Curriculum Project Coordinator, Extension Youth Development

Working Title: Curriculum Project Coordinator

Appointment: Part-time (50% time), Extension Program Associate 3 (8316A3)

Location & Hours: St. Paul Campus, 20 hours/week; Flexible work options available

Pay Range: $26-$30 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Apply By: June 16, 2025

The University of Minnesota Extension Department for Youth Development works alongside youth and in partnership with communities to create a force of young people that learn and lead in a global society.

The position, under the direction of the Extension educator for curriculum or similar role, will be responsible for project support and coordination related to youth development curriculum and program development. The scope of work for this position includes collaborating with the YD curriculum lead and YD Extension educators who develop research-based curricula and other educational resources that are grounded in youth development principles. The resources will be used by youth leaders, adult volunteers and YD practitioners. This role focuses on supporting colleagues in program design, implementation, and evaluation, with a focus on innovative online and hybrid youth programming. This role will also coordinate the use of the curriculum in program pilot projects (e.g., Brainwaves), including coordinating the implementation in clubs, youth leadership groups and events in partnership with Extension educators, youth, volunteers and community partners.

Responsibilities

Curriculum Design Processes implementation and coordination (50%)

• Partner with YD Extension colleagues and team members to manage their design and implementation process for high quality, culturally-relevant, engaging curricula focused on department program priorities (e.g., STEM, youth leadership, civic engagement, animal science, etc) that support youth in learning and leadership development.
• Partner with YD Extension colleagues to collaboratively create educational program guides and resources to guide Extension educators in carrying out youth development learning experiences, club activities, and educational challenges aligned with department program priorities.
• Partner with YD Extension colleagues to create educational resources that help practitioners, volunteers and youth leaders apply the 4-H Thrive Model to youth programming.
• Provide training and technical support to educators, youth leaders, volunteers and community partners on how to use curriculum and implement programming.

Program Coordination (40%)

• Coordinate with program teams the start-up of programming related to resources in the Extension Youth Development Curriculum Library.
• Coordinate the delivery of online/hybrid educational series and programs that reach current and new youth and adult audiences, in partnership with YD Extension colleagues.
• Create and implement program evaluation strategies and processes and share results with educators to inform program improvement and annual impacts reports.
• Implement communications plan (plan developed by Extension Communications team) to promote the Extension Youth Development Curriculum Library and related educational programs to target audiences.

Other duties (10%)

• Write progress and final reports in partnership with YD Extension colleagues.
• Connect curriculum pilot teams (e.g., BrainWaves) and program participants to other MN 4-H program offerings (e.g., leadership retreats and conferences, showcase events, performing arts, STEM events, creative writing, photography etc.) and coordinate participation.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in fields related to but not limited to education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, and psychology, and four (4) years of full-time experience in a direct school-age youth development role OR education and related experience to equal eight full time (8) years.
• Project management experience
• Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, and/or managing programs for youth.
• Experience designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, stakeholders, volunteers, participants and others, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds, in order to achieve and follow Extension goals, objectives and expectations.
• Evidenced ability to effectively communicate in English using oral and written communication methods (e.g., publications, presentations, web, and social media).

Additional Requirements/Working Conditions:

• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in technical writing, communications, journalism, or related field
• Evidenced knowledge of youth development theory and practice (e.g., college coursework, volunteer training)
• Proficient use of technology for communicating, locating information, monitoring trends, designing, delivering, and evaluating programs, and reporting.
• Demonstrated success in creating and sustaining high quality, culturally-relevant, educational programs for youth.
• Demonstrated success in writing youth curricula and lesson plans.
• Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a non-formal setting.
• Evidence of working productively with minimal supervision.

About Extension and 4-H

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, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement https://extension.umn.edu/.

University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development works in partnership with communities to build engaged young people who are ready to learn and lead in a global society. Using youth development methods and principles that are based on experiential learning and proven to result in positive youth development; we foster sustainability and resilience by building community-wide knowledge, capacity, and networks that support the healthy development of youth. Our audiences include: youth grades K-13 living in urban, suburban, rural, tribal, and online communities; volunteers, youth workers, and partners who deliver positive youth development programming; and, agencies, organizations, and groups that affect the lives of youth. To learn more about our programs, please visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-H.

Pay Range: $26 - $30/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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
• 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please attach the following required application materials:

• Cover letter
• Resume - Your resume must include all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications. The initial HR screening process focuses primarily on the resume.

Names and contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position contact:

Jessica Russo, Extension Educator, Youth Development, pier0239@umn.edu.

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

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.