Extension County Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, Elbert County

Colorado State University•Kiowa, CO

5d•$53,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track Extension faculty position. Faculty rank is dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of Extension Faculty: educate, create, and connect. The person in this role divides time accordingly: educate 50%, create 30%, and connect 20%. Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and educational activities in the Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) and CSU Extension. The Elbert County 4-H Youth Development Specialist will provide leadership in the development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of youth development educational programming in Elbert County and assist neighboring counties as appropriate. Programming responsibilities may include support of 4-H projects in livestock, horse, shooting sports, STEM, natural resources, and general projects, along with volunteer development and leadership support. Final programmatic responsibilities will be determined by the education, experience, and strengths of the successful candidate. This individual works as a member of the Elbert County Extension team and as a local representative of Colorado State University. The position reports to the Elbert County Extension Director and works collaboratively with CSU Extension specialists, county staff, volunteers, advisory groups, schools, agricultural producers, and community organizations. The primary office location for this position is the Elbert County Extension Office in Kiowa, Colorado. The work schedule will vary, and evening and weekend work will be necessary. Periodic travel and occasional overnight stays are required. Hybrid work flexibility may be available while maintaining a consistent in-office presence to effectively support programming and community engagement.

Requirements

Completed bachelor’s degree.
Coursework and/or professional experience that demonstrates a broad understanding of positive youth development principles.
Three or more years of professional experience relevant to youth development, Extension programming, volunteer management, agriculture, or related educational programming.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Office of Engagement and Extension will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Nice To Haves

Completed master’s degree in Extension education, youth development, agricultural sciences, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience working with 4-H Youth Development programming, volunteers, and community-based educational initiatives.
Knowledge and experience related to livestock, horse, STEM, shooting sports, agriculture, natural resources, or related youth project areas.
Experience with budgetary accountability and securing external funding through grants, sponsorships, contracts, or fee-based programming.
Evidence of ability to develop relationships with colleagues, volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions, define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired outcomes.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, evaluate, and report impacts of non-credit educational programming for youth and adult audiences in Elbert County.
Provide leadership and support for county 4-H programming, including volunteer development, project support, youth leadership, and community engagement.
Collaborate with local government, schools, advisory groups, community organizations, and agricultural partners to identify needs and deliver educational programming.
Use technology, media resources, and innovative educational methods to increase access to Extension programs and information.
Identify and secure resources including grants, sponsorships, contracts, in-kind contributions, and cost recovery opportunities to support educational programming.
Participate in Extension work teams and collaborate with CSU faculty and Extension professionals to support statewide initiatives and information delivery.
Manage program funds and reporting requirements in compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and procedures.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with county commissioners, volunteers, community leaders, industry partners, and underserved audiences.
May supervise volunteers, temporary staff, and student employees associated with 4-H Youth Development programming.