4H Extension Educator III - Auburn, MA (Hybrid Oppportunity)

Apply now Job no:521031
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: UMass Extension
Union: PSU
Categories:Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The 4-H Extension Educator for the central region, located in Auburn, MA, will provide programmatic leadership and management for the Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Programs. Develop and implement educational programs and resources for youth ages 5-18 while providing support and oversight for collaborating adult volunteers and partner organizations. Supervise training and management systems for volunteers, including those for subsidiary organizations and advisory bodies. Recruit and provide oversight for youth and adult participants and volunteers. The Educator is part of a team that coordinates activities, processes and functions with other 4-H educators and administrators across the state.

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

• Plan, deliver, manage and evaluate youth development programs consistent with the history and priorities of the 4-H Program in Massachusetts and nationally.
• Develop and maintain collaborative connections with existing and new stakeholders, communities and organizations, including previously unserved and underserved youth populations and target audiences.
• Routinely assess needs to understand and address local and regional issues related to positive youth development.
• Support and manage local and regional 4-H club system. Recruit youth participants. Recruit, screen, orient, train and manage volunteer club leaders.
• Provide guidance and oversight for 4-H advisory bodies, volunteer committees and other subsidiary groups.
• Serve as the primary linkage between local and regional stakeholders, the Massachusetts Statewide 4-H program, UMass Extension and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Ensure adherence to all relevant national, state and university policies to promote and preserve the health and safety of youth participants.
• Manage the Auburn office 4-H budget and supervise local and regional staff based in the Auburn 4-H office.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues from UMass Extension and the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment to support strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in youth development, psychology, education, communication or related field).
• Three (3) years of professional work experience in a youth-related organization that includes working directly with youth.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Ability to work independently, creatively and decisively. Ability to set priorities for individual and collective action and to operate effectively within a complex and fast-paced office environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of volunteers, faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with organizational goals; ability to obtain continuous feedback, identify and implement process and programmatic improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple and complex projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
• Experience and competency utilizing internet-based computers and software to achieve programmatic goals and for effective communications.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in youth development, psychology, education, communication or related field.
• Prior experience in adult educational programs or environments.
• Prior experiencing working with and managing volunteers.
• Prior experience working in higher education.
• Prior experience or familiarity with 4-H.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to maintain program of activities requiring frequent travel around region and state.

Additional Details

• This position is based in Auburn, Massachusetts.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm or as required to carry out program activities.  
• Some evenings, weekends and travel are required.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter, resume, diversity statement (see below) and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until filled.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to the application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities.  http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion . 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.