Associate Professor or Full Professor and Director 4-H

Position Description

Washington State University and the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) and Extension seeks a Director of the 4-H Youth Development Program. This is a permanent, 9-month, full-time, career-track OR tenure-track faculty appointment. The successful candidate will be required to work and will receive salary for two additional months while serving as Director. Appointment is at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. This position may be based at any of the Extension, REC, or campus facilities in Washington State, negotiable at the time of hire. This position requires the successful candidate to reside in Washington State, or neighboring state within commuting distance, and be available to work alongside colleagues from WSU Extension oﬃces, Research and Extension Centers, (REC) or campuses. Responsibilities will include: Leadership & Vision: Lead the Washington State 4-H Program, ensuring alignment with and contribution to Washington State University and the CAHNRS’s strategic plans and Extension’s mission to enhance youth development through evidence-based education. Provide strategic leadership for statewide 4-H programs, fostering a culture of inclusivity and engagement. Program Development: Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative 4-H programs, with a focus on expanding outreach to all youth throughout Washington. Demonstrate a strong commitment to broaden access and ensure that programs are evidence-driven and deliver measurable impacts. Team Building: Establish, support, and facilitate working groups that build strong alliances and support systems of shared-leadership and shared expertise across the state. Collaboration & Partnership: Build and sustain strong partnerships with community leaders, partners, volunteers, and Extension and other CAHNRS and WSU faculty. Engage with local, regional, and national 4-H leadership to represent Washington and WSU Extension on broader youth development initiatives. Staff & Fiscal Management: Provide leadership and mentorship to 4-H professionals, faculty and staff, and volunteers. Assess and mitigate risk. Oversee budget management and secure external funding through grants and partnerships to support and grow Washington’s 4-H programs. Communication: Exhibit exceptional communication skills. Provide effective and timely communication for internal and external audiences. Work with faculty and staff to develop clear and accessible content such as factsheets, impact statements, and peer-reviewed scholarship and curricula. Ensure effective messaging that communicates the value and outcomes and impacts of 4-H programs. Training & Workshops: Support the recruitment and retention of engaged educators. Work with faculty and staff to conduct training sessions and workshops to ensure personnel and volunteers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality 4-H programs. Advocacy & Engagement: Advocate for the importance of positive youth development and serve as a key spokesperson for 4-H programs across the state. Develop and deliver impactful messaging and reports that communicate the value and outcomes and societal impacts of 4-H programs to internal and external audiences. Salary: Associate Professor: 9 Month Salary: $73,636 – $106,364; Summer Salary: $8,182 – $11,818 per month, 2 months; Total Salary: $90,000 – $130,000. Full Professor: 9 Month Salary: $98,182 – $114,545, Summer Salary: $10,909 – $12,727 per month, 2 months; Total Salary: $120,000-$140,000.

Required Qualifications

Required (Both Ranks): Earned Master’s degree in youth development, human development, public administration, agricultural and/or Extension education, education, or an appropriate field of study at the time of application. A minimum of five years of leadership experience in Extension or a similar organization, with a proven track record of successful program management and staff supervision. Qualifies for the rank of Associate Professor or Professor (scholarship, program development, publication record, grant/contract acquisition, program delivery, program evaluation). Reliable transportation for year-round travel is required. Mileage will be reimbursed for work-related travel at the approved state rate if using a private vehicle. While using a private or WSU motor pool vehicle for official business, have current automobile liability insurance (meeting the requirements described in RCW46.30.020 and RCW 46.29.090); and must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. Required (Both Ranks, Tenure Track): Currently serving in the rank of tenured as an Associate Professor, Professor, or equivalent and has a record of accomplishments commensurate with college standards for tenure at the level of associate professor. If consideration for tenure is unsuccessful at the time of hire, candidate will be eligible as career track. Required (Both Ranks, Career Track): Currently serving in a position which would qualify as a Career Track faculty as an Associate Professor, Professor, or equivalent and has a record of accomplishments in commensurate with college standards for associate professor, career track.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications (Both Ranks): Exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Experience in personnel and conflict management, risk management, and strategic decision-making. Proven experience in securing and managing external funding, including grants and contracts, and facilitating opportunities for program needs. Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining effective multidisciplinary and multi-agency partnerships and collaborations that support the development and management of positive youth development programs. Successful leadership of diverse teams with a proactive commitment to fostering inclusivity in program outreach. Ability to effectively communicate needs, strengths, and impacts of 4-H to diverse audiences, including elected officials, staff, volunteers, media, and agency administrators/representatives. Direct experience with 4-H, especially professional experiences and/or collaborations with 4-H. Successful experience leading and supporting volunteers; awareness of and appreciation for volunteers as an integral element of delivering high quality 4-H programming. A strong record of scholarship that showcases innovative approaches and measurable program impacts, especially utilizing a team approach. Desire to continue to expand impactful scholarship. Ph.D. in youth development, human development, public administration, agricultural and/or Extension education, education, or an appropriate field. Full Professor Rank: Candidates should possess a robust record of scholarship and a higher level of national/international recognition compared to Associate Professor applicants.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Application Instructions

To apply, visit hrs.wsu.edu/careers and applications must include the following materials: 1) Cover letter addressing how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications for the position, 2) Current Curriculum Vitae, 3) Statement describing your commitment and contributions to inclusive excellence in your professional positions, and 4) Names and contact information for four professional references. Please contact Deborah Handy, Search Committee Chair, at handy@wsu.edu or 509.243.2009 for questions about this position. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. For a complete position description listing all required and desired qualifications and application process, visit hrs.wsu.edu/careers (Search #R-13327). For additional information on Washington State University, the College of Human and Natural Resource Sciences or the Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) Program Unit, visit cahnrs.wsu.edu and extension.wsu.edu/4h