University of Minnesota
Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development (multiple openings)
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
About the Job
Working Title: Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development
Classification: Assistant Extension Educator- Youth Development (9621YD) or Associate Extension Educator- Youth Development (9622YD); Academic Professional (P&A)
Salary Range: $59,000-$68,000 (9621YD); $68,000-$75,000 (9622YD), typically for current 9622YD employees only; this is a salaried, not hourly, position. Salary ranges are based on 100% time position.
Reports To: Program Leader in Youth Development
Anticipated Start Date: February 23, 2026- March 23, 2026
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
Locations and Appointments:
Grant County Extension Office (Elbow Lake) - 100%
Jackson County Extension Office (City of Lakefield) - 100%
Nobles County Extension Office (City of Worthington) -- 100%
Wabasha County Extension Office (City of Wabasha) - 100%
Washington County Extension Office (City of Stillwater) - 75%
About the Position The 4-H Extension Educator position is a community‑based academic professional of the University of Minnesota Extension. This position links University of Minnesota research and Minnesota residents by creating learning opportunities that address local needs.
This 4-H Extension Educator position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in the county. As a County 4-H Extension educator, you will work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: 1) Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest; 2) Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents.
4-H Extension educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
Job Duties Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement - 40%
Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan that reflects the demographics of the county/tribal community, addresses local needs and opportunities, aligns with the strategic direction of the MN 4-H Youth Development program and leads to program growth and sustainability.
Design, develop, and implement high quality, culturally relevant, impactful programs that support youth in learning and leading.
Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach/facilitate youth and adult learning using relevant content and instructional best practices (pedagogy/andragogy).
Plan and manage the delivery of 4-H clubs, camps, after school programs, showcase and fair opportunities, and other events and activities.
Identify and implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of youth, volunteers, and staff with varying backgrounds and experience.
Successfully collaborate, partner with and build strong working relationships with other Extension educators, peers, department team members, county partners and stakeholders.
Develop and support community partnerships that extend program reach and expand program impact.
Establish and maintain an effective staffing plan including partners, volunteers, interns, and short‑term employees.
Use established evaluation tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness, demonstrate value, and market the program.
Other related duties as assigned.
Volunteer Systems - 35%
Establish and support a volunteer development system that builds the capacity and long‑term sustainability of the 4-H program.
Identify needs and opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and followed at all times; alert or report any concerns or variances from processes.
Acknowledge and address problems that arise with volunteers and volunteer roles.
Program Operations - 15%
Manage and monitor compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including youth safety, risk management, and financial management.
Manage, oversee and document the budget related to the County 4-H program. This includes expenses, deposits, cash and check handling, asset inventory, accurate record keeping, and financial reports. Follow strict University, Extension, 4-H and other financial policies, processes and procedures in all aspects of program and county work.
Ensure that self and partners, participants and volunteers follow all financial procedures related to county and related work; prepare and communicate when issues or questions arise.
Manage established processes for youth enrollment, volunteer enrollment, event participation and reporting, club chartering, program agreements, and related.
Recruit, orient, supervise, and support interns and short‑term employees.
Communication and Reporting - 10%
Develop/adapt and implement an ongoing year‑round communication plan that attracts youth, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and leads to enrollment and retention.
Collect data and prepare and deliver reports and presentations to share the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of 4-H Youth Development with local stakeholders.
Communicate with peers, teams, county partners and others regarding 4-H Youth Development and Extension programs, value and mission.
Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and the Department of Youth Development in all work interactions in a positive and collaborative way.
Qualifications Required:
Bachelor's degree at time of hire in fields related to but not limited to education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, psychology, and agriculture. Degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, and/or managing programs for youth, grades K-12.
Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, stakeholders, volunteers, participants and others, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.
Documented ability to track and follow financial policies, processes and procedures (including University, Extension, Department, County and related).
Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, priorities and schedules while maintaining high quality of work.
Effective communication in English using oral and written methods (business correspondence, publications, presentations, web, and social media).
Additional requirements/Working Conditions:
Work within an office as well as in various educational settings, including outdoors.
Will work evenings, overnights, and weekends for events/programming.
Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
Travel several times per week and regionally/statewide multiple times per year. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available.
Must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense.
Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
Must stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Preferred:
Two or more years of post-bachelor’s degree experience relevant to youth development, program development, and/or volunteer systems development.
Knowledge of youth development theory and practice.
Experience designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating high-quality, culturally relevant, educational programs.
Experience recruiting, guiding, and supervising volunteers, including volunteer boards.
Ability to resolve conflicts.
Proficient use of technology for communicating, locating information, and monitoring trends to design, deliver, evaluate, and report programs.
Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a non-formal setting.
About the Department 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 Department of Youth Development works in partnership with communities to build engaged young people who are ready to learn and lead in a global society.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $59,000-$68,000 (9621YD); $68,000-$75,000 (9622YD), typically for current 9622YD employees only; this is a salaried, not hourly, position. Salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary ranges are based on a 100% time position.
Time Appointment: Grant County Extension Office (Elbow Lake) - 100%; Jackson County Extension Office (City of Lakefield) - 100%; Nobles County Extension Office (City of Worthington) – 100%; Wabasha County Extension Office (City of Wabasha) - 100%; Washington County Extension Office (City of Stillwater) - 75%.
Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, learning opportunities, low-cost health plans, flexible accounts, HSA contributions, insurance, employee wellbeing, retirement plans, PSLF, financial counseling, and employee assistance program.
How To Apply (Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.)
Applications must be submitted online. Click Apply. Attach cover letter, resume, three professional references, transcripts. Additional documents may be uploaded later.
Diversity The University recognizes diversity and inclusion, providing equal access to employment opportunities.
Employment Requirements Any offer is contingent upon a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants.
