PAY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The position is part of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals based at the Sussex County Extension Office, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Extension Agent will provide primary leadership in the development, implementation and the evaluation of a comprehensive program for 4-H Youth Development in Sussex County, Delaware and serve as a member of the statewide 4-H Youth Development team.

Cooperative Extension is an informal, educational, and nationwide network that combines the expertise and resources of federal, state and local governments to improve people’s lives. For over a century, the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension has made a difference in the First State by providing quality educational programming to individuals and communities, based on university research, and aimed at meeting the expressed needs of our constituents. The outreach arm of the USDA and the American land grant university system, Cooperative Extension takes programming to the people with programming that includes food safety; nutrition; diet and health; water quality; 4-H and youth development; sustainable agriculture; horticulture, natural resources and environmental management; leadership and volunteer development; and personal safety on the road, in the home, on the farm, and much more.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate, plan, implement and evaluate the 4-H afterschool programs at various sites in Sussex County, which operate both during the school year as well as during the summer. This includes but is not limited to planning the curriculum, providing daily supervision of afterschool staff, daily programming, maintaining the budget, ensuring the safety of program participants and ensuring the site operates in accordance with Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) guidelines.
• Recruit, train and supervise staff and volunteers at the 4-H afterschool program.
• Conduct county 4-H volunteer development training while providing support and evaluation of the program.
• Assist staff in getting a Delaware First Certificate that is required by OCCL.
• Liaison with funding agencies, prepare all reports as required by the respective contracts, and prepare any documents required
• Develop, prepare, and distribute program information and promotional materials through traditional and technology methods via a timely monthly newsletter, county website, written guidelines and press releases; develop a working relationship with the media to market the 4-H program and volunteer opportunities.
• Implement, as possible, county and state 4-H programs and grant funded projects at afterschool sites.
• Assist in the conduct of affirmative action policy/equal opportunity programs to insure equal access to all extension programs.
• Train the staff to be in compliance with all affirmative action and civil rights guidelines and ensure that all potential participants have equal access to programs.
• Responsible for providing county 4-H program data required to assist in completing county, state and national reporting.
• Maintain and improve professional competence through formal and non-formal courses and conferences as well as other professional development opportunities.
• Assist with the Tech Wizards Program in Sussex County - budget, training, and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and four years’ experience in Extension teaching, research or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in human/youth development, education, agriculture, or other closely related field.
• Extension experience preferred.
• Experience in youth development, especially in 4-H youth development preferred.
• Ability to work with and lead other individuals in issue programming.
• Ability to plan, develop and evaluate programs.
• Ability to recruit, train, manage and support staff to provide a high quality 4-H afterschool program.
• Knowledge of Extension and adult education methods preferred.
• Effective communication, public relations and interpersonal skills.
• Successful record of forming strong working relationships with wide range of constituencies and diverse communities.
• Proficient computer skills including word processing, web transfer of information, use of latest equipment and software for presentations; working knowledge of social media (Twitter & Facebook), WordPress and Adobe Connect are desired.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Nights and weekend work required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a comprehensive background investigation including fingerprints/criminal history, which indicates the individual is suitable for employment and is in compliance with applicable federal and /or state regulations.
• Must be able to obtain School-Age Administrator Certificate from Department of Education/Delaware First.
• Must be able to pass an adult health appraisal. First Aid/CPR certification is desirable.