Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Pontiac, IL

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities. This role involves coordinating educational activities, identifying priority needs, evaluating program effectiveness, and providing leadership to volunteers, 4-H members, and their families. The position also focuses on volunteer recruitment and training, marketing and networking to expand program reach, and fulfilling organizational duties. Key responsibilities include coordinating the planning of educational activities in collaboration with the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist, identifying critical priority needs for 4-H youth programs (including under-served audiences), and conducting program evaluations. The coordinator will serve as the primary contact for volunteers, 4-H members, and their families, providing leadership for local 4-H Clubs and the Expansion and Review Committee. Administrative tasks include maintaining records in 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry, disseminating educational information, and submitting monthly reports. Volunteer management involves recruiting, screening, selecting, and orienting adult volunteers, coordinating training, and maintaining regular contact. Marketing efforts include developing and implementing a plan to recruit volunteers and youth, utilizing various promotion methods, and networking with community organizations. Organizational duties encompass participating in professional development, attending staff meetings, and complying with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies, as well as University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED
Any one or any combination that equals four (4) years/ 48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
College coursework in any field of study
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement youth-focused educational programs.
Working knowledge of youth development topics such as career readiness, leadership, health, volunteer management, natural resources, creative arts, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, present, and engage youth audiences in educational settings.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist.
Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Extension 4-H youth programs, including under-served youth audiences.
Conduct evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendation for continuation or discontinuation of the program.
Provide leadership, as primary contact, to volunteers, 4-H members and their families in support of local 4-H Clubs and their activities.
Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
Works with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.
Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
Maintain required records and data.
Provides monthly reports to the County Extension Director.
Recruit, screen and select adult 4-H volunteers.
Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the 4-H programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
Coordinate volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities, to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.
Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for 4-H opportunities.
Utilize a variety of promotion methods including, personal contacts, social media and printed materials.
Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
Participates in professional development opportunities.
Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
Complies with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
Performs other related duties as assigned.