Job Description

PAY GRADE: 31E

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.  The Extension Specialist I position primarily provides leadership and coordination of adult volunteers within the Extension program developing policies and procedures for volunteer recruitment, retention and risk management.  In addition, the Extension Specialist I 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: 

• Develop, implement and review statewide policies, procedures and professional development opportunities related to recruiting, training, and sustaining Extension adult and teen volunteers. Assist in ongoing efforts to recruit new 4-H volunteers.
• Work with 4-H Program Leader and CANR Communications manager to identify and develop state-wide communication platforms to promote 4-H programs.
• Provide leadership to marketing and enhancing Delaware 4-H Youth Development and Extension volunteer experiences to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate, manage and update volunteer screening process and provide leadership for risk management and youth protection issues as they affect Delaware Cooperative Extension.
• Provide leadership to the three statewide overnight camp sessions held each June at Camp Barnes.
• Develop and provide ongoing training opportunities for 4-H volunteers throughout the year.
• Provide advice and counsel to Cooperative Extension staff and 4-H volunteers regarding University of Delaware policies and procedures. 
• Provide leadership in development of the annual Delaware State 4-H Leaders' Forum, State 4-H State Teen Conference, and 4-H State Camp. 
• Provide assistance to 4-H online enrollment system process to ensure accurate and dependable input of information. 
• Craft and provide fiscal budgets for managed 4-H programs including State 4-H Leader Forum, State 4-H Teen Conference, and 4-H State Camp 
• Ensure compliance with appropriate civil rights and affirmative action laws as they relate to 4-H volunteers, 4-H clubs and other volunteer-based Extension outreach programs.
• 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.
• Provide leadership to volunteer recognition programs including, but not limited to, National 4-H Salute to Excellence and National 4-H Hall of Fame.
• Develop and provide evaluation on coordinated Delaware 4-H programs on an annual basis or as necessary. 
• Comply with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master's degree and four years’ related experience, or PhD two years of related experience.
• Teaching, research, educational or public outreach 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 develop and prepare grant proposals for funding of educational programs and applied research projects.
• 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 grant-funded Extension programs.
• 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.

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