4-H Program Operations Specialist (3 positions)

About the Job

Title: 4-H Program Operations Specialist

Job code: 9704PD (Ed Pro 4-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt), Professional & Administrative

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Appointment: Three (3) Full-time positions, 100% Appointment

Office locations:

These are in-person positions, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available.

Position 1 - Northwest Region: Extension Regional Office options of Moorhead or Crookston

Position 2 - Southeast Region: Extension Regional Office options of Rochester or Mankato.

Position 3 - Southwest Region: Extension Regional Office options of Marshall, Morris, Willmar, or another location near the Worthington area may be possible

Salary Range: $64,000 - $78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Apply by: October 5, 2026

About the Job

This position leads, manages, and monitors 4-H program operations and compliance across an assigned multi-county region (northwest, southeast, or southwest). Key areas of regional oversight include group exemption status, chartering, constitution and bylaws, financial management, tax compliance, equipment inventory, agreements, and risk management (collectively known as 4-H program operations). In addition to managing regional compliance, this position shares statewide responsibilities with four other program operations specialists to ensure alignment with federal, state, University of Minnesota, and 4-H Youth Development program requirements. This includes creating, evaluating, and enhancing resources to streamline operational procedures and recommending updates to general program policies, rules, and practices.

Based in their assigned region, this position collaborates closely with regional youth development Extension Educators and county- and tribal-based 4-H Extension Educators, who lead the full range of youth development and adult learning programs.

This position reports to the Youth Development Operations Manager, who reports to the Youth Development Director of Operations and Systems.

Location and Work Environment

Position 1 - Northwest Region:

This position is located in an Extension office in the Northwest region: Moorhead or Crookston, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southeast region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Position 2 - Southeast Region:

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southeast region: Rochester or Mankato, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southeast region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Position 3 - Southwest Region:

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southwest region: Marshall, Morris, Willmar or another location near the Worthington area, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southwest region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Work Schedule

Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday when no events are occurring. This position requires frequent attendance and participation at evening and/or weekend meetings and events, scheduled in advance.

Primary Responsibilities

Create and implement processes and procedures (45%)

• Create, review, update and operationalize 4-H organizational and programming processes and procedures (e.g., charters, finances, risk management).
• Collaborate with program staff, and occasionally youth, volunteers and partners, to embed inclusive processes into programs and events.
• Collect and use data to make operational decisions that support program plans that address growth and retention.
• Ensure risk management and financial practices are embedded in program planning documents and implemented in youth experiences (e.g., camp, exchange, afterschool, session/lesson, local program).
• Generate and share resources with staff and volunteers that support 4-H program operations.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

Process and policy management (35%)

• Work with Extension Educators and other Operations team members to ensure 4-H program policies and procedures are consistently implemented.
• Serve as the first point of contact for questions from Extension Educators regarding agreements, equipment inventory, chartering, financial and risk management, and constitution and by-laws for the assigned region programs.
• Manage annual 4-H program charter process, including review of financial information for the assigned region.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.

4-H program operations training (20%)

• Assess and build plans to address training and development needs of program staff, volunteers, and youth as related to risk and financial management, chartering and related.
• Prepare staff, and occasionally youth and volunteers, to embed authentic youth experiences in 4-H program budgeting, financial management, risk management, chartering, and related.
• Onboard and assist in training new colleagues on 4-H program operations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least five years or related experience or master's degree and at least three years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in applying organizational policies to a program.
• Demonstrated success in budget and resource development and management.
• Demonstrated understanding and use of financial management software.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of risk management policies.
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Willingness and ability to travel in-state and nationally, using a personal vehicle (mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided); may transport supplies, people and related as part of this role.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work that may include occasional overnight accommodations for non-local events.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming and other in-person work within the state of Minnesota.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned office location.
• Reliable phone number that can be used, as needed, for work purposes when not in office location. Reimbursement will not be provided.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, deliver/speak/verbally communicate for long periods of time (programming delivery), be present and traverse non-office locations that may include outdoor camps, fairs, farms, and other rugged terrain and work in various and varied weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a field applicable to youth development, e.g., youth development, human development, adult development, community development, or business administration.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated success in financial reviews and/or audits.
• Demonstrated ability to teach skills and concepts to adult and youth audiences.
• Demonstrated success in grant development and management.
• Demonstrated ability to be organized, thorough, and pay attention to details.
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven to make program and process improvement decisions.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $64,000 - $78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the

time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures

that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while

maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and

equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates

will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following required attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter - Include your position/location preference(s).
• Resume or CV

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.