Youth Program Associate III (part-time) - Mercer County

University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement

4-H Center for Youth Development - Mercer County

MU TITLE: Educational Program Associate III

LOCATION: Mercer County - Princeton, MO

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement's distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities, and economies by producing relevant, reliable, and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit

The University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development provides leadership and expertise with developing communities of young people across Missouri who are learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H is publicly supported by county, state, and federal partners, as well as private resources to enrich the learning experiences of both youth and adults. For more information about 4-H, visit

This position will assist in the planning, management, and support of 4-H Youth Development programs in assigned geographic area, under the guidance and supervision of the 4-H Youth Development Specialist/Educator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Advocate for positive youth development in the community and MU Extension.
• Work as a member of the leadership team to coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, camps, and programs utilizing a positive youth development approach.
• Build and expand external local partnerships to grow the 4-H program in Mercer County, including but not limited to Schools, Community Centers, and other Youth serving organizations.
• Build and expand internal partnerships to grow the 4-H program in Mercer County, including partnerships among other UM Colleges and Missouri Extension programs: Agriculture & Environment, Business and Community, Health and Human Science.
• Lead the coordination and planning, management, marketing, implementing (including teaching) and evaluation (including reporting) of researched based curriculum that has an emphasis on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as other career exploration topics. Including curriculums offered face to face activities and online.
• Build capacity amongst volunteers and community partners, fostering developmental relationships to contribute to program growth.
• Engage and empower volunteers and community partners to effectively implement 4-H programs across all delivery modes.
• Develop leadership capacity among youth.
• Assist in the management of financial and in-kind resources.
• Coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, camps, and programs utilizing a positive youth development approach.
• Contribute to the statewide effort to impact the lives of all Missourians positively including promotion of state and national events and contests.
• Report accomplishments and impacts to appropriate sources including supervisor, funders, and stakeholders.
• Assist with record keeping and report preparation of 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Ensure that individuals in the county can participate in extension programs.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities for continued in knowledge, skills, and abilities as it is related to the 4-H Youth Development program.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension.

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Administrative supervision is received from the assigned Field Specialist/Educator in 4-H Youth Development. This position is not responsible for supervision.

CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION STAFF

• Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate civility and respect for all.
• Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills.
• Operate with minimal guidance and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments.
• Ensure all youth and adults in the county have an ability to participate in extension programs which offer a safe environment.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system. It is the state's land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU's broad undergraduate programs and its' graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students. MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America's most livable cities. MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (20 hours a week)

Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, is required to fulfill assigned responsibilities.

An associate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 months of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

A minimum of six hours in one or more of the domains of the 4-H Professional, Research, Knowledge and Competency Taxonomy (PRKC) for youth development. Domains are youth and adult development, learning strategies and education, organizational systems and resource management, community partnerships and volunteerism.

Experience in group work that involved direct care and interaction with children, such as YMCA, day care, schools, recreational facilities etc. may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the stated education.

Individual must be self-motivated, be willing to take initiative and have the ability to work with minimum supervision.

ASSOCIATES WILL BE EVALUATED ON

• A yearly Plan of Work based on locally identified needs.
• Ability and willingness to learn and implement hands-on learning that has an emphasis on emphasis on Leadership and Civic Engagement, STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as other career exploration topics.
• Ability to build internal and external partnerships to grow the 4-H program.
• Ability to effectively use social media and information technology including a variety of Windows based computer software programs.
• Ability to remain organized, accurate, and dependable with a positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Demonstration of strong communication skills when identifying and working with partners, youth, volunteers, and community members/organizations to provide a quality program.
• Marketing, promotion, and evaluation of programs offered.
• Use of creativity, problem solving and the ability to think on your feet.
• Ability to understand, synthesize and communicate relevant information to various audiences.
• Ability to recruit, develop and train youth and adults as volunteer leaders to assist with the implementation of the 4-H program.

Salary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Grade: GGS-007

University Title: Educational Program Associate III

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at View phone number on click.appcast.io.