4-H Extension Educator III - Youth Development Teen Programs Specialist

Title: 4-H Extension Educator III: Youth Development Teen Programs Specialist

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: UMass Extension

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Hybrid

Job Summary

The UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Teen Programs Specialist is responsible for the statewide development and the strategic and operational direction of all teen programs for the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The position is an integral part of the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development State Leadership team and is supervised by the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Director. The position will provide all Massachusetts 4-H teen programs with programmatic leadership which includes the specification of goals and objectives, program design and implementation, curriculum design, delivery methods, and evaluation procedures. This position works directly with teens, parents, and volunteers within a diverse network of urban, suburban, and rural schools and community partners throughout the Commonwealth. The position manages the risk associated with working with youth ages 12-18, community partners, and volunteers. The position will have opportunities to conduct applied research, and scholarly and creative activities as appropriate.

Essential Functions

Provide complex statewide leadership for the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Teen Programs and maintain overall responsibility for all teen programs including, National 4-H Trips, Explore UMass, Teen Ambassadors, Urban Teen Ambassadors, and the Teens as Teachers program.

Lead and coordinate operational and risk management activities associated with UMass Extension 4-H youth overnight programs and national travel experiences, working collaboratively with the UMass Extension 4-H Program Director. Exercise a high level of independent judgment in planning for participant safety, managing complex or emergent situations, overseeing compliance with youth protection standards, and providing on-site leadership and emergency response support during programs, trips, and events.

Provide leadership in collaboration with the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development State Team and CAFE leadership to evaluate and strengthen policies, advance risk management strategies, and support the effective administration and continuous improvement of statewide program operations.

Supervise, train, and support a team of statewide teens and community partners as part of the Teens as Teachers and Teen Ambassador programs. Ensure all Teens as Teachers and Teen Ambassador participants are trained in Positive Youth Development program delivery practices.

Develop, implement, and evaluate the 4-H Teen Programs curriculum, delivery modes, partnerships.

Manage all fiscal compliance, volunteer screening and incident report management for 4-H Teen programs.

Organize and teach youth education and adult training sessions for the broader Extension and 4-H organization related to best practices for working with youth and positive youth development.

Responsible for management of the UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Teen Program trust account and program budget. Seek continued funding support for the program through collaboration with community organizations.

Plan and conduct applied research and/or scholarly or creative activity as appropriate and collaborate in the development and writing of grant proposals. Work with other 4-H and UMass Amherst staff in collaborative programming.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

MA/MS in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or another related field, and three (3) years of professional experience in education settings with a focus on positive youth development OR a BA/BS in Education, Psychology, Sociology, or another related field, and five to seven (5-7) years of professional experience in an education setting with a focus on positive youth development.

Ability to maintain a diverse schedule of local, regional, and statewide activities not restricted by access to public or private transportation.

Knowledge and demonstrated ability to implement 4-H positive youth development theories and programs.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Teams and other computer-based programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and group process skills; demonstrated ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts and with diverse groups of people.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple initiatives, and set priorities for a multifaceted program.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 28

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.