4-H Youth Development Extension Agent - Club and Volunteer Development

The WVU Extension Service is seeking a dynamic individual who will provide statewide leadership for 4-H Club and Volunteer Development programs. This position will lead efforts related to 4-H club development, volunteer management, compliance, chartering, special interest programs, volunteer training, program evaluation, and resource development. The position serves youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and communities across West Virginia through educational programming, organizational development, and volunteer leadership initiatives. This is a statewide faculty position. The position carries the academic rank of Service Instructor or Service Assistant Professor, depending upon the candidate's level of education. This is a twelve-month, full-time, promotable, non-tenure-track appointment.

Major Responsibilities

This position is primarily dedicated to serving youth, volunteers, communities, the state, the university, and the broader profession through the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs related to 4-H clubs, special interest programs, and volunteer development.

The successful candidate will provide statewide leadership for 4-H club and volunteer systems through educational programming, volunteer development, compliance oversight, partnership development, fiscal stewardship, and program evaluation.

The position is responsible to the State 4-H Program Director for all programmatic and administrative matters. The faculty member will work collaboratively with county Extension personnel, state Extension specialists, the WVU Extension Office of Volunteer Management, Compliance, and Development, community partners, and national organizations to strengthen and expand club-based and volunteer-led youth development programming throughout West Virginia.

Functions and Tasks

• Conduct educational programs in their designated program area to help people more effectively interpret and use science-based findings.
• Assume responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating a statewide Plan of Work for 4-H Club and Volunteer Development programming.
• Provides statewide leadership for 4-H club development, special interest programs, volunteer engagement, volunteer management systems, and organizational sustainability.
• Lead and coordinate statewide, interstate, and international 4-H youth development initiatives that promote leadership, citizenship, cultural competency, and community engagement.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, volunteers, youth, and stakeholders to assess educational needs, identify priorities, and develop innovative educational opportunities that support statewide program goals.
• Review, revise, develop, and disseminate educational resources, curricula, and support materials for 4-H clubs, special interest programs, volunteers, and Extension professionals.
• Identify, recruit, train, support, and recognize volunteers who contribute to the successful delivery of 4-H club and special interest programming.
• Provide leadership for volunteer growth, retention, succession planning, and recognition initiatives across the state.
• Serve as the statewide leader for 4-H club chartering and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) processes, ensuring compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Support youth protection and volunteer vetting processes in collaboration with the WVU Extension Vetting Team and the Office of Volunteer Management, Compliance, and Development.
• Plan, coordinate, and administer statewide contests, demonstrations, trainings, conferences, recognition events, and other program activities that advance positive youth development. This includes prominent events in Communication and Expressive Arts, fostering youth development.
• Develop and utilize effective systems for reporting program accomplishments, documenting outcomes, evaluating impacts, and demonstrating public value.
• Secure financial resources through grants, fundraising efforts, sponsorships, and partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding fiscal management, tax exemption policies, financial accountability, and best practices for 4-H clubs and affiliated groups.
• Function at all times as a professional educator, maintaining high standards of teaching, scholarship, service, and stakeholder engagement.

Service

• Develop an understanding of the state, the needs of its citizens, and Extension's role in meeting those needs.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of youth development, volunteer engagement, organizational development, and community leadership needs throughout West Virginia.
• Serve as the statewide subject matter expert for 4-H club development, volunteer management, chartering, compliance, and special interest programs.
• Continuously evaluate and refine their role as an educator, leader, and change agent in strengthening volunteer-led youth programming across the state.
• Assess the degree to which programs meet the needs of youth, volunteers, Extension professionals, and stakeholders while promoting meaningful learning and behavioral change.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of educational programs and organizational systems related to clubs, volunteers, and youth engagement.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply current research, emerging trends, and best practices related to volunteer development, youth leadership, organizational management, and positive youth development.
• Work collaboratively with county Extension offices, schools, community organizations, state and federal agencies, and regional and national partners to strengthen programming opportunities.
• Serve as West Virginia's liaison for regional and national initiatives related to 4-H clubs, volunteer development, and special interest programs.
• Participate in professional development activities that enhance expertise in youth development, volunteer management, educational program delivery, and organizational leadership.
• Provide mentorship and support to new Extension faculty and staff regarding effective club management, volunteer engagement, and program implementation.
• Support youth recruitment, retention, and student success efforts by creating educational experiences, workforce development opportunities, leadership pathways, and career exploration activities that encourage future enrollment at WVU and other post-secondary institutions.

