4-H Program Operations Specialist, Central Region

Working Title: 4-H Program Operations Specialist, Central Region

Appointment: Full-time, Education Program Specialist 1 (9745S1), P&A

Office Location: Regional Offices in Andover, Farmington, or St. Cloud; hybrid flexible work options available

Program Area: Extension Department of Youth Development

Application deadline: February 9, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This position will share responsibilities with two other 4-H program operations specialists across the state to ensure compliance with the requirements of federal and state government, the University of Minnesota, and the 4-H youth development program. This position will use an equity lens to lead, manage and monitor compliance with the requirements of the 4-H program as a public youth-serving organization for the Central Region. This includes group exemption status, chartering, constitution and bylaws, financial management, tax management, equipment inventory, agreements, risk management (collectively known as 4-H program operations) and other areas. This position will create, evaluate, and improve upon resources and tools that streamline operational procedures and will review and recommend updates to general program policies, rules and practices.

This position works with a team of regional Extension educators in the multi-county Central region and across the state who provide educational leadership to the full range of 4-H Youth Development and adult learning programs. This position also works closely with the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educators who are located in counties and tribal communities in the Central region.

This position reports to the Director of Operations and Systems who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4-H Program Director.

Responsibilities

Create and implement processes and procedures (45%)

• Create, review, update and operationalize 4-H organizational and programming processes and procedures (e.g., charters, finances, risk management).
• Collaborate with program staff, and occasionally youth, volunteers and partners, to embed inclusive processes into programs and events.
• Collect and use data to make operational decisions that support program plans that address growth, retention, access, and equity.
• Ensure risk management and financial practices are embedded in program planning documents and implemented in youth experiences (e.g., camp, exchange, afterschool, session/lesson, local program).
• Generate and share resources with staff and volunteers that support 4-H program operations.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

Process and policy management (35%)

• Work with Extension Educators and other Operations team members to ensure 4-H program policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
• Serve as the first point of contact for questions from Extension Educators regarding agreements, equipment inventory, chartering, financial and risk management, and constitution and by-laws for Central region programs.
• Manage annual 4-H program charter process, including review of financial information for the Central region and other select counties or regions.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.

4-H program operations training (20%)

• Assess and build plans to address training and development needs of program staff, volunteers, and youth as related to risk and financial management, chartering and related.
• Prepare staff, and occasionally youth and volunteers, to embed authentic youth experiences in 4-H program budgeting, financial management, risk management, chartering, and related.
• Onboard and assist in training new colleagues on 4-H program operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in applying organizational policies to a program.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access.
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of financial management software.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of risk management policies.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a field applicable to youth development, e.g., youth development, human development, adult development, community development, or business administration.
• Demonstrated success in financial reviews and/or audits.
• Demonstrated ability to teach skills and concepts to adult and youth audiences.
• Demonstrated success in grant development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to be organized, thorough, and pay attention to details.
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven to make program and process improvement decisions.

ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

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 strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. We lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive and use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship.

For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay Range: $69,000 - $80,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

Application requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity Statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

a. Personalized views and experiences

b. Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

c. If you do not have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

d. Demonstrated learning and growth

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Rebecca Harrington, Director of Operations & Systems, willi107@umn.edu.

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.