State Specialized Agent II–IV & Associate Program Leader - 4-H Youth Development

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is seeking an individual for a 12-month, 100% Extension appointment as a State Specialized Extension Agent II-IV, with an administrative appointment of 50% as an Associate Program Leader. This position provides operational leadership for Florida 4‑H and is responsible for ensuring that statewide priorities are implemented consistently and effectively. The role manages the day‑to‑day operations of the Florida 4‑H State Headquarters, supervises headquarters staff, coordinates statewide processes, and provides statewide leadership for youth workforce development and 4-H agent professional development. Working closely with the State 4‑H Program Leader, the Associate Program Leader focuses on operational leadership, implementation, coordination, organizational follow-through, and resolution of operational challenges across the statewide system. The position plays a key role in advancing Florida 4‑H’s mission to prepare youth to be Beyond Ready and in supporting the goal of reaching 300,000 youth statewide. This is a permanent status or permanent status accruing position for an Extension Agent II-IV, depending on eligibility. The position is located at the Florida 4-H State Headquarters in Gainesville, Florida.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in youth development, education, agricultural education, or a closely related field.
Candidates may be placed at State Specialized Agent II-IV based on experience and UF/IFAS Extension criteria.
Demonstrated experience providing statewide or multi‑county program leadership.
At least 5 years of land-grant university Extension or equivalent educational programming experience.
Proven ability to manage complex systems, workflows, and operational processes.
Strong written and verbal communication skills appropriate for statewide audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively with university faculty, Extension professionals, and external partners.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout the region to meet programming requirements.
Ability to travel statewide and work occasional evenings or weekends as required by programming.
Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Successful completion of a Level 2 DCF background check due to youth involvement.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in a relevant discipline related to youth development or Extension education.
Experience supervising personnel and coordinating cross‑functional teams.
Experience leading large‑scale youth development initiatives.
Demonstrated success in workforce readiness or career development programming for youth.
Experience designing professional development or onboarding programs.
Record of Extension scholarship appropriate for advanced faculty rank.
Familiarity with statewide Extension systems and organizational structures.

Responsibilities

Support day-to-day operations of the Florida 4-H State Headquarters.
Supervise headquarters staff, including oversight of work responsibilities, priorities, timelines, and follow through.
Ensure headquarters operations, communications, and administrative workflows effectively support statewide 4-H efforts and county faculty.
Coordinate administrative and operational support for statewide initiatives.
Coordinate organizational follow-through for operational processes, implementation efforts, and statewide projects, including tracking progress, supporting communication, and assisting with resolution of operational barriers.
Coordinate response and follow-through for operational questions, concerns, and implementation challenges directed to State 4-H Headquarters, ensuring timely communication, problem resolution, and referral as appropriate.
Design and oversee a multi-year onboarding and early career support program for new 4-H agents.
Establish statewide onboarding expectations, training structures, and professional development supports for new agents.
Coordinate onboarding implementation in partnership with State 4-H faculty and staff.
Provide operational guidance, coaching, and troubleshooting support as new agents navigate statewide systems, policies, procedures, and program expectations.
Support early identification and resolution of operational and implementation challenges affecting new agents.
Coordinate statewide screening processes for Florida 4-H hires, including scheduling, communication, and documentation.
Ensure screening processes are applied consistently and comply with UF/IFAS Extension and University of Florida requirements.
Work with UF/IFAS Extension administration and Human Resources to support efficient hiring processes.
Support statewide hiring efforts while recognizing that final hiring decisions and staffing priorities are made by the State 4-H Program Leader.
Co-lead statewide workforce readiness efforts for Florida 4-H (Priority Work Group 3).
Lead development and implementation of experiential, workforce-aligned youth programming that strengthens employability skills, leadership development, career readiness, and postsecondary preparation.
Develop workforce readiness resources and implementation strategies aligned with Florida workforce needs.
Support career exploration, career navigation, technical skill development, and work-based learning opportunities such as internships, mentoring, credentialing, and industry-connected experiences.
Build partnerships that expand workforce readiness opportunities and strengthen career pathways for youth.
Evaluate programs and use results to improve quality, effectiveness, and reach.
Secure grants and partnerships that expand Florida 4-H workforce readiness efforts.
Document and share effective practices that strengthen youth development and workforce readiness programming.
Contribute scholarly Extension products appropriate for promotion at the State Specialized Agent level.
Represent Florida 4-H in professional meetings and related settings as assigned.