Extension Educator, Senior/4-H Program Leader - UW Extension

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Leader provides strategic leadership for the University of Wyoming Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. This role involves providing strong management and leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of the UW Extension 4-H program, ensuring it is grounded in current research and aligned with USDA and University of Wyoming priorities. The leader will also provide guidance, coordination, and communication with the state-wide extension and volunteer network to ensure positive 4-H youth development program delivery. Reporting to the Associate Director, this position includes performance evaluation responsibilities for 4-H and Youth Development Educators and associated County relationships, as well as supporting new Educators through onboarding, defining expectations, and training. The role collaborates with UW Extension’s administrative leadership in various areas to build strategic partnerships and develop programs aimed at improving the quality of life for Wyoming youth and families. Additionally, the Program Leader will partner with the Director of Extension and administrative teams to understand local programs, needs, and resources, and develop relationships with stakeholders at state and national levels to advance youth development priorities. This includes managing day-to-day operations and providing visionary leadership for the State 4-H Support Office staff. The Program Leader will also manage the department budget, assist in securing additional funds through grants and contracts, and provide guidance to the 4-H Foundation. A key aspect of this role is creating an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.

Requirements

• Master's degree and 5 years of related experience to the mission of Cooperative Extension and positive youth development.
• Experience working with local county/district 4-H management, including volunteers and local leadership.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 4-H projects and delivery of 4-H educational values and content.
• Demonstrated experience in program, budgetary, and personnel management.
• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence and experience in leadership and development, delivery, and evaluation of youth development programs and ability to facilitate effective teamwork and collaboration.
• An academic record of scholarly accomplishment.
• A vision of future extension needs and the ability to communicate with information users on these matters, including demonstrated knowledge on innovative use of emerging digital technologies as educational tools.
• Commitment to expanding and fostering access & engagement in program reach for positive 4-H youth development.
• Outstanding performance record in previous employment and demonstrated commitment to Extension philosophy and mission.
• Demonstrated decision making and judgement skills to make timely, informed decisions considering facts, goals, constraints, risks, and confidentiality factors.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Earned doctorate is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong management and leadership for the development, delivery, and evaluation of UW Extension 4-H program, ensuring that program is grounded in current research, and aligned with USDA and University of Wyoming priorities.
• Provide leadership, management, guidance, coordination, and communication with the state-wide extension and volunteer network with purpose to ensure positive 4-H youth development program delivery.
• Report to Associate Director with 4-H and Youth Development oversight and performance evaluation responsibilities for 4-H and Youth Development Educators and associated County relationships.
• Support new Educators through onboarding, defining expectations, and training.
• Works closely with UW Extension’s administrative leadership in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Vitality and Health, and Cent$ible Nutrition Program to build strategic partnerships and develop programs designed to improve the quality of life of Wyoming youth and families.
• Partner with the Director of Extension, UW Extension Administrative Team, as well as state and county-based 4-H personnel, to gain an understanding of local programs, needs, and resources.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with stakeholders and organizations at the state and national levels to advance UW Extension’s youth development priorities; and lead UW Extension 4-H efforts in the wider context of 4-H programming at the national level, including collaboration and communication with other 4-H professionals throughout the land-grant university system.
• Manage day-to-day operations and provide supervision and visionary leadership for the State 4-H Support Office (Volunteer Specialist, Livestock Specialist, Events Coordinator, Shooting Sports Coordinator, Foundation Director, PYD Specialist, and Office Associate).
• In coordination with UW Extension Leadership, manage the department budget and assist in initiating, encouraging, and coordinating activities to secure additional funds through grants, contracts, and fees to support and expand programs in youth development and support financial management best practices and compliance.
• Maintain and build upon a working relationship with UW Extension Leadership to provide guidance to the 4-H Foundation to ensure fundraising efforts are appropriately aligned with programmatic needs.
• Create an environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.
• Coordinates and communicates the 4-H youth development accountability reporting to USDA.

Benefits

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 15.19% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.93%, totaling 19.12% toward your retirement plan.
• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs.
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth.
• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior