Associate Specialist, -H Program Development, and Readiness

Associate Specialist, 4-H Program Development, Work and Life Readiness

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Work type: Administrative & Professional
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: 4-H Centers and Admin.
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science

Virginia 4-H is seeking an Associate Specialist to lead the strategic development, implementation, and integration of innovative youth programs that equip young people with the skills needed for success in life, work, and leadership. This position will play a central role in expanding the Beyond Ready initiative by designing comprehensive, research-informed program components that address career readiness, life skills, and personal development.

The specialist will collaborate with Extension professionals and community partners to embed work and life readiness principles across the 4-H system, ensuring alignment with existing programs while fostering new, scalable models that meet the evolving needs of Virginia’s youth.

• Master's degree in adult and continuing education, youth development, environmental and natural resources, Extension education, Career and Technical Education, or a related field.
• Associate Specialists are required to be promoted to Extension Specialist by the sixth year of employment.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing community-based Extension or non-formal educational programs, with a strong emphasis on youth development and/or career and life readiness.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership using recognized youth development standards.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to working with a broad audience and colleagues.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver engaging and impactful programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Virginia 4-H.

• A doctoral or terminal degree in adult and continuing education, youth development, environmental and natural resources, Extension education, Career and Technical Education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in securing grants and fundraising to support program initiatives.
• A strong record of research and scholarly publications in the field of youth development or related areas.
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation, particularly in the context of educational or youth development programs.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$60,000 - $70,000

40

October 24, 2025

This position will be on-site with consideration for a telework agreement.

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable…