4-H Youth Outreach Program Assistant II/III – Southeast Iowa

Position Information:

Position Title:
4-H Youth Outreach Program Assistant II/III – Southeast Iowa

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications
Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working with youth
Experience conducting educational outreach to diverse audiences
Experience conducting trainings or presentations
Bilingual
Experience in 4-H or similar youth development program

Job Description:

The 4-H Youth Development department with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is seeking qualified candidates for a 4-H Youth Outreach Program Assistant who will provide targeted educational outreach to new, diverse K-12 youth audiences in collaboration with the 4-H Field Supervisors, 4-H youth program specialists, and campus 4-H specialists.

This person will support a region that consists of Jasper, Poweshiek, Iowa, Johnson, Muscatine, Scott, Marion, Mahaska, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Des Moines, Lee, Henry, Jefferson, Van Buren, Davis, Wapello, Monroe, Appanoose, Wayne, and Lucas counties. This position will require travel, primarily in their region. The primary office location for this position will be determined at time of hire.

This position will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of new 4-H youth and families who have not previously engaged with 4-H educational programs in addition working collaboratively with 4-H volunteers, county, field, and campus-based specialists to support the engagement of these new and diverse youth audiences to 4-H. This individual will assist in coordinating local youth outreach programs which include but are not limited to 4-H Connect, Salir Adelante, and regional multi-cultural youth outreach accelerators. This position will involve facilitating county-based training and professional development opportunities focused on engaging new, diverse youth audiences specifically for county 4-H staff and volunteers.

The program assistant will also be responsible for the local youth engagement and educational outreach for the 4-H Career Pathways Academy. This individual will work with 4-H AmeriCorps members to lead college and career exploration programming for youth participants in addition to connecting young people to higher educational and career preparation opportunities in/near their local communities. The individual will engage with local schools, businesses, workforce development training, and post-secondary education programs to support each youth participant on their career pathway.

The successful candidate will have exceptional organizational and communication skills, with an ability to work well with a variety of internal and external audiences. The demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize complex projects and multiple deadlines with the ability to take initiative on leading projects is essential. Proven leadership and teamwork skills in addition to a demonstrated ability to mobilize and direct programs are required. A creative, enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs of the organization will also be needed to be successful in this position. It is preferred that the candidate has experience working with young people from diverse backgrounds. Bilingual speaking and writing skills are preferred.

This position will be hired as a Program Assistant II or III depending on the candidate’s experience.

For the Program Assistant II, the required minimum qualification is a High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of related experience. The pay grade is a PS804.

For the Program Assistant III, the required minimum qualification is a High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience. The pay grade is a PS805.

The Program Assistant III will have additional duties not listed on the posting.

This is a regular with term appointment(fixed term) position with the opportunity for renewal.

Vision:  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will advance land-grant values by engaging all Iowans in solving today’s problems and preparing for a thriving future.

Mission: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.

Diversity Statement: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach celebrates all identities, cultures, and backgrounds and actively works to foster a climate that is grounded in respect, value, and belonging.  In our communities, diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich the experiences of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach participants and partners. In our organization, diversity, equity, and inclusion support constructive workplace and educational environments, and promote excellence throughout the organization.  Iowa State University Extension and Outreach aims to provide research- and evidence-based educational opportunities to cultivate the growth of Iowa’s agriculture, families, youth, and communities; is dedicated to serving all Iowans; and will continue to take intentional and thoughtful steps to achieve this goal.  

Job Details: As our vision and mission both state, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is here to serve all Iowans.  Accordingly, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach values experience working with and in diverse communities.  We acknowledge the full range of diversity including race, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, disability, socioeconomic status, rural, urban, perspectives, education, experiences, etc.  When we encompass a wide range of Iowans in our workforce, we better understand and serve the richness and breadth that is Iowa. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is an equal opportunity employer and in accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

June 30, 2024

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS804

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.

Original Posting Date:
October 5, 2022

Posting Close Date:
October 19, 2022

Job Requisition Number:
R9853