Website link here: https://www.wsujobs.com/postings/50505

Summary of Duties

This position provides oversight and leadership, including volunteer management, for Extension work in the 4-H Youth Development Program of Thurston County. This position is also responsible for community outreach efforts and efforts serving youth outside of the 4-H club system. This oversight includes the development and implementation of programs and activities within the policies and procedures of WSU Extension, and specifically, 4-H programming under the direction of the 4-H County Faculty and the State 4-H Associate Director.

Additional Information

In cooperation with the 4-H Faculty, provide leadership to Thurston County 4-H volunteers.

Ensure all volunteers receive consistent screening and orientation to the 4-H program, effective placement and regular evaluation, opportunities for continuing educational skill development and ongoing recognition and support to ensure high quality youth development programming for targeted audiences.

Handle complaints and grievances in a timely and consistent manner following 4-H conflict management guidelines, and in cooperation with appropriate faculty, staff, and volunteers.

Annually update county procedures and volunteer training to be compliant with the most recent WSU and 4-H policies.

Oversee the 4-H enrollment of members and volunteers through 4HOnline.

Assist volunteers in completing reports and enrollments in a timely manner and in compliance with the university, county, state and federal requirements.

Support effective systems and processes in 4-H advisory groups. Manage and support relationships between and with 4-H volunteers and advisory board members and Extension staff.

Based on the current and emerging youth development needs of the community, develop, organize, and facilitate the overall implementation and evaluation of the 4-H Youth Development program on behalf of Washington State University Thurston County Extension so that trained volunteers are able to effectively implement best practices for positive youth development.

Develop or adapt, promote, and facilitate 4-H Youth Development educational programs, curricula, activities, and presentations for the 4-H Program, with some emphases in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), adventure education, nutrition, and educational efforts consistent with the overall mission mandates of the 4-H Youth Development Program.

Manage and oversee educational materials related to conducting WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development programming in Thurston County, including curriculum and essential resources, following prescribed WSU 4-H Policies and Procedures.

Enhance and strengthen outreach to under-served audiences, with particular focus on the region’s ethnic and racial minorities, and tribal members.

In coordination with the 4-H Faculty, supervise, train, and support volunteers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth activities, programs, and competitions.

Ensure safety and effective risk management practices are followed by volunteers at 4-H events and activities through proper training and support.

Work to enhance youth programming efforts outside of the traditional 4-H club model including school enrichment and adventure education.

Oversee the development and execution of risk management plans for programs, day camps, and residential camps.

Establish, maintain, and enhance positive working relationships and utilize effective communication skills with relevant local, state, and federal agencies; Thurston County government officials and decision makers; outside partners and collaborators; regional youth development organizations; 4-H volunteers, participants, families and Leaders’ Council; and WSU and County Extension faculty and staff.

Develop and maintain professional relationships with 4-H youth development colleagues and affiliations at the regional and state level, enhance opportunities and resources at the county level, and meet local project objectives.

Independently originate communications pieces (e.g., displays, newsletters, presentations, social media sites) to promote participation and opportunities for 4-H youth and volunteers.

Provide information for clientele related to 4-H policies and mission mandates.

Serve as a link to Extension resources by using appropriate research-based information from WSU or other land- grant institutions.

Ensure complaints and grievances are handled in a timely and consistent manner with appropriate faculty, staff, and volunteers included in various stages as needed.

Collaborate with the 4-H Faculty to nurture financial growth of the program by seeking/acquiring outside funding or partnerships. Partnerships should expand opportunities for existing 4-H youth and volunteers, broaden the 4-H audience, and have positive impact on the community.

Provide leadership and support related to contract management.

Perform other activities and duties including, but not limited to annual planning and required reporting and attending relevant events and meetings.

Collaborate with 4-H Faculty to collect, synthesize, and analyze data for program development and improvement.

Evaluate and document activities and report impacts to WSU, county government, and stakeholders.

Maintain knowledge of Washington State University Extension program, procedures and policies.

Participate in 4-H Professional Development activities including monthly Washington 4-H monthly meet ups.

Maintain professional competencies in subject matter, educational methods, and societal conditions related to 4-H youth development.

Be an advocate for WSU and Extension in the community. Contribute to an accurate, consistent, and positive message about Extension to funding partners, participants, and the wider community to help ensure program success.

Perform other duties as assigned.

View the Benefits overview for information regarding competitive benefits available.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant extension program discipline and two (2) years of related program experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Additional Requirements

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; demonstrated work experience using these programs.

While using a private vehicle for official business, the successful candidate must have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW 46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090) and possess a valid driver’s license.

Ability to work flexible work hours that include frequent evenings and weekends.

Ability to work year around in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

Competency in using electronic communication methods and equipment for extension education and daily work activities.

Must successfully pass a background check