PAY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Cooperative Extension is an outreach branch of the University. For over a century Cooperative Extension educational and research programs connect the public with university knowledge, research, and resources to address the needs of youth, family, community and agricultural communities. Cooperative Extension works in the areas of agronomic and vegetable crop production; farm and youth safety; 4-H/ youth at risk; health and well-being. These programs are aimed at improving the quality of life through the transfer of research-based information to the program participants. Extension also works with a large group of diverse volunteers to enhance educational programming and reach.

Delaware 4-H Youth Development is the largest youth development program in the State of Delaware with more than 36,000 youths in grades K-12 involved in 4-H experiences, led by over 2,000 volunteers. Under the leadership of the 4-H Program Leader, the Extension Agent II position primarily provides coordination of adult volunteers within the 4-H program and implements policies and procedures for volunteer recruitment, retention and risk management. In addition, the Extension Agent II works as part of a larger state 4-H staff delivering programs statewide to youth through 4-H life skills, curriculum and enrichment experiences.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and implement statewide policies, procedures and professional development opportunities related to recruiting, training, and sustaining adult and teen volunteers.
• Assist in ongoing efforts to recruit new 4-H volunteers.
• Work with 4-H Program Leader and CANR Communications Director to identify state-wide communication platforms to promote 4-H programs.
• Coordinate marketing efforts to enhance Delaware 4-H Youth Development volunteer experiences to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate the volunteer screening process.
• Responsible for implementing 4-H youth protection policy and managing risk mitigation strategies.
• Responsible for the planning, implementation, and budgeting of several major 4-H Youth Development and Volunteer Programs throughout the year. Key programs include: Camp Barnes Overnight Program, State 4-H Leaders Forum, State 4-H Teen Conference, 4-H State Camp
• Coordinate volunteer recognition initiatives, including National 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards and 4-H Hall of Fame.
• Develop and provide ongoing training opportunities for 4-H volunteers throughout the year.
• Provide assistance with the 4-H online enrollment system process to ensure accurate and dependable input of information.
• Coordinate compliance with appropriate civil rights and affirmative action laws.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to build core competencies in the areas of marketing, risk management and training for Extension staff and volunteers.
• Under the supervision of the State 4-H Program leader, engage in fund development and external funding opportunities for the 4-H Youth Development program and opportunities to collaborate with extension partners.
• Develop and provide evaluation on coordinated Delaware 4-H programs on an annual basis or as necessary. Provide program planning and evaluation as required by Extension’s Plan of Work. Submit timely program impacts within the appropriate planning and reporting system.
• Comply with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree and four years of experience in Extension teaching, research, public outreach or related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and excellence with marketing and conducting formal and informal educational outreach programs with adults and teens.
• Experience with planning, conducting and evaluating youth development educational programs.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals in a variety of settings.
• Ability to communicate with individuals of diverse backgrounds ranging from academia to the general public.
• Ability to integrate applied research, demonstrations or programs for statewide and regional situations.
• Effective oral and written communications skills.
• Effective interpersonal, teamwork, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficient computing skills.
• Experience managing volunteers and staff.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Valid driver's license and access to private reliable means of transportation.