Associate Specialist, -H Program Development, and Readiness

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

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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Overtime Status
:
Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type
:
Regular

Salary Information
: $60,000 - $70,000

Hours per week
: 40

Review Date
:
October 24, 2025

Additional Information

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.

Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.