4-H Youth Development Extension Agent - Club and Volunteer Development

West Virginia University•West Virginia, WV

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The WVU Extension Service is seeking a dynamic individual to provide statewide leadership for 4-H Club and Volunteer Development programs. This position will lead efforts related to 4-H club development, volunteer management, compliance, chartering, special interest programs, volunteer training, program evaluation, and resource development. The position serves youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and communities across West Virginia through educational programming, organizational development, and volunteer leadership initiatives. This is a statewide faculty position with the academic rank of Service Instructor or Service Assistant Professor, depending on the candidate's education level. It is a twelve-month, full-time, promotable, non-tenure-track appointment.

Requirements

For appointment at the Service Assistant Professor rank, the applicant must have a master’s degree.
For appointment at the Service Instructor rank, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree.
Candidates with a degree in progress may be considered for this position, but the degree must be conferred by the hire date.
Demonstrated leadership and management skills through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
Proficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management are required.

Nice To Haves

Current West Virginia University faculty members who are selected for this position may be eligible to transfer their existing rank and tenure status, as appropriate and subject to University policies and procedures.
Desirable areas of educational experience and training include youth development, Extension education, education, leadership studies, nonprofit management, community development, organizational leadership, public administration, agriculture, human services, or closely related fields.
Documented experience in volunteer management, organizational development, program coordination, resource development, supervision, and team leadership is desirable.
Experience working with advisory committees, focus groups, and volunteer organizations is desirable.
Experience developing and delivering volunteer training programs is desirable.
Experience working with the media and web-based information delivery methods is desirable.
Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs through grant writing, fundraising, sponsorship development, contracting, or cost recovery efforts.
Experience managing budgets, equipment inventories, and program resources.
Extension or similar outreach education experience.

Responsibilities

Provide statewide leadership for 4-H club and volunteer systems through educational programming, volunteer development, compliance oversight, partnership development, fiscal stewardship, and program evaluation.
Conduct educational programs in their designated program area to help people more effectively interpret and use science-based findings.
Assume responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating a statewide Plan of Work for 4-H Club and Volunteer Development programming.
Provide statewide leadership for 4-H club development, special interest programs, volunteer engagement, volunteer management systems, and organizational sustainability.
Lead and coordinate statewide, interstate, and international 4-H youth development initiatives that promote leadership, citizenship, cultural competency, and community engagement.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, volunteers, youth, and stakeholders to assess educational needs, identify priorities, and develop innovative educational opportunities that support statewide program goals.
Review, revise, develop, and disseminate educational resources, curricula, and support materials for 4-H clubs, special interest programs, volunteers, and Extension professionals.
Identify, recruit, train, support, and recognize volunteers who contribute to the successful delivery of 4-H club and special interest programming.
Provide leadership for volunteer growth, retention, succession planning, and recognition initiatives across the state.
Serve as the statewide leader for 4-H club chartering and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) processes, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
Support youth protection and volunteer vetting processes in collaboration with the WVU Extension Vetting Team and the Office of Volunteer Management, Compliance, and Development.
Plan, coordinate, and administer statewide contests, demonstrations, trainings, conferences, recognition events, and other program activities that advance positive youth development.
Develop and utilize effective systems for reporting program accomplishments, documenting outcomes, evaluating impacts, and demonstrating public value.
Secure financial resources through grants, fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.
Provide leadership and guidance regarding fiscal management, tax exemption policies, financial accountability, and best practices for 4-H clubs and affiliated groups.
Function at all times as a professional educator, maintaining high standards of teaching, scholarship, service, and stakeholder engagement.
Develop an understanding of the state, the needs of its citizens, and Extension’s role in meeting those needs.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of youth development, volunteer engagement, organizational development, and community leadership needs throughout West Virginia.
Serve as the statewide subject matter expert for 4-H club development, volunteer management, chartering, compliance, and special interest programs.
Continuously evaluate and refine their role as an educator, leader, and change agent in strengthening volunteer-led youth programming across the state.
Assess the degree to which programs meet the needs of youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and stakeholders while promoting meaningful learning and behavioral change.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of educational programs and organizational systems related to clubs, volunteers, and youth engagement.
Demonstrate the ability to apply current research, emerging trends, and best practices related to volunteer development, youth leadership, organizational management, and positive youth development.
Work collaboratively with county Extension offices, schools, community organizations, state and federal agencies, and regional and national partners to strengthen programming opportunities.
Serve as West Virginia’s liaison for regional and national initiatives related to 4-H clubs, volunteer development, and special interest programs.
Participate in professional development activities that enhance expertise in youth development, volunteer management, educational program delivery, and organizational leadership.
Provide mentorship and support to new Extension faculty and staff regarding effective club management, volunteer engagement, and program implementation.
Support youth recruitment, retention, and student success efforts by creating educational experiences, workforce development opportunities, leadership pathways, and career exploration activities that encourage future enrollment at WVU and other post-secondary institutions.
Conduct needs assessments and engage community partners to identify priorities, mobilize resources, and develop, coordinate, and deliver research-based educational programs that meet the needs of citizens and communities.
Develop, market, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate statewide educational programs focused on 4-H club development, volunteer leadership, organizational management, compliance, fiscal stewardship, and positive youth development.
Establish clear educational objectives and utilize appropriate research-based subject matter and educational resources to achieve program goals and desired outcomes.
Select, adapt, develop, and disseminate research-based curricula, training materials, and educational resources aligned with state and national 4-H priorities.
Design and implement a variety of educational delivery methods, including trainings, workshops, conferences, webinars, volunteer development programs, and outreach activities to serve diverse audiences.
Provide educational leadership and support to Extension professionals, volunteers, families, and community partners to ensure consistent and effective delivery of high-quality 4-H programming.
Develop volunteer training and professional development opportunities that strengthen program quality, safety, accountability, and sustainability.
Evaluate program effectiveness, measure participant outcomes and program impacts, and report accomplishments and public value to stakeholders and university leadership.
Uses evaluation findings, stakeholder feedback, and emerging research to continuously improve program quality, relevance, accessibility, and impact.
Understand the philosophy of Extension and utilize effective methodology in program delivery and evaluation.
Understand and convey the philosophy, objectives and policies of WVUES.
Assist in determining and obtaining resources needed to implement the Plan of Work.
Plan and provide the training needed to equip volunteer leaders to carry out the program.
Develop and maintain two-way communications with volunteer leaders.
Understand and implement the provisions of EEO and ADA.