4-H State STEM & Agri-Science Program Manager

About the Job

Working Title: 4-H State STEM & Agri-Science Program Manager

Appointment: Full-time, Ed Pro 3-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt (8313PD), Civil Service

Extension Area: Department of Youth Development

Office location: St. Paul campus or any of the Regional Offices except Cloquet; Hybrid work options may be available.

Pay Range: $26-$30 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: October 26, 2025

About the Position

The 4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Manager works as part of a dynamic statewide team to plan, coordinate, and support engaging STEM and Agri-Science programs for youth across Minnesota. This position collaborates closely with STEM educators, program teams, and volunteers to ensure events align with educational goals, are welcoming to diverse audiences, and meet all risk management and policy requirements. In addition to event management, the role supports programs, such as Science Sprouts, Ag Explorers, and Agricultural Ambassadors. This position oversees logistics, communications, marketing, and evaluation processes, while collaborating with Regional Support Staff to manage ordering and distribution of supplies and materials needed for program delivery. The Program Manager assists the 4-H STEM and Agri-Science Director to implement statewide initiatives, ensuring high-quality educational experiences, consistent communication, and effective resource sharing throughout the 4-H network.

Event Management (50%)

Collaborate with the 4-H STEM & Agri-Science Director, STEM Extension educators, and program teams to plan and manage events (e.g., crop scouting, field days, engineering design challenge and related).

• Ensure all events are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with educational objectives..
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders about events and opportunities.
• Manage task lists, timelines, and deliverables to support successful event execution.
• Develop and distribute event marketing, outreach, and recruitment materials.
• Coordinate logistics, including equipment, supply orders, technology needs, and judges or other officials.
• Compile evaluation data and prepare post-event summary and impact reports.
• Ensure compliance with University and 4-H policies; recommend improvements to event systems and practices.
• Support event administration including contracts, registration, risk management and emergency response plans, and financial management processes in accordance with UMN policies and Department of Youth Development policies.
• Other related duties as assigned

4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Support (30%)

Collaborate with the 4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Director to develop and deliver programming both virtually and locally (e.g., Science Sprouts, Explorers in Ag, 4-H & FFA Crop Scouting Challenge).

• Market programs, maintain ongoing communication with participants, and support youth engagement in STEM and Agri-Science as change agents.
• Coordinate and support virtual learning platforms (e.g., Zoom), manage supply distribution, and track participant attendance.
• Track and monitor program data collection for communication purposes.
• Maintain marketing and communication with current members and new program participants.
• Assist with preparation, packing, and distribution of project-based learning kits to schools and county programs, ensuring materials are accurate, organized, and ready for youth engagement.

4-H Volunteer and Staff Support (20%)

• Coordinate 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors, including recruitment, selection, and orientation of ambassadors. Schedule and attend in-person and Zoom meetings.
• Build and manage volunteer and staff support systems for the 4-H Agriculture Ambassador program.
• Identify and equip a new generation of volunteers. Ensure volunteers are screened and active according to 4-H Volunteer requirements.
• Recruit, onboard, and provide work direction to summer interns.
• Schedule, communicate, organize and attend in-person and virtual meetings for Plant Science Steering Committee meetings.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least four years of experience in youth development, program development, or program administration/management OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal eight (8) years.
• Experience in developing and delivering STEM or AgriScience programming that fosters exploration, problem-solving, and real-world application. Demonstrated capacity to apply youth development frameworks that support inclusive participation and nurture leadership skills in young people.
• Previous experience with a youth development organization as a youth or adult volunteer and/or paid employee.
• Experience in event management (determining logistics and executing them, determining event content and setting up speakers/programmers, knowing and following event rules and restrictions, etc).
• Skills in the application of technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders including those with diverse or differing opinions and backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, math, agriculture, animal science, plant science or related responsibilities of this position is strongly preferred.
• Experience successfully following the policies for and executing financial responsibilities like facilitating contracts, purchasing processes, registration, risk management, and financial or budget management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage, and support productive work teams.
• Portfolio of previously managed programs/events for youth; a range of complexity and participation desired.
• Evidence of above-average oral and written communication skills; phone, in-person, email, etc, communicating with youth and adults.
• Ability to apply creative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to change work direction quickly and adapt to last-minute changes.

Additional Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance.
• Travel (in-state) is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Must be able to accommodate flexible scheduling, including up to three evening Zoom meetings per month, 4–5 Saturday programs per year, and occasional overnight commitments (approximately three times annually)
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the 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 work nights and weekends
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About the Department

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. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26-$30 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

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 attach the following required application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume – Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references 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 application instructions.

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

Diversity

The University recognizes and values 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

Employment Requirements

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.

Read Full Description