Sanilac County Extension 4-H Program Coordinator

MSU Careers Details • Sandusky, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is seeking a Sanilac County 4-H Program Coordinator to provide leadership and oversight for the growth and management of local 4-H programs, volunteers, and youth participants. This role, within the Children & Youth Institute (CYI), involves recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, identifying opportunities for program expansion and evaluation, and promoting the visibility of 4-H. The coordinator will build partnerships to deliver programs in schools and community groups, with a focus on reaching youth in Sanilac County through various delivery methods including clubs, after-school programs, and mentoring. The position requires conducting needs assessments, leading local 4-H groups in financial management, and expanding Extension programs to unreached populations. Communication with supervisors and leadership regarding program progress and reporting is essential. Professional development will be provided to enhance skills in volunteer screening, youth development, and program management. The role requires representing MSU Extension in a manner that reflects collegial connection, university research, and goodwill. A flexible work environment may be available, with an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County office. This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in program development and management in 4-H or other youth development program.
• Volunteer management and experience supervising volunteers or of others.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques reflecting an understanding of social, cultural, and varied economic backgrounds and perspectives of the target population served.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work, record keeping, reporting, and team-based communications.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel is required.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Combination of education and specific, relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Non-formal education teaching experience.
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain partnerships across audiences reflective of varied backgrounds and perspectives and/or communities.
• Prior experience performing work in support of external contract and/or grant requirements.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, select, and train volunteers for the local 4-H Youth Development Program, ensuring adherence to the MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process.
• Identify opportunities for program promotion, expansion, and evaluation.
• Promote the visibility of 4-H and strengthen public understanding of 4-H and MSU Extension programs.
• Build new partnerships to deliver programs within schools and community groups, with a focus on reaching youth in Sanilac County.
• Ensure youth and volunteer audiences are reached through established and newly developed programs, providing leadership to these groups through 4-H clubs, after-school programs, youth mentoring, etc.
• Provide information and opportunities for learning through technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops, and individual contacts.
• Conduct some direct programming with youth, but focus on developing partnerships and program expansion.
• Conduct formal and/or informal needs assessments to drive strategies for program topics and delivery methods.
• Lead and advise local 4-H groups in managing funds to support 4-H youth work and conduct financial management training.
• Initiate efforts to expand Extension programs to the unreached, including limited resource families, youth, minorities, and the disabled.
• Plan, organize, and implement youth development programs relevant to the needs of residents in Sanilac County.
• Communicate information about implemented and existing 4-H programs and activities to supervisors and leadership.
• Work collaboratively with other local 4-H staff to prepare and submit county 4-H youth development program plans, annual reports, and other necessary reports.
• Train 4-H volunteers to reach and involve youth, adults, and families with non-formal “learning by doing” experiences.
• Attend and act in an advisory capacity at 4-H Leaders’ Council and other program committee meetings, leading volunteers and members in coordination of county-wide projects and ensuring policy adherence.
• Provide leadership to local volunteer management, ensuring metrics are achieved annually for identification, recruitment, selection, training, and assistance of volunteers.
• Operate independently, ensuring program delivery follows established guidelines and meets goals for reaching desired numbers of youth locally and statewide.
• Use program development and advisory committees and conduct needs assessments in conjunction with local program partners to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate youth development programs.
• Provide leadership, management, and oversight of all county-based financial resources related to 4-H programs.
• Support the Children and Youth Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with an emphasis on removing barriers to participation and reaching diverse populations.

Benefits

• Professional development to help build skills and knowledge related to volunteer screening and management, youth development, and program management.
• Space available to work from the Sanilac County MSU Extension office.
• Eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, with an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County office.

What This Job Offers

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