Extension Educator, 4-H Volunteer Systems Director

Working Title:Extension Educator, 4-H Volunteer Systems Director

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623) or Associate Extension Professor (9622)

Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus or Regional Offices in Andover, Crookston, Farmington, Grand Rapids, Mankato, Marshall, Moorhead, Morris, Rochester, St. Cloud, Willmar, or Worthington; Hybrid flexible work options available

Salary range: Estimated starting annual salary range, $70,000 - $80,000; Depending on qualifications

Apply By: June 2, 2024

About the position:

This position leads Volunteer Systems for the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development program. This position ensures that Minnesota 4-H has effective recruitment, screening, retention, orientation, training, and recognition systems in place to build and strengthen a diverse volunteer base across the state. This position works with regional Extension educators to ensure that each local 4-H program has strong Volunteer Systems in place to support youth programming.

This position also leads Extension professionals in developing educational programming that builds the knowledge, skills and competency of volunteers to effectively create high quality, culturally responsive learning environments for youth programs. This role uses data, research-based methods and best practices in the fields of adult learning, youth development, volunteerism, and educational design and development to inform, build and strengthen educational programming for adults and statewide Volunteer Systems and contribute to the field with scholarship. This position also builds the capacity of staff to lead and manage effective Volunteer Systems that support the delivery of quality youth programs.

This position will report to the Director of Operations and Systems, Department of Youth Development.

Responsibilities:

4-H Volunteer Systems Leadership 70%

• Lead a statewide strategic planning process to grow, diversify and improve sustainable local, regional and state Volunteer Systems.
• Work collaboratively with educators and volunteers to lead the implementation of the strategic plan at local, regional and state levels.
• Develop and oversee budgets to move Volunteer Systems goals and strategies forward; including collaborating with University of Minnesota Extension Development team to seek donors to support volunteerism.
• Evaluate and report on programmatic impacts and accomplishments to relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Develop and lead a communications plan in collaboration with the communications specialist to inform, teach and support volunteers in their roles. Communicate the value of Volunteer Systems to stakeholders.
• Provide volunteerism expertise to educators, volunteers, and partners by developing and adapting educational materials, tools, training, and resources that represent rigorous research, cutting edge and diverse viewpoints, and culturally responsive and respectful approaches.
• Lead the review and revision of the statewide training plan that includes the design and delivery of the Minnesota 4-H volunteer orientation and training program that builds the knowledge, skills and competencies of volunteers to effectively create high quality, culturally responsive learning environment youth programs.
• Assess staff development needs relating to volunteer leadership and systems management. Engage others in design, development and delivery of online training, cohort learning experiences and face to face workshops for Extension educators who have volunteer leadership and systems management as a significant aspect of their work responsibility.
• Develop and deliver training on volunteerism to other Minnesota youth workers.
• Lead and manage statewide volunteer recognition opportunities.
• Develop, regulate, evaluate and recommend improvements to policies and procedures that affect volunteerism in ways that assure efficiencies while preserving the integrity of the program.
• Ensure volunteer compliance with the Safety of Minors, volunteer screening, risk management policies, and the volunteer Code of Conduct. Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to complex volunteer performance issues.

Scholarship - 15%

• Partner with the youth development evaluation team to design and implement program evaluation and distribute results in collaboration with the communication team
• Participate in scholarship activities which will enhance and advance Volunteer Systems in Extension (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, educational materials, popular press articles, technical reports, white papers, web resources).
• Share findings through educational blogs, podcasts, conferences and professional conferences.

Engagement and Service (15%)

• Build partnerships with businesses, academic institutions, UMN departments, community organizations and agencies, professional associations, retirement organizations, and alumni groups to strengthen and expand the volunteer base.
• Work in partnership with other Department of Youth Development teams to ensure Volunteer Systems are effective.
• Serve on state, multi-state and national Extension work groups to advance Volunteer Systems and the field.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

1. This position will be classified as either Assistant Extension Professor (job code 9623) or Associate Extension Professor (job code 9622).
2. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
3. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
4. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Working-U-M
5. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
6. Minimum starting salary is $70,000 - $80,000 and will be negotiated at time of offer. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Required Qualifications:

• A completed Master’s degree at the time of appointment in youth development, education, public administration, human development or related field.
• Record of leadership, teaching and scholarship related to Volunteer Systems and volunteerism.
• Skill in the application of data and research to design, develop and deliver adult education.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and support productive work teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with new, diverse and underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen and grow volunteer-led programs in partnership with individuals, organizations, and communities representing new, diverse, and underserved audiences
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least three years post-master's degree professional experience in volunteer leadership, youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Experience developing and implementing policies and practices.
• Demonstrated success with continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated skills addressing controversial issues and conflict.
• Skill in conducting and utilizing scholarly research in the area of expertise.
• Skill in securing and managing financial resources.
• Skills in the application of technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting.

ABOUT EXTENSION

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter
• Resume/Vitae
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
  • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

John Murray, Evaluation Specialist, and search chair, murr0328@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.