Urban 4H Youth Development Educator - Buffalo, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County has an opening for full-time Urban 4-H Youth Development Educator working from the Buffalo NY location. The educator will serve as a member of the 4-H Youth Development team to assist with planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the 4-H Youth Development programs, with the goal of promoting thriving in young people ages 5-18 in Erie County, with primary focus on urban areas. Educator will be responsible for promoting program objectives and plans in all areas of 4-H Youth Development programming with emphasis on civic engagement and youth leadership, food systems, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as life skills and workforce preparation. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Master’s Degree with experience relevant to the role of the position. Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years transferrable relevant evidence­-based research experience may substitute. • Experience relevant to the role of the position. • Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English. • Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. • Ability to meet acceptable background check standards. • Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. • Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders. • Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods. • Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information. • Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts. • Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines. • Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners. • Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs. • Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. • Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Coursework in Education, Agriculture, and/or Human/Youth Development. • Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations. • Demonstrated strong written communication skills. • Demonstrated experience with teen programming. • Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership. • Knowledge of STEM curriculum/principles; leadership, career development, healthy lifestyles, and citizenship. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Program Development - 15% • Assist Supervisor with development of 4-H Youth Development educational programs with emphasis on civic engagement and youth leadership, food systems, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), as well as life skills and workforce preparation, to meet identified needs and diverse interests of participants and volunteers. • Assist Supervisor in research, identification, and selection of existing resources. • Assist Supervisor in creation of program materials to address identified needs. • Assist Supervisor in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local priorities. • Assist Supervisor in structuring programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants. Program Delivery - 50% • Deliver high-quality educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide 4-H Youth Development programming priorities with emphasis on civic engagement, food systems, STEM, life skills, workforce preparation, and leadership. Events and programs may require involvement of volunteers. • Deliver programs and participate in special projects including but not limited to the 4-H Leader trainings, County Fair, State Fair, 4-H Fundraising, Public Presentations, and other extension association activities, as assigned. • During the summer, deliver teen summer program providing daily activities and events. • Use varied methods - direct teaching, group activities, media, and distance learning - to deliver programs. • Serve as subject matter resource. • Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to meet community needs across diverse audiences. • Provide educational program efforts via mass media including social media. • Assist in the development of new methods of participant engagement. • Interact with program participants representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. • Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery. Program Evaluation - 5% • Assist in the creation of program evaluation framework. • Interact with program participants, association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs. • Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods. • Assist with making recommendations for program changes to strengthen and improve programs. • Communicate evaluation results and findings. Administrative Direction - 10% • Assist with establishing program goals and priorities that align with Association and statewide Plan of Work. • Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives. • Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement. • Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process. • Assist with identifying key relationships to build/sustain with community leaders and stakeholders. • Assist with identifying program, activity, and resource needs necessary to implement initiatives and projects. • May provide input to planning budget based on program feasibility needs and assist in identifying opportunities for 4-H fund development activities. Administrative Management - 10% • Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association and is research based. • Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to association strategies/plan of work. • Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations. • Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. • Make recommendations to Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs. • Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the 4-H Youth Development program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. • Assist with ensuring volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management. Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5% • Coordinate and hold regular meetings with the Erie County 4-H Team Leader to prepare for programming, connect with community partners, and raise questions and concerns. • Coordinate identified administrative tasks to support the delivery of established educational program goals, i.e., confirming events; gathering materials and resources for program delivery; and ensuring delivery to offsite program locations. • Maintain and prepare teaching materials and resources necessary for 4-H Youth Development programs applying existing subject matter knowledge. • Assist with preparing materials for grant/contract proposal submission. • Provide required information for financial documentation to meet the grant or budget requirements. • Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts. • Process, track, and maintain event and program registration and monies as per established policy. • Collect and reconcile event and program receipts and monies. Prepare program expense reports. • Maintain records of class participants, complete reports, and accurately collect and prepare paperwork as required. • Provide data and information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others, as necessary. • Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures. • Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained. • Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities. Professional Improvement - 5% • In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities. • Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required. Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions • Support the association to maintain a safe working environment. • Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health, and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard. • Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified. Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions • Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. • Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. • Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes, and Skills for Success. • Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials, and the general public in a professional manner at all times. • Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner. • Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality. ______________________________________________________________________________ POSITION DETAILS Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week Wage: $24.00 to $25.00 per hour , commensurate with experience Location: Based from the Buffalo, NY office Remote Status: Remote work is not available. Benefits: Full benefits , based on eligibility, including: Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave Paid Holidays NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance) NYS Retirement (NYSERS) Long-Term Disability Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tax Deferred Annuity Plan Flexible Spending Accounts Group Universal Life Insurance Personal Accidental Insurance Legal Plan Insurance Long Term Care Insurance Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance Pet Insurance New York’s College Savings Program Credit Counseling ______________________________________________________________________________ APPLICATION DEADLINE Apply online by 11:59pm EST on September 14, 2026 Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at with questions. ______________________________________________________________________________ HOW TO APPLY To be considered all applicants are requested to: (1) Complete all sections of the Online Application (2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume (3) Upload/attach contact information for 3 Professional References Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time. External Applicants ( including current employees of other CCE offices ): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) for additional guidance. Internal Applicants ( current employees working at this CCE office ): Apply via Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section. The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above. ______________________________________________________________________________ No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available. ______________________________________________________________________________ Job Title: Association Subject Educator II Level: 003 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Company: Contract College Contact Name: Maria Avila Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.