10/31/2022
4-H Extension Educator III (Western MA) - UMass Extension (two positions)-A great opportunity.
Apply now Job no: 516447
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: UMass Extension
Union: PSU
Categories: Agriculture/Extension, College of Natural Sciences
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The 4-H Extension Educator III for the western region of Massachusetts (with responsibility for some portion of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties) is based in Hadley, MA and will provide programmatic leadership and management for the Massachusetts 4-H Youth Development Programs. This position will develop and implement educational programs and resources for youth ages 5-18 while providing support and oversight for collaborating adult volunteers and partner organizations. This position will supervise training and management systems for volunteers, including those for subsidiary organizations and advisory bodies and recruit and provide oversight for youth and adult participants and volunteers. The Educator is part of a team that coordinates activities, processes, and functions with other 4-H educators and administrators across the state.
Essential Functions
Plan, deliver, manage and evaluate youth development programs consistent with the history and priorities of the 4-H Program in Massachusetts and nationally.
Develop and maintain collaborative connections with existing and new stakeholders, communities and organizations, including previously unserved and underserved youth populations and target audiences.
Routinely assess needs to understand and address local and regional issues related to positive youth development.
Support and manage local and regional 4-H club system. Recruit youth participants. Recruit, screen, orient, train and manage volunteer club leaders.
Provide guidance and oversight for 4-H advisory bodies, volunteer committees and other subsidiary groups.
Serve as the primary linkage between local and regional stakeholders, the Massachusetts Statewide 4-H program, UMass Extension and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Ensure adherence to all relevant national, state and university policies to promote and preserve the health and safety of youth participants.
Manage the Western Massachusetts office 4-H budget and supervise local and regional staff based in the Western Massachusetts 4-H office.
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues from UMass Extension and the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment to support strategic priorities.
Other Functions
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor’s degree.
Three (3) years of professional work experience in a youth-related organization that includes working directly with youth.
Prior supervisory experience.
Valid driver's license and proof of insurability.
Ability to work both independently and for collective action, creatively and decisively.
Ability to set priorities, deadlines, and manage multiple projects within a complex and fast- paced office environment.
Ability to maintain high standards of efficiency, accuracy and quality.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of volunteers, faculty, staff and students.
Ability to organize and prioritize goals. Ability to formulate plans and objectives, collaborate, gain continuous feedback, identify and implement process and program improvements.
Experience utilizing internet-based computers and software for effective communication and to achieve program goals.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Master’s Degree in psychology, education, communication, youth development or related field.
Prior experience in adult educational programs or environments.
Prior experience working with and managing volunteers.
Prior experience working in higher education.
Prior experience or familiarity with 4-H.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
Must be able to maintain program of activities requiring frequent travel around region and state.
Additional Details
This position is based in Hadley, Massachusetts.
Work Schedule
Flexible work schedule based on Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, but allowing for frequent meetings and activities outside of these hours.
