Cornell Cooperative Extension of Essex County

Position Description

 

Working Title:                                    4-H Youth Development Educator

Classification Title:                            Extension Resource Educator

Supervisor's Classification Title:      4-H Youth Development and Nutrition Program Team Coordinator

 

Primary Role and Accountability

            Responsible to develop, plan, implement and evaluate in-depth educational programs in the area of 4-H Youth Development for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Essex County. This also includes: program management, program delivery, marketing, evaluation, volunteer development and support, fund development, and continuing professional improvement

            This position will: work with the executive director, Youth Development and Nutrition Program Team Coordinator and staff to provide quality 4-H Youth Development programs. They will be the primary contact for development and support of the 4-H Club programs and for countywide programs to develop leadership potential of youth and volunteers.

            They will represent the Association before the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University.

 

Program Development, Management and Coordination Accountabilities (45%)

  • Identify and structure contemporary, innovative, issued based programs that address local needs and consider the diversity of the community through work with issue committees, advisory groups, program participants and supervisor.
  • Utilize Cornell program resources and recommendations, and coordinate activities in addressing clientele needs and selecting program materials.
  • Involve volunteers and youth leaders in program management and selection.
  • Serve as staff resource contact person for club organization and management, volunteer and leadership development and 4-H leadership and citizenship development.
  • Network and collaborate with appropriate agencies, organizations and community leaders to enhance relationships in support of programming.
  • Interact with program participants, issue and volunteer committees, county and community leaders to obtain their input and evaluations of programs.
  • Provide a volunteer development system to identify and recruit volunteers provide orientation, instruction and leadership development to enable them to better serve the 4-H youth development program.
  • Cooperate with and assist the work of the Advantage Afterschool program coordinator.  Especially with regard to volunteer participation and club development.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

 

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery Accountabilities (40%)

  • Plan the delivery of innovative short and long-range programs, events and activities within the 4-H Club program including animal programs (esp. horse, dairy, and dog), based upon association priorities outlined in the plan of work.
  • Provide support to networks of volunteers as a means of extending programming efforts including recruiting, training, on-going development and recognition of 4-H volunteer leaders for club organization and project implementation.
  • Coordinate and lead 4-H Youth Development events, trips and activities as consistent with the plan of work and Cornell Cooperative Extension mission including but not limited to County Fair, State Fair, leadership and citizenship trips such as 4-H Capital Days, Public Presentations and others in support of subject matter areas.
  • Assist with fund raising activities of Leader Association.
  • Participate in and utilize media efforts including radio, newspapers and television to enhance and support program.
  • Participate as a team member in multi-county and regional program efforts.
  • Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate 4-H school program for youth in kindergarten through twelfth grades such as Environmental Field Days, Incubation & Embryology, and others as identified.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate 4-H programs such as Horse, Shooting Sports, Safety, Science and Technology, and others as identified.

 

Research and Program Evaluation Accountabilities (5%)

  • Conduct evaluations of major programs including but not limited to Environmental Field Days, Public Presentations, club development and County Fair and adopt suggested changes to keep programs current and relevant.
  • Prepare timely reports on program process and accomplishments for local, state and federal use.

 

Administrative Management Accountabilities (Finance, Budget) (5%)

  • Work with bookkeeper to track Leader Association projects, regional Dairy Camp, Horse Camp and other projects as needed. 
  • Track revenues and expenses within 4-H program areas in order to stay within budgeted expense guidelines.
  • Provide input to the supervisor and association committees in preparing and submitting proposals for additional funding.  Seek proposals for outside funding sources.
  • Keep records of events and meetings including ES 237, attendance, activity, evaluation, and ideas for improvement next year.

 

Professional Improvement (5%)

  • In cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address change in programming and association priorities.
  • Participate in in-service education relevant to assigned program responsibilities.

 

EEO/EPO Accountabilities

  • Ensure the program reaches out to diverse audiences.
  • Embrace and appreciate diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
  • Follow the Cornell Cooperative Extension policies regarding equality in employment and opportunity.

 

Contacts (level of interaction and outcomes)

  • Attend issue committee and outside stakeholder or agency meetings to stay abreast and ascertain changes and needs relevant to the 4-H Youth Development program.
  • Represent the association on statewide or regional Program Work Teams to ensure connections that will enable increased capabilities to address local and regional efforts and priorities. 

 

Reporting Relationships and Type of Supervision Received/Given

  • Reports to and is supervised by Youth Development and Nutrition Program Team Coordinator
  • Supervises the work of volunteers and others as directed
  • Work with Afterschool, 4-H assistant, administrative and financial staff to communicate program needs and ensure smooth implementation of projects

 

Degree and Experience Pre-requisites

  • Masters degree with subject matter in animal science, education, management, communication, human services or other appropriate and relevant area.
  • Experience relevant to the role of the position.
  • Coursework in education

 

Competencies

Necessary:

  • Requirement to pass our background check for eligibility to work with youth.
  • Requirement to meet the travel demands of the position. This includes acceptance and maintenance of our insurance company’s approval for driving.
  • Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
  • Experience in 4-H Youth Development programming
  • Ability to work as a team player in a professional setting and to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders and clientele groups.
  • Ability to relate to a diverse audience and recognize individual differences and the value of diversity.
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement, conduct and evaluate informal educational programs
  • Demonstrated initiative, reliability and dependability.
  • Ability to effectively communicate through a variety of oral, written and visual channels.
  • Ability to implement Cornell Staff Skills for Success

 

 

Desirable:

  • Horse and animal management background.
  • Knowledge of the county needs and the services provided by other agencies related to the issue areas of programming.
  • Knowledge of Cooperative Extension and 4-H youth and education philosophy, teaching methods and curriculum development.
  • Experience as a volunteer.

 

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 1/25/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

 

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#452, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.

 

 

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.cce.cornell.edu