State Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development

Joe; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public land-grant university in Baltimore seeks an Extension Specialist to lead the State 4-H Engineering and Technology program. This tenure-track position involves developing statewide educational programs, collaborating with colleagues, and securing funding. Candidates should have a Master's degree, substantial experience in youth development, and a strong ability to lead and communicate effectively. Experience with diverse groups and knowledge of grant management are preferred. The role may require evening and weekend hours, as well as travel within the state.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in youth development and teaching.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Experience with youth groups and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide engineering and technology programs.
• Develop collaborations with other departments.
• Secure grants and funding to support programs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Youth program development

Collaboration

Research skills

Education

Master's degree

Ph.D. in relevant field (preferred)

Job description

Description of Unit

University of Maryland is a land‑grant institution with a three‑part mission of teaching, research, and outreach. The campus is located in College Park, Maryland. University of Maryland Extension (UME) reaches all parts of Maryland with an office in every county and Baltimore City. Maryland 4‑H is the youth development program of the land grant system. This position will be responsible for the State 4‑H Engineering and Technology program.

The Maryland 4‑H Youth Development Program provides a supportive setting for youth to reach their fullest potential. Children learn beneficial cognitive and life skills through community‑focused, research‑based, experiential educational programs. High quality science, civic engagement, and healthy living programs are delivered through clubs, after school and school programs, camps, fairs and other community partners through county and city‑based Educators and volunteers. Youth development professionals and volunteers support youth thriving through nurturing sparks, promoting high quality experiences, and cultivating positive relationships within communities.

To learn more about the 4‑H Youth Development Program, visit: https://extension.umd.edu/programs/4hyouth-development

Purpose of the Position

UME is seeking an Extension Specialist responsible for organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating statewide educational programs for youth, families and communities. The rank is parallel to the rank of Assistant Professor. The Educator would 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 be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the state. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a time frame defined.

This position reports directly to the Maryland 4‑H Program Leader.

Responsibilities

• Support the Extension network by coordination of 4‑H engineering and technology programs, processes, and curricular systems.
• Coordinate statewide engineering and technology program support including incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as academic pathways and career readiness particularly aligned with 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 concert with County Educators and volunteers in the area of engineering and technology in areas aligning with the 4‑H national priorities around science, health and civic engagement.
• Conduct needs assessments, outreach and marketing to reach broad audiences with broad and varying audiences to support UME’s land‑grant mission.
• Secure grants and extramural funding to develop and conduct creative, intellectual activities that are validated by peers and communicated with colleagues. Serve on state, regional and national committees, serve on department, college and university committees.
• Develop collaborations with other campus colleges and Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) departments.
• Provide leadership for committees, professional organizations and special assignments on the state and national level.
• Promote positive public relations with stakeholders and the community.
• Increase resources through grants, local funding sources, collaborative and other funding proposals to support and expand 4‑H youth development programs.
• Supervision may include full and part‑time program administration staff, as appropriate, and as determined by the 4‑H Program Leader in accordance with UME mission requirements.
• Coordinate programmatic direction in concert with faculty and staff.
• Perform teaching, scholarship and service requirements of a faculty member of the University of Maryland. This is a tenure track position requiring documented accomplishments in the areas of research, teaching, and service on an annual basis. Mandatory tenure review will occur following department Appointment, Promotion and Tenure (APT) timelines.

Qualifications

Minimum –

• Master’s degree is required.
• Seven to 10 years post undergraduate experience is required in youth development field of study as well as teaching with demonstrable evidence of understanding engineering and technology principles, and the ability to coordinate volunteer lead support groups in the 4‑H field of study.
• Successful candidate must demonstrate leadership and management abilities, with evidence of being able to effectively communicate with a broad range of peers and clientele.
• Evidence of excellent research and teaching skills.
• Experience working with broad youth groups and volunteers.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.
• Demonstrated successful state, regional and national partnerships in support of youth.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, with some evenings and weekends, and to travel around state, region, and occasionally the nation.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred –

• Preferred education emphasis is in youth or child development, education, life science or related field or a similar degree emphasis in undergraduate work.
• Ph.D. preferred
• Broader Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skill sets.
• Experience in volunteer development, youth development, program management, and grant writing and management.
• Knowledge of the educational program development process and utilization of logic models to work toward meaningful outcomes while addressing youth focused issues.
• Extension or similar work experience preferred, with the 4‑H youth development program.
• Experience in distance and virtual education strategies.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships and community‑based partnerships
• Successful engagement with limited resource and underserved audiences.

Physical Demands of the Position

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Nature of the Position: This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio‑economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Physical Demands: A routine part of this position’s responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Set‑up and tear‑down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Environmental: Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at certain times of the year, especially during the time of State Fair, 4‑H residential or day camps and youth recreation activities. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual Acuity: Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.