Primitive Pursuits Program Coordinator

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Primitive Pursuits Program Coordinator serves as a member of the 4-H Youth Development Primitive Pursuits Program to assist with planning, development, implementation and evaluation of assigned afterschool, homeschool and school enrichment programs. The educator will be responsible for promoting program objectives and plans in all areas of 4-H Youth Development, to develop and deliver programs to meet established priorities of the Primitive Pursuits programs. This position will be the liaison to the community--creating, scheduling and implementing programs utilizing the Primitive Pursuits curriculums. Candidate should have a background in nature/environmental education and outdoor survival skills.

Requirements

Master’s Degree with experience relevant to the role of the position. Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years transferrable relevant, evidence-based research experience may substitute.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position (including frequent travel in Tompkins County).
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment with or without accommodation.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in English.
Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with schools, community and funding partners.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Background in Education, Human/Youth Development, Outdoor Education, Nature Based Learning or related area.
Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
Direct experience working with youth.
Experience writing/researching grant opportunities.
Knowledge of the geography, demographics, and unique needs of the county.
Experience in coordinating and working in an afterschool setting

Responsibilities

Program Development - 20% Apply subject matter knowledge to assist with developing educational strategies to meet identified program objectives and goals as well meet changing local and/or regional issues.
Assist with development of relevant youth educational programs, including nature-based learning to meet identified needs and diverse interests of participants.
Assist with developing educational programs, materials and activities to meet identified needs and to carry out program priorities and goals including establishing home school programs, teen programs and summer programs.
Assist Supervisor in research, identification and selection of existing resources and activities necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
Collaborate with supervisor on developing programs that join the school and community initiatives.
Assist supervisor in creation of program materials to address identified needs.
Assist supervisor in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local priorities.
Assist supervisor in structuring programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants.
Program Delivery - 55% Deliver high quality educational programs that address local, regional and statewide Youth Development programming priorities with emphasis on outdoor education, nature-based learning, summer camp and other programming initiatives as assigned.
Apply subject matter knowledge to assist Supervisor and Educators in the creation of lesson plans necessary to deliver educational programs in an afterschool and other program settings.
Assist teachers, other educators, and/or guest speakers with delivery of educational programs and activities, as needed.
Assist Supervisor and 4-H Issue Leader in collaborating with community agencies to establish outdoor education, nature-based learning and summer camp plans.
Assist Supervisors and 4-H Issue Leader in collaborating with municipalities, community-based organizations, worksites and/or schools to increase outdoor education, nature-based learning and summer camp experiences.
Communicate and cooperate with community leader and school personnel to foster intentional instruction and to address the needs and interests of participating youth via established program parameters.
Serve as a subject matter resource
Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to newsletters, utilizing emails, phone messages, and website postings.
Program Evaluation - 5% Assist in the creation of program evaluation framework.
Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data for effectiveness of programs.
Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
Assist in recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Direction - 5% Assist with establishing Association educational strategies to meet the needs of identified Youth Development and Primitive Pursuits objectives.
Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives
Assist with preparing funding proposals in order to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.
Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
Provide supervisor with program-related information to assist the budget development process.
Management - 5% Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise from programs, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the Association and is research based.
Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of work.
Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
Provide supervision to temporary camp staff (wilderness instructors) as needed.
Provide oversight and guidance to volunteers as needed.
Make recommendations to Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
Coordination/Operation - 5% Assist in coordinating program implementation, planning and activities efforts.
Maintain and prepare teaching materials necessary for programmatic efforts applying existing subject matter knowledge as necessary.
Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content.
Coordinate program enrollment process including maintaining the database, applications, forms, contact information, health records, etc.
Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and other organizations.
Provide required financial information to the supervisor to meet grant and budget requirements.
Participate in regular conference calls and attend Association and Primitive Pursuits meetings and trainings as requested and/or required for ongoing communication of the progress and evaluation of grant outcome measures and expectations.
Maintain effective working relationships with Cornell faculty, and administration, appropriate county departments, elected officials, local community leaders and organizations, keeping these individuals and groups informed of Extension’s goals, efforts and impacts.
Provide data and information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary.
Prepare and submit expense reports, mileage reports, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of participant information and data collected.
This position may require the transport of program self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5% In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to local fairs, community activities, etc.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety (Applies to all duties and functions): Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
EEO/EPO and Policy (Applies to all duties and functions): Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures and Cornell Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive and receptive manner.