograms use a human ecological approach, recognizing that youngpeople are part of systems, including family, school, community,and society.

Program specialization: The Field Specialist in 4-H YouthDevelopment is responsible for planning, implementing, andevaluating positive youth and volunteer development programs.

This position is a 12-month, ranked, non-tenure track appointmentat the rank of assistant, associate, or full ExtensionProfessional. Rank will be determined at the time of appointmentbased on qualifications and experience in accordance with the MUExtension faculty standards. This position will hold the workingtitle of Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development.

As a Field Specialist, your workload distribution at appointmentwill be 90% Extension Teaching and 10% Traditional Service.

This appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of theUniversity and workload distribution may change at the discretionof Extension leadership. Circumstances affecting continuedemployment include, but are not limited to, work performance, fundavailability, and educational priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement community-based 4-H PYD programs, in-school andafter-school programs, short-term interest (SPIN) Clubs, and enrichment activities.
• Use and recommend research-based curriculum and teachingmethods.
• Secure a culture of high-quality service for all the 4-Hmembers and volunteers
• Provide leadership to 4-H councils and committees
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist asleaders with implementing the 4 - H program.
• Conduct evaluations of the Missouri 4-H programs (evaluationsprovided).
• Ensure that all the youth and adults in the county have theopportunity to participate in extension programs.
• Apply for and administer local grants and other fundingsources.
• Provide supervision and development to programassociate(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE DUTIES OF MU EXTENSION SPECIALISTS

MU Extension Specialists deliver the University of Missouri to allMissourians. They serve all Missourians by bringing research-basedsolutions to work on local problems. MU Extension Specialists teachnew and foundational concepts, link people to resources, supportpartner organizations, participate in research, train volunteers,evaluate programs, foster innovation, and serve communities. MUExtension Specialists work as a team to expand educationalattainment, foster economic development, and improve healthoutcomes. These core duties fall into three major areas:

Educate, Create, and Connect

• Educate. MU Extension specialists design, conduct, andevaluate educational programs. MU Extension specialists teachresearch-based information via meetings, in-person and onlinecourses, continuing education classes, technical assistance,volunteer training, media, websites, consultation, and othereducational methods. They provide educational programs that supportMissouri's learners and clients' individual, organizational, andcommunity goals.
• Create. MU Extension specialists develop innovative andresearch-informed educational products, services, materials, andother scholarly works. These include curricula, publications,presentations, educational tools, websites, and similar resources.MU Extension specialists obtain and use extramural funding tosupport creative works. MU Extension specialists contribute to thescholarship of Extension and Engagement by evaluating programs thatresult in learning and behavior changes that impact individuals andcommunities.
• Connect. MU Extension specialists engage with learners,stakeholders, volunteers, and communities, including countyextension councils, government officials and agencies, partners,and University and professional organizations. MU Extensionspecialists listen and respond with care. MU Extension specialistsintentionally foster engaged partnerships and robust connections tothe vast array of programs offered by the University of MissouriSystem.

Professional Expectations

• Engage with stakeholders in all counties to identifyeducational needs and then collaborate with appropriate internaland external partners to meet those needs.
• Create an annual plan of work that reflects local needs andaligns with statewide program area efforts. Provide a monthlyreport to county extension councils, supervisors, countycommissioners, and others regarding programmatic efforts. Attend atleast one county extension council each month and provide an oralupdate on program efforts at that meeting.
• Collaborate with campus-based specialists on research projectsand then deliver findings from those efforts via demonstrations,field days, courses, workshops, consultations, publications, andappropriate media.
• Effectively work with supervisors, other specialists, and localleaders to complete administrative tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, educationalprogramming, subject matter knowledge, educational delivery,volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, interpersonalrelations, organization knowledge, leadership, andprofessionalism.
• Offer timely, research-based information during times ofnatural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University of Missouri on boards and committeesas assigned.
• Participate in professional development events to improve bothtechnical and leadership skills.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support themission of MU Extension.

Additional Expectations

• MU Extension Specialists regularly travel throughout Missouriand occasionally to out-of-state locations. MU Extension requiresspecialists to have a valid Missouri driver’s license, a legallyoperating vehicle, and wireless telephone/data service forUniversity use. MU Extension specialists receive reimbursement forapproved travel expenses, per University of Missouri policy.
• MU Extension programs often occur outside of regular businesshours. MU Extension Specialists should expect to attend theseevents as needed to meet the needs of learners, clients, andstakeholders.

MU EXTENSION LEADERSHIP RECEIVED

The Senior Program Director for 4-H Youth Development providesoverall programmatic leadership. Programmatic supervision comesfrom the Assistant Director of Missouri 4-H (Education Director)for the Missouri 4-H and administrative oversight from the RegionalDirector.

MU EXTENSION INFORMATION

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension andEngagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives,communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, andresponsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Ourdedicated and knowledgeable specialists and staff collaborate withresearchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programsthat address the needs of Missourians, including educationalattainment, economic development, and healthy people. For moreinformation about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension.missouri.edu/.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is theFlagship University of the four-campus University of MissouriSystem. It is one of the state’s land-grant universities. MU’scomprehensive undergraduate and graduate, professional, andresearch programs attract an annual enrollment of more than 30,000students. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on allfour campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Qualifications

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

Candidates will be evaluated on:

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

Anticipated Hiring Range

This position offers a minimum starting salary of $58,000, with thefinal salary determined based on the candidate’s qualifications andexperience.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for thisposition.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of yourtotal compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefitspackage, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement,and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. Foradditional information on University benefits, please visit theFaculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director ofAccessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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