Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional Extension Educator with a passion for positive youth development to help implement the local 4-H program as part of the Montgomery County team as well as support the statewide program.  4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through non-formal settings, such as 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs. Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches, and mentors. This position is based at Penn State Extension, Montgomery County, Collegeville, PA. 

The individual in this position serves as a representative of The Pennsylvania State University in delivering a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program across a wide range of 4-H curriculum areas. This includes maintaining and expanding existing local 4-H club programs, supervising programs delivered by program assistants and volunteers, building community collaborations and partnerships, developing a revenue enhancement portfolio, and creating a professional development plan.  

Major responsibilities include:  

• Implement educational programs, materials, and activities as part of the overall efforts of the Pennsylvania 4-H program and the identified needs of the local county.  

• Recruit, screen, train, and support adult volunteers.  

• Provide leadership for efforts that reach urban and rural populations. This could include local food production and promotion, broadening connections between urban and rural agriculture, strengthening economic development through education to help youth and adults with job training, community engagement, leadership development, addressing food insecurity, and meeting the needs of first-generation 4-H families and those not previously served by Extension. 

• Effectively, work with the County 4-H Program Development Committee to plan the local program, including a fundraising strategy.  

• Provide effective communication to volunteers, youth, and parents to ensure a quality experience. 

• Foster relationships and develop partnerships with other youth-serving groups, schools, or organizations.  

• Coordinate registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held in other counties, across the state, or out of state.  

• Implement program evaluation, documentation, and reporting.  

• Provide administrative oversight to 4-H volunteers, youth, and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.  

• Manage funds raised in the name of 4-H at the club and county levels.  

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.  

Required Qualifications:

• Candidate should possess teaching, program development, and evaluation skills, and demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public.

• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of equity, respect, and belonging.

• The candidate must be able to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation.

• Candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, nutrition, community development, leadership, or a closely related field, and with 4-H experience.