Position Summary

Position Description

The Assistant Director and Program Leader of 4-H Youth Development for the University of Maryland Extension provides statewide leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs and faculty. The incumbent is administratively responsible to the UME Associate Director for addressing the mission and goals of 4-H Youth Development programs while aligning 4-H priorities with those of UME and AGNR. Duties include identifying issues and opportunities that align with organizational priorities and working with faculty and partners to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address the statewide needs of consumers, residents, agencies, organizations, industries, and communities in these areas.

Nationally, 4-H youth development aims to support thriving youth and communities. Maryland 4-H Youth Development programming is conducted to address 6 priority areas in Maryland: 1) Building Community and Civic Engagement, 2) Developing Leadership Skills for Life, 3) Nurturing Social Empowerment and Resilience, 4) Improving College and Workforce Readiness, 5) Fostering Exploration and Creativity in Arts and Science, and 6) Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Self-Acceptance.

Responsibilities include:

  • Secure funding and support faculty in acquiring and managing extramural funds for enhancing 4-H programs from diverse funding sources.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and coaching for faculty, including planning, implementing, and evaluating programs.
  • Provide leadership to faculty in long-range planning, writing, reporting, professional development and grant management.
  • Provide leadership in developing and maintaining effective teamwork among state and county/city faculty, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
  • Mentor faculty to set clear expectations for Extension programming, scholarship, and service, providing opportunities for success while instilling confidence and pride.
  • Conduct annual program and faculty evaluations, including the review of Individual Extension Plans and performance evaluations.
  • Personnel supervision and evaluation of Maryland 4-H state staff (including Maryland 4-H Foundation and Maryland 4-H Environmental Education & Camping Center staff).
  • Provide annual reports to Associate Director/Associate Dean for various reporting requirements, including the Federal reporting on Extension programs and impacts.
  • Work collaboratively with UME Program Leaders, departments, and others, in developing collaborative and interdisciplinary programs, events, and activities.
  • Collaborate with the evaluation team to ensure an effective plan and process for 4-H youth development program evaluation and applied research efforts.
  • Serve as an active and collaborative member of the UME administrative team, with a diverse portfolio of duties as assigned, including contributions to leadership meetings, strategic planning, programming, and training.
  • Provide vision and leadership to expand enrollment in all areas of the state with particular attention to underserved youth in 4-H programs.
  • Participate in recruitment and hiring faculty and staff in Extension vacancies.
  • Provide fiscal oversight and management of the 4-H operations and programming budget, including the 4-H Environmental and Camping Center.
  • Supervise MD 4-H Foundation staff who manages all grants funded by the National 4-H Council cooperatively with the Maryland 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.
  • Provide oversight of statewide policies, procedures, and risk management efforts.

Required Qualifications

Education: Candidates must have an earned doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) and must be able to be tenured in a department as a Professor or tenured in Extension as a Principal Agent or equivalent rank. At least one graduate degree, preferably a doctorate, must be in youth development, education, and/or social science-related areas. Experience: Applicants should have significant leadership experience, preferably with 4-H Youth Development programs within land-grant systems, and be recognized within a field of specialization. A demonstrated understanding and application of the Land Grant mission and relevant administrative experience is desired. Evidence of excellence in leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and human resources management skills. Demonstrated ability to motivate, lead and supervise faculty and staff both programmatically and administratively. Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships with internal/external stakeholders and diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability in budget administration and accountability of resources, including extramural funding. Demonstrated ability to promote advocacy in educational programming, clientele served, and staffing. Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to engage with various constituencies. Demonstrated ability to build UME diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect capacity through the 4-H program. Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Travel Requirements

Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license are required. Ability to travel statewide and nationally as needed is an expectation for this position.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Kelly Schrader

Contact Email

schrader@umd.edu

Equal Employer Statement(s)

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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About University of Maryland

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.