Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development

JOB SUMMARY

The Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development provides statewide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program. The position develops innovative, research-based educational programs that prepare young people to become productive, engaged, and resilient citizens while advancing Kentucky State University's land-grant mission.

The Program Leader provides strategic direction for statewide 4-H programming; supports county Extension personnel; develops partnerships with faculty, Extension personnel, government agencies, community organizations, schools, industry, and other land-grant institutions; pursues external funding opportunities; oversees program evaluation; and ensures compliance with University, state, federal, USDA NIFA, and National 4-H standards.

The position works to expand the reach and impact of KSU 4-H by increasing participation among youth and volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, including youth who are new to 4-H as well as those with established 4-H experience. Through innovative program delivery models and strategic partnerships, the Program Leader strengthens KSU's presence in urban, suburban, and rural communities and promotes high-quality positive youth development experiences for youth across Kentucky.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides statewide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program, including innovative youth development initiatives focused on experiential learning, leadership development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, and life skills.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for 4-H Youth Development programs that aligns with KSU Cooperative Extension priorities, USDA NIFA guidance, and National 4-H positive youth development frameworks.
• Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, training, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for youth development programming.
• Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensures compliance with USDA NIFA requirements, National 4-H policies and standards, youth protection requirements, University policies, risk management procedures, and applicable civil rights requirements.
• Provides leadership for statewide and University-level youth development events and initiatives, including summer camps, college exploration programs, STEM academies, workforce readiness programs, and other educational activities.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive statewide volunteer program that recruits, trains, supports, retains, and recognizes 4-H volunteers while ensuring compliance with youth protection and risk management requirements.
• Promotes integration of research and Extension by collaborating with University faculty to translate research and emerging knowledge into practical youth development programs and educational resources.
• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies; the State 4-H Foundation; National 4-H Council; community organizations; industry partners; nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; and other land-grant universities.
• Identifies emerging issues affecting Kentucky youth and develops innovative educational programs and initiatives that respond to changing community needs and advance positive youth development.
• Coordinates professional development opportunities and training programs for Extension personnel involved in youth development programming.
• Monitors program performance, outcomes, compliance, and accountability measures and uses data to identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Identifies external funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; manages grant-funded initiatives; develops public-private partnerships; and leverages external resources to expand statewide 4-H programming.
• Participates in state, regional, and national professional organizations, advisory groups, conferences, and Cooperative Extension leadership networks.
• Maintains accurate program records and prepares required reports, evaluations, and other documentation related to program activities, outcomes, funding, and compliance.
• Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with University personnel, Extension stakeholders, volunteers, youth, families, community partners, and other internal and external constituents.
• Promotes the visibility of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program and represents the University and Cooperative Extension at meetings, conferences, public events, and professional activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Knowledge of youth development principles, positive youth development practices, and Cooperative Extension programming.
• Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of volunteer management, youth protection, risk management, and applicable Extension requirements.
• Knowledge of grant development, external funding, and partnership development.
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to analyze program data and use results to evaluate effectiveness and inform program improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, families, volunteers, University personnel, community organizations, government agencies, and professional organizations.
• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, resourcefulness, dependability, and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and organizational units.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Kentucky and occasionally outside the Commonwealth.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Provides supervision, leadership, mentoring, and performance management for assigned 4-H Youth Development staff.

OTHER DUTIES

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Education, Human Development, Community Development, or a closely related field required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, Cooperative Extension, education, community programming, or a related field required.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex educational, youth development, or community-based programs required.
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading multidisciplinary teams required.
• Experience with strategic planning, partnership development, program evaluation, and external funding is preferred.
• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, land-grant universities, or similar youth development organizations is preferred.
• Doctoral degree in a related field is preferred.

Licensing and Certifications

Valid Driver’s License Required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in office, classroom, agricultural, community, and outdoor environments. Extensive statewide travel is required to support county Extension programs, statewide initiatives, meetings, trainings, events, and community activities. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program needs, University events, camps, conferences, and other Extension activities. Work may involve exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions. The position requires regular standing, walking, and movement between indoor and outdoor program locations and may occasionally require lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.