Extension Agent, 4-H

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* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

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The 4-H Extension Agent is an employee of North Carolina State University and a professional educator. The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the Mecklenburg county population and supports the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and Mecklenburg County leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The individual in the position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school-based 4-H programs.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to individuals and communities throughout North Carolina.

Mecklenburg County is a county located in the southwestern region of the state of North Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,115,482. Making it the second-most populous county in North Carolina (after Wake County) and the first county in the Carolinas to surpass one million in population. Its county seat is Charlotte and is the state's largest city.

Cooperative Extension in Mecklenburg County is part of the County Manager's Office. For more information on Mecklenburg County, go to www.mecknc.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Mecklenburg County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional youth development program, meeting the needs of youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive, life-skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live, and give them access to high-quality, experiential programming. The Extension 4-H agent shall:

Develop and implement engaging year-round programming, including summer day camps, designed to reach all populations of youth in an urban county.

Recruit, train, manage and reward volunteer leaders who will guide 4-H clubs, assist with the planning and coordination of events and activities, and generally support and promote the 4-H agent and program.

Manage a budget and develop funds, including grants, to support youth participation in local, district, state, and national events and activities.

Manage a county-wide 4-H advisory council that will help identify programmatic needs, support programmatic efforts, and champion 4-H in the local community. This council should consist of 4-H alumni, volunteer leaders, 4-H youth, and county leaders that represent the business, social and demographic metrics of the county.

Develop a marketing program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to assure inclusivity and efficient impact of programs.

Evaluate programming efforts to determine individual program and overall 4-H program effectiveness for reporting and further marketing of the 4-H youth development program.

Maintain accurate records for youth and volunteer leaders and ensure that the program is in compliance with local, state, and national regulations governing youth programming, including the NC State University's Programming with Minors regulations.

Support County goals for growing 4-H youth programming in Mecklenburg County, which may include an expansion of existing staff and resources to be led and managed by the 4-H agent.

Collaborate with other Mecklenburg Extension staff to implement programming.

The person in the position must possess a high degree of youth development subject matter competence. They must have excellent public speaking skills, verbal and written communication skills, people skills, and effective teaching skills for in-person and virtual educational programs.

Additionally, the person in this position must have the necessary skills to manage volunteers to run the 4-H club program. Volunteer recruitment and development experience, as well as program development skills, will be important. The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic.

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.

The successful candidate must have experience working with broad audiences. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and be able to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities. Work in the summer with 4-H camps and other activities will be very extensive. Candidates must be able to work proficiently on an individual basis but be an effective leader as well as subordinate in any situation requiring team effort. The successful candidate will possess the pertinent social skills to communicate effectively across age, gender and racial boundaries

Experience in grant writing, fiscal responsibility, and asset management preferred. Knowledge of the development needs of children ages 5-19 is a plus.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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