About the Job
Working Title: 4-H State STEM & Agri-Science Program Manager
Appointment: Full-time, Ed Pro 3-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt (8313PD), Civil Service
Extension Area: Department of Youth
Development
Office location: St. Paul campus or any of the Regional Offices except Cloquet; Hybrid work options may be
available.
Pay Range: $26-$30 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Apply By: October 26, 2025
About the Position
The 4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Manager works as part of a dynamic statewide team to plan, coordinate, and support
engaging STEM and Agri-Science programs for youth across Minnesota. This position collaborates closely with STEM educators, program teams,
and volunteers to ensure events align with educational goals, are welcoming to diverse audiences, and meet all risk management and policy
requirements. In addition to event management, the role supports programs, such as Science Sprouts, Ag Explorers, and Agricultural
Ambassadors. This position oversees logistics, communications, marketing, and evaluation processes, while collaborating with Regional
Support Staff to manage ordering and distribution of supplies and materials needed for program delivery. The Program Manager assists the 4-H
STEM and Agri-Science Director to implement statewide initiatives, ensuring high-quality educational experiences, consistent communication,
and effective resource sharing throughout the 4-H network.
Event Management (50%)
Collaborate
with the 4-H STEM & Agri-Science Director, STEM Extension educators, and program teams to plan and manage events (e.g., crop scouting, field
days, engineering design challenge and related).
- Ensure all events are inclusive, accessible, and aligned with educational
objectives.. - Communicate with internal and external stakeholders about events and opportunities.
- Manage task lists,
timelines, and deliverables to support successful event execution. - Develop and distribute event marketing, outreach, and
recruitment materials. - Coordinate logistics, including equipment, supply orders, technology needs, and judges or other officials.
- Compile evaluation data and prepare post-event summary and impact reports.
- Ensure compliance with University and 4-H
policies; recommend improvements to event systems and practices. - Support event administration including contracts, registration,
risk management and emergency response plans, and financial management processes in accordance with UMN policies and Department of Youth
Development policies. - Other related duties as assigned
4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Support (30%)
Collaborate with the 4-H STEM and Agri-Science Program Director to develop and deliver programming both virtually
and locally (e.g., Science Sprouts, Explorers in Ag, 4-H & FFA Crop Scouting Challenge).
- Market programs, maintain ongoing
communication with participants, and support youth engagement in STEM and Agri-Science as change agents. - Coordinate and support
virtual learning platforms (e.g., Zoom), manage supply distribution, and track participant attendance. - Track and monitor program
data collection for communication purposes. - Maintain marketing and communication with current members and new program participants.
- Assist with preparation, packing, and distribution of project-based learning kits to schools and county programs, ensuring
materials are accurate, organized, and ready for youth engagement.
4-H Volunteer and Staff Support
(20%)
- Coordinate 4-H Agriculture Ambassadors, including recruitment, selection, and orientation of ambassadors.
Schedule and attend in-person and Zoom meetings. - Build and manage volunteer and staff support systems for the 4-H Agriculture
Ambassador program. - Identify and equip a new generation of volunteers. Ensure volunteers are screened and active according to 4-H
Volunteer requirements. - Recruit, onboard, and provide work direction to summer interns.
- Schedule, communicate, organize
and attend in-person and virtual meetings for Plant Science Steering Committee meetings.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree plus at
least four years of experience in youth development, program development, or program administration/management OR a combination of related
education and work experience to equal eight (8) years. - Experience in developing and delivering STEM or AgriScience programming
that fosters exploration, problem-solving, and real-world application. Demonstrated capacity to apply youth development frameworks that
support inclusive participation and nurture leadership skills in young people. - Previous experience with a youth development
organization as a youth or adult volunteer and/or paid employee. - Experience in event management (determining logistics and
executing them, determining event content and setting up speakers/programmers, knowing and following event rules and restrictions, etc). - Skills in the application of technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and
maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders including those with diverse or differing opinions and
backgrounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, math,
agriculture, animal science, plant science or related responsibilities of this position is strongly preferred. - Experience
successfully following the policies for and executing financial responsibilities like facilitating contracts, purchasing processes,
registration, risk management, and financial or budget management. - Demonstrated ability to lead, engage, and support productive
work teams. - Portfolio of previously managed programs/events for youth; a range of complexity and participation desired.
- Evidence of above-average oral and written communication skills; phone, in-person, email, etc, communicating with youth and adults.
- Ability to apply creative and effective problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to change work direction quickly and
adapt to last-minute changes.
Additional Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and own
means of reliable transportation with required liability insurance. - Travel (in-state) is necessary to perform the responsibilities
of this position. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. - Must be able to
accommodate flexible scheduling, including up to three evening Zoom meetings per month, 4-5 Saturday programs per year, and occasional
overnight commitments (approximately three times annually) - Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned
office location. - When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the
employee’s own expense. - Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to work nights and weekends
- Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
- This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
About the
Department
About Extension
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. Find further information on the Extension website.
Pay and
Benefits
Pay Range:
$26-$30 an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100%
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 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 - Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin
Cities metro area
How To Apply
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 [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
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.
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