Program Leader, -H Youth Development

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FT EXEMPT GRANTS-610001 Frankfort, KY, US

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff – 12 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD

WORK HOURS:

37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

The Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development provides statewide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program. The position develops innovative, research-based educational programs that prepare young people to become productive, engaged, and resilient citizens while advancing Kentucky State University's land-grant mission.

The Program Leader provides strategic direction for statewide 4-H programming; supports county Extension personnel; develops partnerships with faculty, Extension personnel, government agencies, community organizations, schools, industry, and other land-grant institutions; pursues external funding opportunities; oversees program evaluation; and ensures compliance with University, state, federal, USDA NIFA, and National 4-H standards.

The position works to expand the reach and impact of KSU 4-H by increasing participation among youth and volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, including youth who are new to 4-H as well as those with established 4-H experience. Through innovative program delivery models and strategic partnerships, the Program Leader strengthens KSU's presence in urban, suburban, and rural communities and promotes high-quality positive youth development experiences for youth across Kentucky.

• Provides statewide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program, including innovative youth development initiatives focused on experiential learning, leadership development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, and life skills.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for 4-H Youth Development programs that aligns with KSU Cooperative Extension priorities, USDA NIFA guidance, and National 4-H positive youth development frameworks.
• Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, training, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for youth development programming.
• Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensures compliance with USDA NIFA requirements, National 4-H policies and standard, youth protection requirements, University policies, risk management procedures, and applicable civil rights requirements.
• Provides leadership for statewide and University-level youth development events and initiatives, including summer camps, college exploration programs, STEM academies, workforce readiness programs, and other educational activities.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive statewide volunteer program that recruits, trains, supports, retains, and recognizes 4-H volunteers while ensuring compliance with youth protection and risk management requirements.
• Promotes integration of research and Extension by collaborating with University faculty to translate research and emerging knowledge into practical youth development programs and educational resources.
• Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies; the State 4-H Foundation;
  National 4-H Council; community organizations; industry partners; nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; and other land-grant universities.
• Identifies emerging issues affecting Kentucky youth and develops innovative educational programs and initiatives that respond to changing community needs and advance positive youth development.
• Coordinates professional development opportunities and training programs for Extension personnel involved in youth development programming.
• Monitors program performance, outcomes, compliance, and accountability measures and uses data to identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Identifies external funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; manages grant-funded initiatives; develops public-private partnerships; and leverages external resources to expand statewide 4-H programming.
• Participates in state, regional, and national professional organizations, advisory groups, conferences, and Cooperative Extension leadership networks.
• Maintains accurate program records and prepares required reports, evaluations, and other documentation related to program activities, outcomes, funding, and compliance.
• Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with University personnel, Extension stakeholders, volunteers, youth, families, community partners, and other internal and external…