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Classification: Assistant Extension Educator- Youth Development (9621YD) or Associate Extension Educator- Youth Development (9622YD); Academic Professional (P&A)
Salary Range: $59,000-$68,000 (9621YD); $68,000-$75,000 (9622YD), typically for current 9622YD employees only; this is a salaried, not hourly, position. Salary ranges are based on 100% time position.
Reports To: Program Leader in Youth Development
Anticipated Start Date: February 23, 2026- March 23, 2026
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
Locations and Appointments:
Grant County Extension Office (Elbow Lake) - 100%
Jackson County Extension Office (City of Lakefield) - 100%
Nobles County Extension Office (City of Worthington) -- 100%
Wabasha County Extension Office (City of Wabasha) - 100%
Washington County Extension Office (City of Stillwater) - 75%
About the Position The 4-H Extension Educator position is a community‑based academic professional of the University of Minnesota Extension. This position links University of Minnesota research and Minnesota residents by creating learning opportunities that address local needs.
This 4-H Extension Educator position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in the county. As a County 4-H Extension educator, you will work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: 1) Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest; 2) Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents.
4-H Extension educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
Job Duties Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement - 40%
Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan that reflects the demographics of the county/tribal community, addresses local needs and opportunities, aligns with the strategic direction of the MN 4-H Youth Development program and leads to program growth and sustainability.
Design, develop, and implement high quality, culturally relevant, impactful programs that support youth in learning and leading.
Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach/facilitate youth and adult learning using relevant content and instructional best practices (pedagogy/andragogy).
Plan and manage the delivery of 4-H clubs, camps, after school programs, showcase and fair opportunities, and other events and activities.
Identify and implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of youth, volunteers, and staff with varying backgrounds and experience.
Successfully collaborate, partner with and build strong working relationships with other Extension educators, peers, department team members, county partners and stakeholders.
Develop and support community partnerships that extend program reach and expand program impact.
Establish and maintain an effective staffing plan including partners, volunteers, interns, and short‑term employees.
Use established evaluation tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness, demonstrate value, and market the program.
Other related duties as assigned.
Volunteer Systems - 35%
Establish and support a volunteer development system that builds the capacity and long‑term sustainability of the 4-H program.
Identify needs and opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and followed at all times; alert or report any concerns or variances from processes.
Acknowledge and address problems that arise with volunteers and volunteer roles.
Program Operations - 15%
Manage and monitor compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including youth safety, risk management, and financial management.
Manage, oversee and document the budget related to the County 4-H program. This includes expenses, deposits, cash and check handling, asset inventory, accurate record keeping, and financial reports. Follow strict University, Extension, 4-H and other financial policies, processes and procedures in all aspects of program and county work.
Ensure that self and partners, participants and volunteers follow all financial procedures related to county and related work; prepare and communicate when issues or questions arise.
Manage established processes for youth enrollment, volunteer enrollment, event participation and reporting, club chartering, program agreements, and related.
Recruit, orient, supervise, and support interns and short‑term employees.
Communication and Reporting - 10%
Develop/adapt and implement an ongoing year‑round communication plan that attracts youth, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and leads to enrollment and retention.
Collect data and prepare and deliver reports and presentations to share the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of 4-H Youth Development with local stakeholders.
Communicate with peers, teams, county partners and others regarding 4-H Youth Development and Extension programs, value and mission.
Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and the Department of Youth Development in all work interactions in a positive and collaborative way.
Qualifications Required:
Bachelor's degree at time of hire in fields related to but not limited to education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, psychology, and agriculture. Degree must be completed by the start date.
Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, and/or managing programs for youth, grades K-12.
Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, stakeholders, volunteers, participants and others, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds.
Documented ability to track and follow financial policies, processes and procedures (including University, Extension, Department, County and related).
Ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, priorities and schedules while maintaining high quality of work.
Effective communication in English using oral and written methods (business correspondence, publications, presentations, web, and social media).
Additional requirements/Working Conditions:
Work within an office as well as in various educational settings, including outdoors.
Will work evenings, overnights, and weekends for events/programming.
Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
Travel several times per week and regionally/statewide multiple times per year. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available.
Must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense.
Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
Must stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Preferred:
Two or more years of post-bachelor’s degree experience relevant to youth development, program development, and/or volunteer systems development.
Knowledge of youth development theory and practice.
Experience designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating high-quality, culturally relevant, educational programs.
Experience recruiting, guiding, and supervising volunteers, including volunteer boards.
Ability to resolve conflicts.
Proficient use of technology for communicating, locating information, and monitoring trends to design, deliver, evaluate, and report programs.
Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a non-formal setting.
About the Department 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 Department of Youth Development works in partnership with communities to build engaged young people who are ready to learn and lead in a global society.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range: $59,000-$68,000 (9621YD); $68,000-$75,000 (9622YD), typically for current 9622YD employees only; this is a salaried, not hourly, position. Salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience. Salary ranges are based on a 100% time position.
Time Appointment: Grant County Extension Office (Elbow Lake) - 100%; Jackson County Extension Office (City of Lakefield) - 100%; Nobles County Extension Office (City of Worthington) – 100%; Wabasha County Extension Office (City of Wabasha) - 100%; Washington County Extension Office (City of Stillwater) - 75%.
Benefits include competitive wages, paid holidays, learning opportunities, low-cost health plans, flexible accounts, HSA contributions, insurance, employee wellbeing, retirement plans, PSLF, financial counseling, and employee assistance program.
How To Apply (Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.)
Applications must be submitted online. Click Apply. Attach cover letter, resume, three professional references, transcripts. Additional documents may be uploaded later.
Diversity The University recognizes diversity and inclusion, providing equal access to employment opportunities.
Employment Requirements Any offer is contingent upon a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify applicants.
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