Extension Agent 4-H (Mecklenburg County)

The Extension Agent for 4-H will be located in Mecklenburg County and will be responsible for planning, executing and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H educational programs that meet the needs of the county's limited resource youth from ages 5-19, in accordance with the mission and priorities established by the National 4-H Council and in alignment with the mission and vision of Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T. Programs focus on developing leadership and workforce skills in youth, including an extensive STEM element, through a variety of established instructional delivery modes. The Extension Agent (1) collaborates with county and community based organizations to deliver programs and recruit program participants; (2) determines program needs and priorities by conducting needs assessments; (3) organizes, communicates, and delivers course materials in formal and informal instructional settings, including organized 4-H clubs, special interest youth programs, 4-H projects, after-school programs, summer day camp programs, and school enrichment programs, and (4) evaluates data collected from multiple sources including advisory committee members, county residents and program participants, to determine program impacts. This position is required to attend overnight programs with 4H youth at various times during the year. This position focuses on delivering programs addressing the specific needs of urban limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged youth, based on changing social, economic, and demographic factors.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas – Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together with its partners – North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed. In addition to campus operations, Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Requirements:

• Master's degree from an accredited university in a field related to child or youth development; or a bachelor's degree in a related field with work experience in Extension or working/teaching in diverse communities, with an understanding that a Master's degree will be pursued.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to work and interact with diverse populations.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Office).
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain the working relationships.
• Valid Driver's license and personal transportation.
• Ability to travel and work after hours/weekends as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications and equipment needed for training programs.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in field related to child or youth education or development as specified above, and two or more years of experience working with limited-resource youth.
• Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities.
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Ability to manage time and resources.
• Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing and presentations.
• Skills in leadership, budgeting and public relations.
• Experience with social media engagement and campaign development