4H Issue Leader - Ithaca, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County 4-H Issue Leader is responsible for the overall high-level program and administrative leadership, direction, and management of all 4-H Youth Development (4-H) educational programming. The Issue Leader serves as a member of the organization’s Leadership Team and will provide overall leadership for the application of subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies for the assigned areas of programming.

The Issue Leader will provide leadership and direction in the procurement of program support funds and the effective management of the 4-H resources and staff. They will develop program evaluation tools and provide leadership for program assessment and analysis in assigned program areas including, but not limited to Rural Youth Services, After-School Programs, 4-H Clubs, Primitive Pursuits, 4-H Community Outreach and Family and Community Development. In addition, this position will be responsible for development and oversight of any other programming that is directly related to youth and their families.

The Issue Leader will participate in and encourage connections with other county associations regional teams, and Cornell and other Land Grant University faculty in developing collaborative projects and conducting applied research related to Cooperative Extension’s mission and strategically important community issues. This position will ensure that the 4-H educational programs reflect the diversity of people in Tompkins County and is accountable for assuring the equity and inclusion standards are met within the program unit, and, as a member of the Leadership Team, across the association. As a representative of the association with the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University, the Issue Leader ensures the program areas conform to the objectives and mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension and this Association. Guidance and direction are provided by the 4-H Program Committee, Board of Directors, and the Executive Director, with support from other members of the Association Leadership Team.

This is a full time, 40 hour per week, benefits eligible exempt position.

   

Required Qualifications:

•    Master’s Degree with appropriate youth development specialization and at least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in Cooperative Extension or equivalent professional education experience in an academic, human service, or industry setting.  A relevant PhD may substitute for 2 years of experience.
•    Demonstrated ability to effectively engage a diversity of stakeholders, committees or consultants in the development of program direction.
•    Demonstrated experience in facilitating community-engaged processes, building collective agreement, and achieving results, especially for underserved audiences. 
•    Ability to recognize, understand, value and incorporate diverse perspectives held by participants and collaborators/stakeholders.
•    Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders, and to work effectively with people of varying ages and socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
•    Ability to manage and work with conflict in a constructive manner. 
•    Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal and innovative educational programs using a wide variety of program delivery methods.
•    Demonstrated skills in effectively communicating complex information through oral, written, and visual channels.
•    Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and to delegate effectively.
•    Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers.
•    Demonstrated ability to secure, develop, and manage resources.
•    Demonstrated ability to lead and participate effectively in professional team efforts.
•    Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and dependability.
•    Experience with youth development.
•    Valid driver license.
•    Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. 
•    Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

•    Coursework in research methodology, education, and management highly preferred.
•    Knowledge of and experience with the 4-H model for Positive Youth Development of creating positive learning experiences; positive relationships for and between youth and adults; positive, safe environments; and opportunities for positive risk taking.
•    Knowledge of statewide and/or national initiatives related to 4-H and F&DC program areas. 
•    Knowledge of needs in Tompkins County and other areas of the state as appropriate; understanding of services and resources available by local agencies and organizations to support 4-H programming.
•    Demonstrated effective teac