Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cooperative Extension Service at NMSU is actively recruiting for a 4H STEM Specialist. This is a tenure-track, 12-month appointment. The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service (CES) delivers practical, research-based knowledge and programs that improve New Mexicans’ quality of life through formal and non-formal education programs. 4-H is the youth outreach program of New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service. NMSU CES is seeking an innovative and dynamic individual to provide vision and leadership for developing statewide 4-H Youth Development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Extension education programs throughout New Mexico. The 4-H STEM Specialist is a faculty member in the 4-H and Youth Development Department in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science. The 4-H STEM Specialist is responsible for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the NMSU 4-H program, as they relate to working with youths, adult volunteers, and 4-H Extension educators through hands-on experiential and digital learning engagement.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. (awarded by hire date) in STEM discipline or closely related field of study.
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, including written and oral communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and with people of all ages, incomes, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and/or programs.
• Willingness to periodically work on weekends and beyond and outside of normal business hours.
• Travel, including overnight stays, within the state is a requirement.
• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• Transcript
• Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals, and objectives for this position (2-page maximum)

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability in program development, program evaluation and reporting outcomes, and have an appreciation and understanding of Extension and 4-H programs.
• Experience working with youth in urban and/or rural communities; possess a clear understanding of factors impacting participation in youth programs for both communities.
• Experience or coursework in youth development and be knowledgeable in the areas of formal and non-formal education.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and publish youth related curriculum.
• Experience writing, securing, and managing extramural funding and/or project management.
• Knowledge of social media, marketing, and promotion delivery methods to effectively amplify and communicate program activities and accomplishments.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence to enhance STEM education.

Responsibilities

• Provide state-wide direction in developing, implementing, and evaluating 4-H Youth Development STEM programming (e.g. robotics, drone technology, artificial intelligence and maker learning).
• Develop comprehensive research-based youth development curricula with a connection to STEM careers, school enrichment programs, train-the-trainer workshops, and programming resources in STEM topic areas with an emphasis on needs assessment, program design, program implementation, and program evaluation.
• Coordinate assigned New Mexico 4-H state events, contests, and awards; and communicate with participants, collaborators, and donors.
• Train and support county CES educators in 4-H STEM programming including recruiting and training volunteers to support programs and activities.
• Make contributions to the body of knowledge on STEM teaching and learning through peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations, Extension Fact Sheets or Publications, and other scholarly works.
• Annually pursue, secure, and manage resources (e.g. grants, contracts, external funding, and personnel) to support or implement 4-H STEM programs.
• Write a 5-year Plan of Work, develop annual goals and objectives, and report youth development program impacts and complete other reports as required on an annual basis.
• Collaborate with University-wide faculty and county CES educators to provide relevant curriculum, training, and program support for 4-H STEM programs, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure programs are relevant, welcoming, and accessible for all youth audiences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree