Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development - STEM

Specific Responsibilities: This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities: 1.
Program Development a) Provide leadership in the planning, creation, implementation, and evaluation for youth and volunteers related to science, including, but not limited to: STEM, STEAM, 4-H STEM at camp, STEM trade career readiness and development, and agricultural technology programming that highlights the current trends and needs of North Dakota agriculture.
b) Provide leadership and support the Next Chapter program through building relationships, developing curriculum, and establishing connections for exploring career exploration pathways.
c) Disseminate educational initiatives through county, state, regional, and national networks.
d) Conduct needs assessments at the local and state level to drive programing priorities, critical needs.
e) Provide leadership and support for the 4-H STEM Program Planning Team.
f) Provide leadership for the State 4-H Engineering and Design Contest, which includes rules, yearly task assignment, and other related content and resources needed to support this educational experience.
g) Promote involvement of volunteers and provide leadership in volunteer training and management.
h) Communicate effectively with NDSU Extension professionals to facilitate support for and involvement in innovative opportunities in 4-H programming.
i) Encourage methods to increase involvement of diverse audiences in all arrears and aspects of the 4-H program.
j) Seek collaborative opportunities with colleagues, volunteers, teaching and research faculty, youth, community partners, and stakeholders.
k) Review and seek opportunities for external support through grants, contacts and special projects to determine appropriateness for the North Dakota 4-H program.
Build relationships for external support.
Write, manage and fulfill requirements for those secured.
Work collaboratively with other states and organizations.
l) Develop and sustain strong ties to leaders in the fields and disciplines that contribute to positive youth development and 4-H Science work conducted through cooperation and collaboration with collegiate departments, faculty, regional and national entities, and others who are potential resources for applied work.
In addition, this position will gain input from these experts to inform program priorities.
2.
Professional Expectations a) Remain relevant and current with research and Extension programing in youth development to enhance the capabilities of self and others b) Participate in professional development activities by participating and presenting at the state and national conferences and serving on state and multi-state committees as assigned by administration c) A productive and proactive team member of the state 4-H office.
d) Candidates must be self-directed with minimal supervision and work flexible and extended hours.
e) Candidates should be an active learner to keep relevant with new teaching strategies, developing technology, advances in professional development, and up to date with related research.
f) Use the Program Evaluation and Reporting System (PEARS) to write state action plans, impact statements, quarterly reports, impact outcomes, and other reporting and evaluation tools.
g) Be a resource for county-based Extension professionals, volunteers, partners, and clientele.
h) Ability to lift and carry 10-40 pounds occasionally.
3.
Administrative Duties a) Communicate regularly with administration, coworkers and others on relevant 4-H programming and personnel issues.
b) Follow and support related NDSU, NDSU Extension, and 4-H policies and procedures.
c) Promote the principles of Equal Opportunities in Employment and Programs and embrace and facilitate diversity in all activities Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.
m.
to 5 p.
m.
This is a full-time, 12-month non-tenure track position within NDSU Extension, entailing occasional evening and weekend commitments without accruing overtime.
Statewide travel is required.
Overnight trips will also be required on occasion for meeting, activities, training, and professional development.
Situated within the Department of Youth Development, Family, and Agricultural Education (YDFAE), this role operates under the supervision of the 4-H Youth Development Associate Director.
The office is conveniently situated on the NDSU campus in Fargo, specifically in the Family Life Science building, room 219.
Advertised Salary: 65K to 85K – to commensurate with experience Minimum Qualifications: · An earned master's degree with coursework in a discipline or program related to science, education or related field of study.
· Experience in teaching (formal or non-formal) and positively interacting with and managing youth and adults.
· Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to collaborate and work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.
· Demonstrated personal/interpersonal skills, including effective oral and written communication skills, to teach and interact effectively with a variety of audiences including youth, Extension staff, faculty and stakeholders.
· Evidence of ability to effectively use established and emerging technologies as it relates to science education and youth development programming.
· Ability to work with minimal supervision, including prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
· Possess a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications Earned Ph.
D.
in a closely related field.
Five or more years of professional experience in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs for youth and adults.
Basic understanding of the Cooperative Extension System and the land-grant university.
Experience using organizational and logistical skills, with attention to detail, to lead, organize, implement, manage, market and evaluate youth-focused and or adult educational programs related to STEM topics.
Demonstrated success in writing and securing grants with the ability to fulfill grant deliverables.
Successful experience working with land-grant university Extension programs.
Applied scholarly interest in experiential and inquiry based education.
Record of successful partnerships at community, state and/or national levels.
Experience in program planning and event management.
Applicant Materials Required: Cover letter including how you meet any or all minimum and preferred qualifications Resume Teaching philosophy Unofficial transcripts Include 3 professional references in reference section of application Screening will begin 2/8/24 Benefits NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire.
Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay.
Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university.
We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border.
Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle.
The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.
D.
C.
C.
§ 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Diversity Statement NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university.
We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another.
NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation.
Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran’s Preference Notice This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.
hr@ndsu.
edu.
Land Acknowledgement We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands.
We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations.
We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.
(see www.
ndsu.
edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).