Kenosha County 4-H Program Educator

The 4-H Program Educator is an integral part of the UW-Madison Division of Extension and works alongside the people of Wisconsin to improve lives and communities. Extension serves the people and communities of Wisconsin by addressing local, statewide and national issues, improving lives through research-based education, fostering partnerships and action, and facilitating positive impacts.

This position is a part of the Division of Extension Positive Youth Development Institute, with a focus within the Wisconsin 4-H Extension Program. The Institute supports programs that contribute to the development of children, youth, and emerging adults who are healthy and productive, and who make a positive contribution to their communities.

The 4-H Program Educator leads and manages the full range of the 4-H program including clubs, after school programs, educational experiences, and camps. Program educators also design, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational programming and services aligned with the position's programmatic focus.

Initial programming focus will include:

1. Recruiting, training, developing, and managing volunteers focused on helping youth develop life skills that promote ongoing community involvement and strengthen youth leadership development;

2. Expanding 4-H membership and volunteer opportunities to underserved youth and adults;

3. Coordinating the process for youth and adult volunteer enrollment including oversight of 4-H Clubs, 4-H Groups, 4-H Leaders Associations and committees;

4. Strengthening the 4-H program by providing leadership for marketing, communications, member recruitment and member retention;

5. Cultivating collaborative efforts and partnerships with other organizations to expand 4-H programming opportunities.

The ideal candidate is adept at building and maintaining trust-based relationships, engaging stakeholders and applying an equity lens towards transforming lives and communities. As such, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

Programming (60%)

1. Utilize knowledge of local communities and partners to identify needs and deliver relevant programming;

2. Coordinate youth programs in conjunction with volunteers and Extension Educators to advance the goals of the program;

3. Recruit, develop, manage, and coordinate volunteers and Associate Extension Educators responsible for delivering programming including day-to-day management and performing annual performance reviews;

4. Support volunteers and Associate Extension Educators in delivering or adapting culturally-relevant, research-based educational programming to meet identified needs and opportunities;

5. Promote and market programming through a communications plan that ensures effective communication to audiences and stakeholders;

6. Expand access by reaching and engaging diverse audiences and ensuring full access to programs, facilities, and educational services; and

7. Evaluate and report on programming by utilizing established tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness and demonstrate value.

Collaboration & Relationships (30%)

1. Collaborate with local colleagues to promote a positive office environment, determine local needs, and share resources;

2. Develop and maintain respectful working relationships;

3. Collaborate with statewide colleagues within and across organizational structures to develop and adapt standardized and relevant programming;

4. Promote Extension and its programs to build greater access, visibility and value; and

5. Develop and/or support partnerships and community relationships that extend programmatic reach and expand impact.

Administrative & Programmatic Accountability (10%)

1. Work with the Area Extension Director and local partners to identify programming needs and seek input on performance;

2. Create a plan that identifies local audiences, describes the programming to meet their needs, connects to larger program objectives of the Division of Extension and the Positive Youth Development Institute, and assesses programming effectiveness;

3. Communicate plans, activities and achievements to Area Extension Director, Program Manager and relevant stakeholders;

4. Submit quarterly reports that summarize the impact of local programming and meet the requirements, policies, and established practices of the Division of Extension and partners, including federal Civil Rights requirements.