Senior Extension Associate – 4-H Youth Livestock and Companion Animal Program
Department of Animal Science
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Position Function
Statewide responsibilities within the New York State (NYS) 4-H Youth Development Program providing leadership for NY 4-H animal science livestock (beef, sheep, swine, poultry, llama) and companion animal (dog, cat, rabbit, and other pets) programming. Effort will focus on interactions, communication, and training for 4-H extension education staff and volunteers. The position carries the academic title of Senior Extension Associate.
As needed, collaborate with other faculty and 4-H youth development specialists on industry and extension efforts.
Anticipated Division of Time
Lead
Program Coordination, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation:
40% - Develop and deliver unbiased science-based extension programs
and in-service training in high-priority and emerging youth interest areas of
livestock, poultry, and companion animal topics. Work may include curriculum
assessment and professional development of 4-H staff and volunteers beyond the
4-H team. Secondary focus includes program delivery, communication, and event
coordination.
- With input from colleagues and other partners, provide
leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that
address K-12 STEM outreach needs. Emphasis is on the demonstration and adoption
of principles and best practices leading to future animal industry and/or STEM
careers.
- Provide leadership for and coordinate youth events,
activities, awards, trainings, and competitions, including website and
communications with participants, collaborators, and donors.
- Plan and implement educational programs utilizing various
methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, electronic
technology, use of the internet, and distance learning.
- One-on-one consultations with 4-H extension educators and
industry partners related to program development and problem solving, as
necessary.
- Prepare reports on program progress and accomplishments.
- Analyze and evaluate major program efforts and make
recommendations for enhancing future programming.
Program
Management: 30% - Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure additional
program funding, including salary support growing to about 25% of salary three
years from start date, with the ability to identify, anticipate and recommend
future budget and supply needs.
- Ensure compliance with the evaluation and reporting
requirements of funding partners.
- Individually and collaboratively identify, secure, and sustain
new additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
- Responsible for preparing one or more program budgets,
oversight, reporting and accountability for department 4-H endowment funds
(Willman, Rice).
- Support team efforts of communication with stakeholders and
partners
- Support team efforts in planning and implementing regional and
statewide events, including Adult/Teen Volunteer Leadership training, State and
National 4-H Contests and Events, Skillathons, Animal Crackers, and 4-H Career
Explorations.
- Oversee 4-H animal science educational activities as
appropriate related to NYS Fair.
- In coordination with administrative assistant, support
national 4-H travel team opportunities in livestock and poultry areas across
the United States.
Outreach and
Collaboration: 15%
- Utilize youth development-based research to develop and
implement educational materials and programs within appropriate guidelines and
considering the diverse needs of the community.
- Maintain current resources and program materials, making
regular recommendations for website updates.
- Expand effective communication and working relationships with
appropriate partners, other educational institutions, governmental agencies,
and youth-serving Ag organizations.
- Maintain relationships with Cornell K-12 outreach networks,
including the NYS 4-H Youth Development staff team, attend community
stakeholder meetings, etc., as appropriate.
Organizational
Leadership: 10%
- Support Cornell University and Cooperative Extension
system-wide initiatives through participation in program work teams, ad-hoc
committees, and advisory groups.
- Participate in regional, statewide, and national work groups
related to Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, the animal industry, and
the 4-H Youth Development profession.
- Foster strong collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry
stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain positive relationships with individuals
and groups that support the work of the organization, including those who
identify a community need and communicate impact. (e.g., NYS 4-H Foundation)
- Collaborate with colleagues responsible for multiple delivery
methods, such as 4-H county-based club managers, after school, Ag in the
Classroom, residential camps, and directors of statewide CCE conferences and
trainings.
Professional
Development:
5%
- Participate in professional meetings, in-service trainings,
and other educational programs to develop skills and enhance capabilities to
foster professional and personal growth to contribute to excellence in
fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.
- Stay up to date with best practices in teaching technology to
provide educational programming for K-12 audiences.
Required Qualifications: - Master’s Degree in Animal Science, Agriculture Education, or
other relevant fields from an accredited institution.
- 8+ years of progressively responsible and relevant work
experience in 4-H youth animal science programs or equivalent K-12 educational
settings.
- 3+ years of experience providing information dissemination
through the use of professional development and/or technical assistance to
practitioners in youth STEM fields.
- Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating youth curricula
and programs.
- Knowledge of and direct livestock farm operations and multiple
species handling experience.
- Strong desire and ability to function in a team setting, with
self-motivation to work independently with minimal direction.
- Demonstrated experience in leading teams and mentoring,
coaching, and supervising paid staff and volunteers, including students.
- Experience working with diverse populations representative of
New York state citizens and a commitment to helping ensure diverse, equitable
and inclusive programming. 1+ years of successful grant writing, fund
development and/or grant management experience. (Managing program budgets over
$50,000).
- Ability to conceptualize and communicate youth development
principles and knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an
informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- Proven organizational and time-management skills with the
ability to provide direction and oversight as required.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a
management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, marketing and
publication software, SharePoint, Internet web-based communication tools, i.e.,
Zoom and social media platforms).
- Be familiar with and demonstrate the ability to follow
applicable federal, state, local and University policies, procedures, and
requirements in working with K-12 audiences and in fiduciary and risk
management roles.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, including occasional
overnight stays, as essential job functions require.
- Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position
and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and
unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
- Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf
of the University.
This position
is full-time and will be located in Ithaca, New York. This is a five-year
appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.
Preferred
Qualifications: - Ph.D./Doctoral/Professional Degree
in Animal and/or Agricultural Sciences Education may substitute for 2 years of
work experience.
- Practical or personal experience
within the animal industry (animal management best practices).
- Experience with 4-H Program
Management and staff supervisory roles.
- Coursework in research and
evaluation methodology, education, and management experience is highly
preferred.
To
apply:
Please
apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22639).
Qualified
candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact
information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity,
equity and inclusion via the website.
Applications
will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is
identified.
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of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. |