4-H Youth Development Extension Agent (Cabell County) - Division of Land-Grant Engagement

West Virginia University

About The Position

The WVU Extension Service is seeking a dynamic individual who will implement a comprehensive Extension program in 4-H and Youth Development (4-HYD). This is a county-based faculty position serving Cabell County and supporting Extension activity in the region. This twelve-month position carries the academic rank of Service Instructor or Service Assistant Professor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Either of the positions are full time, promotable, non-tenure track appointments. Major Responsibilities This position is primarily dedicated to serving the community, state, university, and the broader profession through the delivery and interpretation of vital educational information. Another key aspect of this service involves teaching citizens and empowering them with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to apply this information effectively. The position is responsible to the 4-HYD Program Director for all programmatic and administrative matters. In addition, this position serves as the County Program Coordinator (CPC) who coordinates the effort to provide the county's citizens with increased access to the programs of West Virginia University and West Virginia University Extension. As a part of our Extension team, the successful candidate will be expected to support programming in other areas of WVU Extension efforts including Family and Community Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources/Master Gardeners. The amount of time spent in specific program areas and/or in program components is determined in concert with the Unit Director, fellow faculty members, and will be based on identified county needs.

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 hire date.
Desirable areas of educational experience include education, youth or child development, Agriculture and Extension education, Organizational Leadership, or closely related field at the graduate or undergraduate level.
Training and experience in education, youth or child development, Agriculture and Extension education, or Organizational Leadership is highly desired
Demonstrated leadership and management skill through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
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.
Experience working with advisory committees and/or focus groups.

Nice To Haves

Documented experience in volunteer management, supervision, resource development, and team leadership is desirable.
Experience working with the media and web-based information delivery methods.
Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs including grant writing, fundraising, contracting or cost recovery efforts.
Experience in promoting, marketing or creating public awareness of program/services among key community decision makers.
Extension or similar work experience is preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts educational programs in their designated program area to help people more effectively interpret and use science-based findings.
Assumes responsibility for developing and executing a Plan of Work. The Plan of Work will include 4-HYD programming with the possibility to include Family and Community Development as well as Agriculture and Natural Resources programming appropriate for county needs.
Involves the Extension Service Committee and community stakeholders in appropriate program advisory committees to analyze the county situation, identify priority problems and develop and implement programs.
Uses the resources of the West Virginia University and the community to effectively implement county programs.
Identifies, recruits, and develops volunteer leadership to assists with the carrying out the program of work in the county.
Develops and uses appropriate systems for reporting program accomplishments.
Functions always as a professional educator.
Actively participates with Extension work teams to help focus and develop regional and statewide programs in designated program areas.
Faculty members are expected to engage in recruitment, retention and student success activities that promote access, education, training, experiences and career opportunities for young people that will lead to their future enrollment at WVU or other post-secondary institutions.
Develops an understanding of the county, the needs of its citizens and Extension's role in meeting those needs.
Understands the county situation in terms of social and economic factors.
Understands the role of County Extension Service in effecting changes in the county situation.
Continuously examines their role as a change agent.
Assesses the degree to which programs meet the needs of clients, induce positive change, improve performance, or measurably impact priority problems.
Participates in professional development activities that increase expertise in the discipline.
Demonstrates the ability to apply current knowledge to address specific priority problems.
Assesses the degree to which new knowledge moves the faculty and learner to decision making and action
Faculty members are expected to engage in recruitment, retention and student success activities that promote access, education, training, experiences and career opportunities for young people that will lead to their future enrollment at WVU or other post-secondary institutions.
Develop, market, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate non-credit educational programming in response to locally identified priority needs in 4-H and Youth Development and other Extension program areas as appropriate.
Establishes clear objectives and uses appropriate subject matter content and learning experiences to reach these objectives.
Designs and implements a variety of program delivery methods to reach target clientele.
Takes necessary action to ensure that sufficient groundwork is laid for programs to succeed.
Evaluates results, measures impact, and accounts to appropriate stakeholders for program accomplishments.
Uses the results of program evaluation to initiate changes in the implementation of the program.
Understands the philosophy of Extension and utilizes effective methodology in program delivery and evaluation.
Understands and conveys the philosophy, objectives and policies of WVUES
Assists in determining and obtaining resources needed to implement the Plan of Work.
Plans and provides the training needed to equip volunteer leaders to carry out the program.
Develops and maintains two-way communications with volunteer leaders.
Establishes and maintains rapport with personnel of the mass media and arranges for appropriate releases in the program area.
Understands and implements the provisions of EEO and ADA.