Extension Area Specialist, -H Youth Development, Southeast Area, Prowers

Southeast Area 4-H Youth Development Specialist

This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track Extension faculty position. Faculty rank is dependent upon the candidate's academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of Extension Faculty – educate, create, and connect and the person in this role divides time accordingly: educate 50%, create 35%, and connect 15%.

Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and education activities in OEE and CSU Extension.

The Southeast Area 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Prowers County will provide leadership in the development, implementation, delivery, evaluation, and reporting of a comprehensive youth development program serving Prowers County and collaborating across the seven-county Southeast Area of Colorado (Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers). Programming responsibilities include a wide range of 4-H project areas such as livestock, horse, natural resources, STEM, shooting sports, and general projects, with a strong emphasis on volunteer development, leadership cultivation, and expanding inclusive, community-responsive programming.

This individual works as a member of the Southeast Area Extension team and as a representative of Colorado State University. The position reports to the Southeast Area Extension Director and works collaboratively with CSU Extension specialists, area and county staff, the Southern Region Director, and the CSU State 4-H Office, as well as volunteers, advisory groups, schools, agricultural producers, and community organizations to develop and deliver high-quality programming that meets regional needs.

The role includes leadership in program development, volunteer management, partnership building, and strengthening program capacity across the area.

The primary office location for this position is in Lamar, Colorado. Regular travel throughout the Southeast Area is required, including periodic overnight stays, and time may be flexed to maintain a 40-hour work week. The individual is expected to maintain a consistent office presence to effectively carry out responsibilities. The work schedule will vary and will include frequent evening and weekend commitments.

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate research-based 4-H and youth development programming in response to local and regional needs, including in-school, after-school, and community-based settings.
• Provide leadership and guidance to 4-H members, clubs, councils, ambassadors, and volunteer leaders, including recruitment, training, and ongoing support.
• Collaborate with local governments, schools, and community-based organizations to design, implement, and report impactful educational programs for youth and adult audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Extension staff, CSU faculty, advisory groups, community leaders, and diverse stakeholders to identify needs and enhance program reach and effectiveness.
• Develop and implement inclusive programming that engages diverse and underserved audiences while ensuring compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.
• Secure and manage program resources, including grants, contracts, and cost-recovery efforts, and ensure compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and reporting requirements.
• Utilize effective communication methods, including teaching, public presentations, written materials, and technology, to deliver programming and share program impacts.
• Travel regularly throughout the Southeast Area to conduct programming, attend meetings, participate in professional development, and support regional collaboration, including occasional overnight stays.

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Ability to travel
• Valid driver's license or the ability to obtain a driver's license by the employment start date.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date;
  Extension will not sponsor a visa…