Youth Program Associate

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement's distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit The University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development provides leadership and expertise with developing communities of young people across Missouri who are learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H is publicly supported by county, state, and federal partners, as well as private resources to enrich the learning experiences of both youth and adults. For more information about 4-H, visit http://4h.missouri.edu This position will assist in the planning, management, and support of 4-H Youth Development programs in assigned geographic area, under the guidance and supervision of the 4-H Youth Development Specialist/Educator. ESSENTIAL DUTIES - Advocate for positive youth development in the community and MU Extension. - Build and expand external local partnerships to grow the 4-H program in the county, including but not limited to Schools, Community Centers, and other Youth serving organizations. - Build and expand internal partnerships to grow the 4-H program in the county, including partnerships among other UM Colleges and Missouri Extension programs: Agriculture & Environment, Business and Community, Health and Human Science. - Assist with coordination and planning, management, marketing, implementing (including teaching) and evaluation (including reporting) of researched based curriculum that has an emphasis on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as other career exploration topics. Including curriculums offered face to face activities and online. - Build capacity amongst volunteers and community partners, fostering developmental relationships to contribute to program growth. - Engage and empower volunteers and community partners to effectively implement 4-H programs across all delivery modes. - Develop leadership capacity among youth. - Assist in the management of financial and in-kind resources. - Coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, camps, and programs utilizing a positive youth development approach. - Contribute to the statewide effort to impact the lives of all Missourians positively including promotion of state and national events and contests. - Report accomplishments and impacts to appropriate sources including supervisor, funders, and stakeholders. - Assist with record keeping and report preparation of 4-H Youth Development Programs. - Ensure that individuals in the county can participate in extension programs. - Participate in training and professional development opportunities for continued in knowledge, skills, and abilities as it is related to the 4-H Youth Development program. - Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities. - As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension. LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Administrative supervision is received from the assigned Field Specialist/Educator in 4-H Youth Development. This position is not responsible for supervision. CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION STAFF - Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate civility and respect for all. - Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills. - Operate with minimal guidance and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments. - Ensure all youth and adults in the county have an ability to participate in extension programs which offer a safe environment. Minimum Qualifications An Associate's Degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and some experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary Preferred Qualifications A minimum of six hours in one or more of the domains of the 4-H Professional, Research, Knowledge and Competency Taxonomy (PRKC) for youth development. Domains are youth and adult development, learning strategies and education, organizational systems and resource management, community partnerships and volunteerism. Experience in group work that involved direct care and interaction with children, such as YMCA, day care, schools, recreational facilities etc. may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the stated education. ** ** Individual must be self-motivated, be willing to take initiative and have the ability to work with minimum supervision.