4-H Professional Magic Lantern

The 4-H  Professional at the Magic Lantern Innovation Center, a collaborative role with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine 4-H Foundation, plays a key part in supporting 4-H Youth Development programs. Located in Bridgton, the Magic Lantern Innovation Center empowers youth ages 5–18 by fostering positive relationships between young people and caring adults, and by offering enrichment opportunities that help build essential life skills.

Program areas include science and technology, visual and performing arts, literacy, culinary arts, and career and workforce development. These fee-based enrichment programs are designed to help youth grow as learners, leaders, and engaged community members.

This position leads the planning, implementation, and delivery of engaging, educational experiences and youth performances in partnership with the Magic Lantern team, and serves as a connector to broader 4-H resources in Oxford and Cumberland Counties. This position is located in in Bridgton, ME. Typical hiring range for this position is $43,000 to $45,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description
 

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree and/or one to three years of volunteer management and/or youth teaching experience.
• Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and inspire 4-H youth and volunteers, fostering a positive and educational environment.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Proficiency in effectively communicating with youth, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Volunteer Management Expertise: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, and working collaboratively with organizations like the 4-H Leaders Association.
• Program Development and Implementation: Ability to design, develop, and deliver educational programs that address the needs of youth.
• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple tasks, including planning and overseeing logistics for local programming.
• Community Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adjust strategies and plans to meet the evolving needs of the program and its participants.
• Team Collaboration: Skills in working effectively with other Extension staff and community partners to achieve common goals.
• Technology: Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software. 
• This position requires regular travel (within the State of Maine/both within and outside the State of Maine, etc.). Mileage is reimbursed at the current University rate. The selected individuals must be able to successfully meet this requirement with or without accommodation.

Preferred:

• Experience in Youth Development: Background in working with youth in educational or recreational settings, ideally within a 4-H or similar program.
• Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, or a rel