4-H Program Coordinator - Millbrook, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

About The Position

The 4-H Youth Leadership & Workforce Development Program Coordinator serves on the Dutchess County 4-H Youth Leadership & Workforce Development team, coordinating and supporting educational programs, activities, and events. The position emphasizes volunteer coordination, 4-H clubs and membership, afterschool programs, Flourishing Farmers, and related programming. The coordinator uses existing resources and materials, assists with educational program delivery, and collaborates with administrative and finance staff. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt, and requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends. Compensation is $22.00 per hour. The coordinator delivers and supports programs for youth ages 5–19, including club, SPIN club, in-school enrichment, and afterschool programming. The role also supports volunteer recruitment and management, program communications and promotion, enrollment and registration, event logistics, records and reporting, and coordination of County, Regional, and State Fair activities. The position includes transporting youth, staff, and materials when needed, maintaining constituent communications, and collaborating across the association. The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in a related field; an associate’s degree plus two years of relevant transferable program experience is also acceptable. Candidates need organizational, communication, interpersonal, technology, and event-planning skills, the ability to collaborate with diverse audiences, and the ability to meet travel requirements. Coursework or experience in education, agriculture, youth development, volunteer coordination, and related areas is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in a related field; alternatively, an associate’s degree and two years of relevant transferable program experience.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish effective systems and plan and manage events.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, visually, and through technology and educational tools.
Ability and willingness to use and manage social media platforms to communicate and promote programs.
Demonstrated ability to produce and distribute program marketing materials in print, social media, and other relevant formats.
Ability to follow procedures and written instructions, work independently, and participate effectively in professional teams.
Ability and willingness to collaborate with diverse audiences and create inclusive spaces.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with varied groups of people.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
Ability to prioritize and organize work responsibilities in coordination with the immediate supervisor.
Integrity, sound professional judgment, and ability to oversee confidential and sensitive information.
Proficiency with Windows-based software, internet, and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel; aptitude and willingness to learn software such as Canva, Google Suite, and Adobe.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in formal or nonformal education, agriculture, organizational systems, and/or youth development.
Experience with Cooperative Extension or similar educational organizations.
Experience directing and collaborating with volunteers.
Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
Ability to identify and use program resources within the organization and community.
Spanish speaking ability, background, and/or training in other languages.

Responsibilities

Deliver existing 4-H Youth Leadership & Workforce Development educational programs, events, and activities for youth ages 5–19 through club, SPIN club, in-school enrichment, afterschool, and other models.
Assist the 4-H Program Manager with planning and running events and programs that involve volunteer recruitment and coordination, including public presentations, fairs, Ag. Literacy Week, officer training, fundraising events, and short programs.
Use varied educational methods, including direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning.
Serve as a resource on positive youth development strategies and volunteer involvement.
Engage with participants, parents, stakeholders, and volunteers professionally, and foster program acceptance while considering diverse audiences and needs.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) professionally before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, and other land-grant universities.
Provide input to the supervisor and volunteers on program delivery, goals, and budget planning.
Support volunteer recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Support volunteers and 4-H members in meeting administrative and program deadlines and policies; monitor program content for alignment with policies, objectives, and research-based practices.
Help identify cost reductions and maximize existing resources; address program-related problems and conflicts using appropriate procedures and supervisor guidance.
Coordinate volunteer leaders, members, families, and participants, including annual enrollment, registration, marketing, communications, training, and paperwork.
Coordinate, inventory, organize, and prepare materials, equipment, and reference materials for 4-H activities.
Coordinate registration, setup, and resources for County, Regional, and State programs and events and other extension activities.
Support County and State Fair activities, including judge enlistment, animal-show scheduling, and volunteer staffing and coordination.
Schedule program spaces and physically set up spaces for training and educational programs.
Collect, prepare, and maintain paperwork, participant files, and databases as required.
Collect participant needs and evaluation data and contribute to required reports by established deadlines.
Transport youth participants, staff, and program materials as needed in association or personal vehicles.
Prepare teaching materials for 4-H programs and volunteers using existing subject-matter knowledge and positive youth development research.
Maintain communication with constituents and the community through newsletters, email, technology, internet, phone messages, social media, and website content.
Promote 4-H through networking, outreach, and volunteer recruitment; provide information for reports, impact statements, and success stories.
Serve as a point of contact for prospective families, 4-H volunteers, and participants in the county.
Prepare and submit expense reports.
Support the association’s shared vision and mission, and collaborate with administrative and finance staff to support 4-H programs and association operations.
Provide backup support to the association and other program areas as needed.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the Program Manager and/or Executive Director.
Participate in staff meetings, report expenses promptly, collaborate with staff, market Extension programs, and perform other assigned duties.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable regulations and policies, prevent accidents and injuries, and report hazards.
Maintain professional and respectful interactions, support outreach to diverse audiences, follow association policies and procedures, and perform assigned duties accurately and on time.