Extension Agent (Assistant, Associate, or Full), 4-H

North Carolina State University•Raleigh, NC

36d•Onsite

About The Position

The 4-H Extension Agent is a member of the field faculty of North Carolina State University and a professional educator. The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of North Carolina Cooperative Extension. The individual in this position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school based 4-H programs. The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Watauga County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional youth development program, meeting the relevant needs of youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive life-skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live, and give them access to high-quality, experiential programming to build life skills. This specific position will be continuing to re-establish a 4-H program in a county that was without a 4-H agent for some time. The county seeks a motivated and organized applicant who will embrace the challenges and rewards of creating a county youth program that is still developing. The most immediate interest among community constituents is building opportunities for youth in the areas of agriculture (livestock showing/judging) & trades training.

Requirements

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.
Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
Ability to work and interact with and have respect for all participants.
Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources
Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office).
Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
Ability to travel and work after-hours and weekends as needed (may be seasonally extensive).
Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.
Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training and youth programs.
Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required.
Valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained

Nice To Haves

Master's degree from an accredited university in a field related to child and youth development, education or a combination of education and work that would prepare someone for this role.
Experience planning programs and working across a wide variety of communities.
Experience working effectively as a team member.
Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.
Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.
Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders to extend youth programming to the broadest audience possible.
Experience writing grants in support of programs.

Responsibilities

Be responsible for assuring that the principles of positive youth development are being utilized across the program to help youth identify and develop their passion and life skills.
Be responsible for forming relationships in the county that lead to recruiting, training, managing, and rewarding the volunteer leaders who will guide 4-H clubs, assist with the planning and coordination of events and activities, and generally support and promote the 4-H agent and program.
Raise funds in support of youth participation in local, district, state and national events and activities. Fundraising in support of volunteer development and management is also expected.
Manage a county-wide 4-H advisory council that will help identify programmatic needs, support programmatic efforts, and champion 4-H in the local community.
Develop a marketing/recruiting program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to drive inclusivity and desired programmatic impact.
Be responsible for program administration: maintaining accurate records, assuring that the program is in compliance with local, state, and national regulations - to include but not be limited to the NC State University Programming with Minors regulations, general financial management, and county 4-H club accounts, charters, as well as USDA-NIFA and IRS compliance.