Teaching

• Conduct needs assessments and engage community partners to identify priorities, mobilize resources, and develop, coordinate, and deliver research-based educational programs that meet the needs of citizens and communities.
• Develop, market, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate statewide educational programs focused on 4-H club development, volunteer leadership, organizational management, compliance, fiscal stewardship, and positive youth development.
• Establish clear educational objectives and utilize appropriate research-based subject matter and educational resources to achieve program goals and desired outcomes.
• Select, adapt, develop, and disseminate research-based curricula, training materials, and educational resources aligned with state and national 4-H priorities.
• Design and implement a variety of educational delivery methods, including trainings, workshops, conferences, webinars, volunteer development programs, and outreach activities to serve diverse audiences.
• Provide educational leadership and support to Extension professionals, volunteers, families, and community partners to ensure consistent and effective delivery of high-quality 4-H programming.
• Develop volunteer training and professional development opportunities that strengthen program quality, safety, accountability, and sustainability.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, measure participant outcomes and program impacts, and report accomplishments and public value to stakeholders and university leadership.
• Uses evaluation findings, stakeholder feedback, and emerging research to continuously improve program quality, relevance, accessibility, and impact.
• Understand the philosophy of Extension and utilize effective methodology in program delivery and evaluation.
• Understand and convey the philosophy, objectives and policies of WVUES.
• Assist in determining and obtaining resources needed to implement the Plan of Work.
• Plan and provide the training needed to equip volunteer leaders to carry out the program.
• Develop and maintain two-way communications with volunteer leaders.
• Understand and implement the provisions of EEO and ADA.

• For appointment at the Service Assistant Professor rank, the applicant must have a master's degree.
• For appointment at the Service Instructor rank, the applicant must have a bachelor's degree.
• Current West Virginia University faculty members who are selected for this position may be eligible to transfer their existing rank and tenure status, as appropriate and subject to University policies and procedures.
• Candidates with a degree in progress may be considered for this position, but the degree must be conferred by the hire date.
• Desirable areas of educational experience and training include youth development, Extension education, education, leadership studies, nonprofit management, community development, organizational leadership, public administration, agriculture, human services, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills through collaborations and partnerships with agencies and organizations is necessary.
• Documented experience in volunteer management, organizational development, program coordination, resource development, supervision, and team leadership is desirable.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication and knowledge and use of computer technology for educational programming and management are required.
• Experience working with advisory committees, focus groups, and volunteer organizations is desirable.
• Experience developing and delivering volunteer training programs is desirable.
• Experience working with the media and web-based information delivery methods is desirable.

Preferred Experience:

• Successful experience in developing financial support for educational programs through grant writing, fundraising, sponsorship development, contracting, or cost recovery efforts.
• Experience managing budgets, equipment inventories, and program resources.
• Extension or similar outreach education experience.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to meet travel demands of position (overnight stays), such as 4-H youth camps, conferences, professional development sessions and training.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Position Assignment:

• The Service Assistant Professor and/or Service Instructor positions are 12-month, full-time, non-tenure-track faculty positions.
• The successful candidate will be evaluated for providing a significant contribution in service and teaching. Accomplishments will be evaluated at least annually and will be judged in the context of these roles.
• The position will provide statewide leadership for 4-H club development, volunteer management, volunteer compliance, special interest programs, chartering and MOU processes, organizational development, fiscal stewardship, volunteer training, and related youth development initiatives.
• Salary: The fixed salary is $53,000 at the Service Instructor rank and $59,000 at the Service Assistant Professor rank.

Application Process:

• Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and the search will remain open until the position is filled.
• If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, ALL of the following information must be submitted using https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities:
  • Cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for and outlining experience and qualifications.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae including dates of employment, supervisor(s) name and contact information.
  • Three (3) references (including address, e-mail and phone) who can reflect on your professional strengths.
  • Transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate). Degree must be conferred by start of position.

About WVU Extension:

WVU Extension is a primary outreach division of West Virginia University, embracing the heart of the University's land-grant mission. WVU Extension maintains a presence and connections in communities across all 55 West Virginia counties. It assesses local needs, seeks science-based best practices to meet these needs, and delivers educational programs and resources through several formal and informal systems. These connections are critical to the design, implementation, and evaluation of Extension and community engagement programs.

WVU Extension envisions a West Virginia where all its people can reach their fullest potential. Our mission is to improve lives and livelihoods of all West Virginians. Extension's work is guided by collaboration and partnership; doing no harm; providing trusted, science-based practical education; helping people help themselves; serving all people, and exercising accountability. WVU Extension focuses on providing trusted and practical educational programs that improve health, education, and prosperity. These programs help people, businesses, and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future.

WVU Extension is part of the National Cooperative Extension System present in every state and territory and is overseen by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It was created by Congress through the 1914 Smith-Lever Act. It is designed as a collaborative program funded through federal, state, and local match. WVU Extension also includes the Fire Service Extension (c. 1931), the Institute for Labor Studies
and Research (c. 1959); the Occupational Health and Safety Extension (c. 1988), and the

WVU Center for Community Engagement (c. 2021). Visit WVU Extension Service's website at https://extension.wvu.edu/ for additional information about our programs.

About WVU

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.