Extension Educator, 4-H STEM and Agri-science, Northwest Region (Crookston or Moorhead)

About the Job

Title: Extension Educator, 4-H STEM and Agri-science, Northwest Region

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A

Office Location: NW Region; Extension Regional Office options in Crookston or Moorhead; hybrid flexible work options available

Extension Area: Department of Youth Development 

Apply By: February 1, 2025 

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This regional youth development Extension educator position (regional educator) will lead 4-H STEM and Agri-science programming across the multi-county Northwest (NW) region of Minnesota. This role includes providing strategic leadership for a regional portfolio of programming and contributing to state-level program development and implementation. This position designs and implements program models that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity for underserved audiences, including programs aimed at serving East African youth and families in the Fargo-Moorhead (ND & MN) area and East Grand Forks, MN.

This regional educator designs and delivers STEM and Agri-science education that: 1) reaches existing and new audiences; 2) build capacity of 4-H staff to deliver STEM and Agri-science in their local communities; 3) build partnerships with stakeholders in postsecondary education and industry; and 4) prepare youth to successfully pursue postsecondary and career options.

This regional educator reports to the NW Region Youth Development Program Leader who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4-H Program Director. This position will work closely with and receives programmatic direction from the 4-H Education and Career Pathways Specialist and 4-H STEM & Agri-science Director.

Key Responsibilities 

Program development & leadership:

• Lead the development of regional 4-H STEM and agri-science programs in collaboration with tribal nations and county-based 4-H Extension educators. Ensure alignment with state STEM and agri-science priorities while addressing local community needs and departmental goals.

Data-driven decision making:

• Collect and use data to inform 4-H STEM and agri-science program decisions. Engage audiences and partners in developing data-driven local program plans with goals and strategies that achieve program growth, audience retention, access, and equity.

Partnerships: 

• Work in partnership with East African youth-serving organizations and Minnesota NW regional teams to lead the design and delivery of immersive STEM and Agri-science education and career exploration experiences (i.e., 4-H campus immersion, industry visits, mentorship experiences) that include East African youth and other historically excluded audiences.

Innovation & curriculum development:

• Design and develop new and innovative program approaches to enhance local and regional 4-H STEM and agri-science education and ready youth for postsecondary education and careers. Develop, compile, review and curate STEM- and agri-science-based curriculum and educational resources for staff, youth workers, community partners and volunteers.

Program delivery:

• Deliver 4-H STEM and agri-science programs within the region, using program models that are accessible to and inclusive of underserved audiences. Collaborate with the regional team to deliver impactful educational experiences, including the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

Partnerships & resource development:

• Lead efforts to expand 4-H STEM and agri-science programming through internal and external partnerships. Contribute to grant writing, secure funding and cultivate partnerships to sustain and expand program priorities.

Extension teaching: 

• Teach staff, youth, and youth workers to ensure high-quality learning environments are guided by project-based curricula and best practices, and include opportunities for youth to showcase new knowledge and skills. Serve as subject matter expert in STEM and agri-science education in a youth development context, including education and career readiness.

Communication and Impact: 

• Communicate educational opportunities and impacts of STEM, Agri-science, and career pathways programs to stakeholders.

Compliance & problem-solving:

• Ensure University of Minnesota and Minnesota 4-H policies and procedures, such as risk and financial management and related, are consistently implemented. Facilitate solutions to questions, concerns, and issues related to program conduct.

Service:

• Participate in UMN Extension, University of Minnesota, professional and community service opportunities, including organizations and groups that support 4-H STEM and agri-science education for youth and career readiness.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required within six years and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator; if this position is extended past the current funding date.
3. This position is renewed annually. It is grant-funded through August 30, 2028, with the possibility of being extended if new funds are secured.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations, STEM education, agricultural education or related fields.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in youth development, STEM, agriculture, educational equity, higher education, workforce development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating youth development programs emphasizing STEM and Agri-science Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen and grow programs in partnership with individuals, organizations, postsecondary institutions, industry, and communities representing new, diverse, and underserved audiences
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, See policy on Use of Personal Vehicle for University Business.
• Travel (in-state, and across state borders in the Fargo-Moorhead community frequently and nationally occasionally) is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in education, youth development, human development, adult development, community development, workforce development, higher education, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven approaches for program design, implementation, and reporting
• Demonstrated experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs that support career exploration
• Demonstrated knowledge of workforce development and postsecondary trends.
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated success in resource development including grant development, and budget management
• Experience working with East African youth, families and cultures and/or other historically excluded audiences

About the Department

ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

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. 

Extension’s Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. We lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive and use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship.

For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $69,000-80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment 

Position Type: P&A Staff 

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

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 include the following attachments with your online application:

Application requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity Statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

a. Personalized views and experiences

b. Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

c. If you do not have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

d. Demonstrated learning and growth

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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 email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Kari Robideau, Program Leader, Youth Development, robideau@umn.edu. 

Diversity

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.

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