Youth Livestock Education Program Manager

The Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University (www.auburn.edu) is seeking applications for the position of Youth Livestock Education Program Manager. This is a twelve-month, administrative professional position responsible for directing and leading youth livestock educational programs. The successful candidate will have a 100% appointment in the Department of Animal Sciences focused on youth programming in food animals and will report to the Department Head, Department of Animal Sciences. This position will focus on developing youth related livestock programs at the state and local levels, recruiting and working with volunteers, and engaging youth in high quality educational and competitive experiences. We will accept applications for this role through 01/25/2025.

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The successful candidate will be a member of the Department of Animal Sciences and contribute extensively to the expansion of applied learning experiences for youth in food animal-based programs.

Specific responsibilities are:
1) serve as a liaison and leader to external partner youth programs focused on food animals
2) serve as superintendent for state-level junior livestock shows
3) provide and develop resources and content for use by stakeholders for the delivery of high-quality, academically-informed animal science youth programs
4) develop and lead a statewide network of volunteers committed to planning and delivering youth livestock events
5) provide training for existing and new leaders to deliver quality youth programming in food animals at the local and state levels in support of leading youth into and through competitive events
6) plan, assist, implement, support and evaluate youth educational livestock related programs in the Department of Animal Sciences, 4-H, FFA, Alabama Junior Cattlemen and open youth livestock competitions at the local and state levels
7) identify grant and other resource development opportunities and manage financial resources related to youth programming focused on food animals
8) serve as the Alabama coordinator for the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals ( YQCA) program.

Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Education, or related field and 5 years of experience with youth livestock education (leadership and management of youth livestock educational programs and competitive events, volunteer management, organizational skills and administration of programs.)

Candidates must possess strong written and oral communication skills. The successful candidate must also meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with background and experience. An attractive benefit package is available.

The successful candidate must have program management and leadership of youth livestock educational programs, volunteer management, organizational skills, and experience with administration of programs.

Basic knowledge of standard office equipment and procedures. Email,
Internet and various software systems.

Desired qualifications include the following:

1) Demonstrated success in development and management of youth programs focused on livestock, to include, but not limited to, youth livestock shows, livestock judging, quiz bowls, skillathons and other youth related educational and competitive programming.
2) Experience in developing and managing people in paid and volunteer roles.
3) Demonstrated experience in collaborative programs to provide leadership in accomplishing project goals.
4) Demonstrated ability to convene and facilitate a diverse group of stakeholders with a single aim of providing quality programming for youth.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.

1. Cover letter that addresses the experience pertinent to the position's responsibilities, and includes the following:

2. Current curriculum vita.

Only completed application materials will be considered. To ensure consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to apply by January 26, 2025. The search may continue until the position is filled.

Questions about this position should be directed to Dr. Soren Rodning, Search Committee Chair, Email: rodnisp@auburn.edu