Extension Educator, Community Economic Development/4H Youth Development

Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City, OK

Full-time - Entry Level

Oklahoma City, OK

Educational Services

About the position

The Extension Educator for Community Economic Development and 4-H Youth Development at OSU Extension plays a crucial role in connecting Land Grant University research with the citizens of Oklahoma. This position focuses primarily on community economic development, with a smaller emphasis on youth development, and involves creating educational programs that foster business growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership development to address local issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in community economic development programs, spending approximately 90% of time on this area and 10% on 4-H youth development work.
• Conduct needs assessments in collaboration with state and local advisory committees to identify critical community issues.
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate extension programming in collaboration with other county educators and area specialists.
• Ensure equitable access to programs and facilities for diverse audiences.
• Recruit and develop volunteer leadership to support OSU Extension's mission.
• Develop relationships with community stakeholders, including chambers of commerce and economic development authorities.
• Conduct community economic analysis to help communities achieve their development goals.
• Support community leadership development to enhance residents' quality of life.
• Facilitate digital access and utilization for housing, workforce, and business development.
• Connect local resources to McClain County and assist in grant applications and cost-share programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business, Community Development, Financial Management, Agricultural Economics, Urban/Rural Planning, Environmental Sustainability, or related fields.
• Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation for official travel.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others in and out of the office environment.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to build a positive team environment.
• Knowledge and skill with computer technology for reports, presentations, and data analysis.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and prioritize workloads to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of basic educational methods and effective communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong communication, leadership, mentoring, and group process skills.
• Demonstrated ability to listen, communicate effectively, and maintain a professional image.
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage time effectively.
• Commitment to personal professional development.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with clientele and advisory groups.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in a related field.
• Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating community-based educational programs.
• Previous experience in Cooperative Extension or related work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on education and experience.
• Reimbursement for official travel.
• Opportunities for professional development.