Extension Instructor Or Open Rank Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development (Dawson County)

Overview
This position is based in Lexington, NE, with the geographic accountability region of Dawson and Custer Counties. The major responsibility of this position is to provide regional leadership for Nebraska Extension’s 4-H and Youth Development Program. This educator is expected to interact closely with 4-H clientele in these communities and deliver programs in their geographic area.

This twelve-month, non-tenure track position carries the title of open rank extension educator or extension instructor, depending on the candidate’s level of education. Those possessing a graduate-level degree in the requested area of instruction will be considered for an open rank educator position, a full-time, promotable, non-tenure track appointment. Those in possession of an undergraduate degree in the requested area of instruction, will be considered for an instructor position, a full-time, non-promotable, non-tenure track appointment that will be renewed annually for a maximum of five years in the appointment. If hired as an instructor, the incumbent will be expected to make satisfactory progress toward and complete a master’s degree within the initial five-year appointment period. As part of the UNL benefit package, the University offers tuition remission for full-time employees, up to 15 credit hours per year. Once the master’s degree is earned within that period, the position will advance to an assistant extension educator appointment.

The Positive Youth Development – 4-H extension professional will contribute to the integrated (extension, research, and teaching) land-grant mission of the home unit and IANR as an effective scholar and citizen, including supporting student recruitment and IANR science literacy. In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. We are America’s largest youth development organization, empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. Nebraska Extension is an organization that values excellence and as a member of the Nebraska Extension team you will create and deliver world-class learning experiences focused on critical issues that empower Nebraskans to improve their lives.

Nebraska Extension professionals are committed to engaging with community partners, organizations, and all audiences, as well as individuals in ways that reflect an understanding and value for individual differences (e.g., race/ethnicity, abilities, gender, sexual orientation, religion). Nebraska Extension strives to ensure that innovative programming, translational research, and learning opportunities promote equity and inclusion.

PROGRAMMATIC RESPONSIBILITIES (approximately 80%)

• Engages in a collaborative-learning environment with young people and volunteers to apply research-based information.
• Practices effective extension scholarship by conducting needs assessments, identifying priorities, measuring program impact, and reporting results at professional meetings and in professional publications.
• Uses entrepreneurial practices to secure grants, program fees and partnerships to leverage the extension educational program’s resource base and reach.
• Works in a multi-disciplinary team environment with extension professionals and partners to translate and teach the latest research-based information.
• Develops a professional development plan by teaching to enhance and maintain professional expertise in youth development and extension pedagogy.
• Delivers educational programming for youth development programming statewide and within the assigned geographic region. Within their geographic region the extension professional will also engage with lead educators, extension advisory committees, and local stakeholders to determine needs and provide access to educational opportunities.
• Partners with research faculty in action research that can be applied to educational programming.
• Uses innovative strategies and current technologies to support a robust 4-H youth education program designed to 1) inspire youth to be young leaders and stewards of their individual pathways, 2) engage youth in learning experiences that allow them to strengthen their innovation and design thinking skills and practice those skills in real-life settings, and 3) support the development of entrepreneurial thinking and how that mindset can support their long-term goals. This includes a variety of engagement methods including out-of-school programs, special interest groups, 4-H clubs, school enrichment, and other creative strategies that engage youth.

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP/LEAD EDUCATOR ROL (approximately 20%)

• Understands and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunities; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Civil Rights compliance efforts.
• Cultivating a culture of collaboration with local leaders and community members that builds positive relationships between the University and the community.
• Supporting engagement of advisory or policy groups such as the Extension Board, Ag Society, or County Commissioners/Board of Supervisors.
• Coordinates with Engagement Zone Coordinator(s) and other Extension professionals locally and in accountability region to develop a robust Nebraska Extension presence by:
• Cooperating with local faculty and staff in a team environment to promote Extension’s educational opportunities and impact in the host county.
• Accepts committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.
• Serves in, contributes to, or supports the specific Lead Educator roles as described in the Roles and Responsibilities of the Lead Educator document found at https://myextension.unl.edu/lead-educator-position-description as determined in partnership with the supervisor(s).

Some travel is required. Must meet driver standards according to UNL policy and have a valid driver’s license.

Recognizing that diversity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Nebraska Extension are committed to creating learning, research, Extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of all forms of diversity. Consistent with the University’s N2025 Strategic Plan, we see every person and every interaction as important to our collective well-being and our ability to deliver on our mission.

This position is not eligible for employment-based permanent residency sponsorship. UNL may be able to sponsor temporary work authorization (e.g., H-1B) for the successful candidate.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.
Minimum Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate (i.e., publications, presentations, web, and social media).
• Successful experience teaching in a formal or non-formal setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension instructor) OR Master’s degree in youth development, education, or a closely related field (extension educator).
• Experience and demonstrated ability working with youth and youth organizations including understanding of positive youth development and youth program management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to speak language(s) other than English. Spanish preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working as a team, displaying strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Experience and ability to engage diverse and under-served audiences.
• Demonstrated experience/training in the recruitment, training, mentoring, and management of volunteers.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person