The 4-H Youth Development Educator is the lead team member in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the 4-H and Youth Development education programming. Responsible for identifying and assessing educational program needs, developing program goals and objectives, and planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for youth and adults who work with youth, with emphasis on Livestock (Beef, Sheep, Swine), Poultry, Rabbits, Goats, Dog, Horse, Tractor and Farm Safety, Conservation Education, and Cloverbuds.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s Degree in Education, Animal Science, Public Relations, or related field (or) Master’s Degree in Management with Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
• 2 years volunteer or related work experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional methods as well as electronic technology.
• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience in effective supervision and management.
• Demonstrated experience with fund development, management, and grant writing.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
• Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and clientele groups.
• Ability to identify and make use of program resources within the community and to establish a leadership role within the community and association.
• Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
• Background or course work in leadership, management, research methodology, education, grant writing/management, non-profits, and/or Agricultural Economic Development.
• Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.
• Demonstrated ability to write effectively for a variety of materials including but not limited to: procedures, reports, and business letters.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and information and maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
• Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Assessment - 10%
• Assist in developing program needs assessment within scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work to ensure that program and strategic needs of the program and Association are being satisfied.
• Assist with assessing 4-H Youth Development needs for community club and independent members taking note of traditional as well as emerging opportunities.
• Use subject matter knowledge to assist with conducting youth, parent, leader, and community-based needs assessments.
• Assist with identifying program gaps and emerging needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.
Program Development - 20%
• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies to meet identified needs and diverse interests of participants and volunteers within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
• Utilize advisory committees to ensure that stakeholders are engaged in the program development process.
• Develop educational programs, materials, and activities to meet identified needs and to carry out program priorities and goals.
• Research, identify, and select appropriate educational and community resources and identify additional resources required for new programs and initiatives.
• Structure programs to meet the need of diverse program participants and meet changing local and/or regional issues.
• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
• Maintain linkages with Cornell faculty and other subject matter specialists for guidance in program development, particularly in agricultural, STEM, and afterschool program initiatives.
Program Delivery - 20%
• Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to create lessons plans and identify activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
• Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
• Deliver high quality 4-H Youth Development educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide 4-H Youth Development programming priorities.
• Provide leadership and assist in special projects including but not limited to 4-H Leader trainings, County and State Fair, 4-H Fundraising, enrollment campaign, Public Presentations, Workshops/Camps, and other Extension Association activities as assigned.
• Deliver volunteer training, including but not limited to presentations, workshops, seminars, conferences, individual consultations, electronic and digital media in support of program delivery.
• Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
• Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to 4-H newsletter, utilizing emails, phone messages, and website postings.
• Serve as subject matter expert in the area of Youth Development for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public and Youth Development professionals working within the county and the region.
• Assist in maintaining linkages with Cornell University subject matter specialists for program delivery guidance.
• Interact with program participants representing CCE in a professional manner at all times.
• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
Program Evaluation - 10%
• Develop program evaluation framework to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.
• Interact with program participants, advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, county, and community leaders to obtain evaluation data for programs.
• Analyze and interpret collected program data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings to Supervisor and/or constituents as appropriate.
• Recommend programmatic changes/improvements to strengthen and improve program offerings.
Applied Research - 5%
• Collaborate in the applied research process in conjunction with Cornell University faculty as identified and opportunities present to design or create applied research collection framework.
• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon as identified.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units to for guidance in applied research as appropriate.
• Ensure applied research is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Administrative Direction - 15%
• Determine program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents.
• Provide complex administrative tasks to support the planning of educational programs by interpreting Association and Cornell program direction.
• Develop educational strategies to meet the needs of youth enrolled in after-school programs, 4-H community clubs, and special interest groups; focusing on STEM, public speaking and leadership development, community engagement, dairy, other animal and non-animal project and expertise.
• Develop and plan effective strategic communication and marketing efforts to reach target audiences and meet program objectives through public relation initiatives including networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and community organizations.
• Plan promotion of public events and programs including, but not limited to, assisting with mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
• Assist with the development of staffing plans that support educational programming efforts.
• Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process, budget implementation and fiscal management of the Youth Development program area.
• Assist in identifying, developing, and securing community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
• Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program.
• May assist in the design of a system of ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.
Administrative Management - 10%
• Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
• Oversee the management of educational strategies to meet the needs of the identified objectives 4-H Youth Development program.
• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the 4-H Youth Development program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge-based.
• Supervise, manage, and direct the work of educators and staff in the delivery of appropriate, established educational programs to achieve program objectives and meet the needs of the target population.
• Provide continuous feedback, coaching, and performance management to Youth Development Program area educators and staff.
• Evaluate performance and conduct annual performance reviews of Youth Development area educators and staff.
• Effectively manage program budget allocations.
• Provide assistance with effective fiscal management and budget development to ensure expenditure of funds to ensure compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
• Monitor the program operating income and expenses to ensure the program is within budget. Seek guidance from the Executive Director for identifying and managing operating variances.
• Guide the implementation of communication strategies that relate to the 4-H Youth Development program.
• Serve as the primary staff contact for the County 4-H Fair and NYS Fair, which includes managing multiple educational events working collaboratively with the Fair Committee, and connecting with the general public to promote 4-H.
• Participate in 4-H volunteer recruitment and development in various venues throughout the county.
• Serve as staff liaison to Volunteers and Volunteer Leaders within the County as well as a variety of 4-H volunteer committees (Fair Committee, Leaders’ Association, Program Development Committees, etc.) and others as appropriate.
• Ensure volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures (VIP) by providing guidance, leadership and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.
Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%
• Provide administrative support for program design and for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established educational program goals.
• Maintain and prepare teaching materials necessary for 4-H Youth Development programs applying existing subject matter knowledge.
• Assist in coordinating the program implementation, planning and activities efforts.
• Collect evaluation and program needs assessment data from program participants based on existing framework.
• Represent the 4-H program and Association at community functions and meetings or as requested.
• Serve as the primary staff contact for the County 4-H Fair and NYS Fair, which includes coordinating marketing and promotion, facilitating fundraising efforts, working collaboratively with the Fair Committee, and connecting with the general public to promote 4-H.
• Submit appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.
• Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content.
• Coordinate marketing and promotion of 4-H Youth Development through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and other organizations.
• Utilize effective marketing and communication strategies in the promotion of Youth Development programming to include, but not limited to, print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts.
• Actively serve on appropriate regional, state, and national committees and task forces that support overall educational and organizational efforts of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.
• Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
• Initiate grant-writing and contract development activities in order to secure and/or maintain funding.
• Schedule, coordinate, facilitate and/or participate in project-related meetings, trainings and conference calls as required or as needed.
• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained.
• This position may require the transport of self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
• In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
• Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
• Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to local fairs, community activities, etc.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions
• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions
• Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, and Cornell Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
• At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.
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POSITION DETAILS
Full-time, non-exempt position, scheduled to work 40 hours per week.
Based from the Jamestown, NY office.
Onsite work required. Not eligible for remote or hybrid scheduling due to the nature of the work.
No Relocation or VISA sponsorship available.
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COMPENSATION and BENEFITS
$23.00 to $25.00 per hour based on knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities.
Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Vacation, Sick and Personal time
Paid Holidays
NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement
Long-term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
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APPLICATION DEADLINEReview of applications will begin immediately. Position may remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified.
Apply online by 11:59pm EST on February 20, 2025.
Contact Kimberly at wsbn-recruiter@cornell.edu with questions.
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HOW TO APPLY
Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows the system to pre-fill the application and saves you time.
To be considered all applicants are requested to:
(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application
(2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter
(2) Upload/attach a Resume
(4) Upload/attach contact information for 2 Professional References
READ THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS BELOW
External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate for additional guidance.
Internal Applicants (current employees working at this CCE office): Apply via Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.
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The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.
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No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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Job Title:
Association Subject Educator IIILevel:
003Pay Rate Type:
HourlyCompany:
Contract CollegeContact Name:
Kimberly AmeyCornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.