Job DescriptionThe 4-H Youth Development Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension will provide educational leadership for 4-H Youth Development programming in Somerset County. 4-H is a non-formal, experiential education program for youth, and adults working with those youth, to develop life skills necessary to be self-directing, productive and contributing members of society. Volunteer management will be a priority for this position, working with 4-H volunteers and the 4-H Leaders Association to foster an open, educational environment to promote the learning and growth of 4-H youth. In partnership with other Extension staff in the region, this position will develop and provide educational programs and resources that address the needs of youth in Somerset County, supporting a multidisciplinary approach to youth development. A priority will be to strengthen the 4-H programs in Somerset County through school, afterschool and community engagement. This position will coordinate and oversee the planning and logistics for national trips, including Citizen Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference, and National 4-H Congress, ensuring a seamless experience for Maine 4-H delegates. Typical hiring range for this position is $43,775 to $45,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.Job DescriptionAbout the University:The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.About Cooperative Extension: Cooperative Extension is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years, Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities - in every corner of Maine. These educational efforts focus on the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus.Qualifications:Required:
- Bachelor's degree or the equivalent years of experience.
- Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and inspire 4-H youth and volunteers, fostering a positive and educational environment.
- Excellent Communication Skills: Proficiency in effectively communicating with youth, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
- Volunteer Management Expertise: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, and working collaboratively with organizations like the 4-H Leaders Association.
- Program Development and Implementation: Ability to design, develop, and deliver educational programs that address the needs of youth in Somerset County.
- Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple tasks, including planning and overseeing logistics for national trips and local programming.
- Community Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adjust strategies and plans to meet the evolving needs of the program and its participants.
- Team Collaboration: Skills in working effectively with other Extension staff and community partners to achieve common goals.
- Technology: Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software.
- Ability to travel both in and out-of-state, usually requiring a valid driver's license.
- Ability to occasionally lift 30 to 50 pounds.
Preferred:
- Experience in Youth Development: Background in working with youth in educational or recreational settings, ideally within a 4-H or similar program.
- Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, or a related field.
- Event Planning Experience: Familiarity with coordinating and managing logistics for large events and trips.
- Cultural Competence: Ability to engage with a diverse group of youth and community members, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Innovative approaches to overcoming challenges and enhancing program delivery.
- Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experience in securing funding and resources to support program initiatives.
- Knowledge of 4-H Programs: Familiarity with the 4-H program structure and its impact on youth development.
Other Information: To be considered for this position you will need to Apply and upload the documentation listed below:1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position2.) a resume/curriculum vitaeCandidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.For full consideration, materials must be submitted by November 2, 2024.The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 Boudreau Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.###.####, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).Clery Act The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University's crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University's current campus security policies. You may view the University's Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.###.####.