4-H Animal Science Program Director

Working Title: 4-H Animal Science Program Director

Appointment: Full time, Ed Pro 5-Ed Prog Dev & Implmt (job code 9741PC)

Office Location: St. Paul Campus or another Extension Regional Office, hybrid flexible work options available

Pay Range: $78,000-$90,000

Apply By: April 5, 2026

The University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development partners with communities to prepare young people as they learn and lead in a rapidly changing world. The 4-H Animal Science Program Director provides statewide leadership for one of Minnesota 4-H's signature program areas.

This role sets the vision and strategy for dynamic, research-informed animal science programming that engages youth across rural, suburban, and urban communities. The Director mobilizes youth leaders, educators, volunteers, and academic and industry partners to design meaningful learning experiences that connect animal science to leadership development, career pathways, and real-world application.

The position leads program innovation, strengthens educational and career pathways, and stewards policies, practices, health, and safety standards that ensure program quality and integrity statewide. In partnership with regional educators, the Director elevates high-impact learning experiences-including showcases, competitive events, conferences, and national opportunities-where youth demonstrate skill, knowledge, and leadership.

As a member of the Youth Development Leadership Team, this statewide leader advances excellence, access, and relevance in Minnesota 4-H animal science and reports to the Youth Development Associate Dean and Department Head.

• Create statewide sustainable program models to grow, diversify and improve local, regional and state animal science programs. Work collaboratively with other educators, industry and university partners, volunteers and youth to implement statewide.
• Develop ways to measurably engage new and existing youth audiences statewide with animal science programming.
• Design, implement and evaluate statewide animal science programs and curricula that serve as transformative experiences for young people and expand programming by working strategically with other educators, volunteers, partners and youth.
• Develop, review and continuously improve educational materials, tools, training, and resources - such as Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics, judges training, and youth leadership programs - that reflect rigorous research, cutting edge and diverse viewpoints.
• Lead a team of 4-6 regional Extension educators by providing strategic work direction, mentoring and evaluative feedback to ensure the expansion and alignment of animal science programming statewide.
• Identify complex issues that involve organizational systems, policies and rules. Lead the resolution of multi-faceted problems by consulting with diverse stakeholders to develop solutions that balances program integrity with positive youth development.
• Collaborate with other statewide youth development directors (e.g., STEM & Agriscience, Civic Engagement & Leadership, Healthy Living) to create cross-program strategies that strengthen our impact on youth.
• Create educational, career, and leadership pathways for youth in animal science. Develop tools and experiences to help youth see a future for themselves in the industry.
• Lead animal science project areas, curate digital resources, and serve as the subject matter expert to educators, volunteers, youth and partners
• Assess development needs related to animal science and lead the design of training - including online and face-to-face sessions - for Extension educators, volunteers and other Minnesota youth workers.
• Develop and regulate policies to ensure program integrity, efficiency, fairness and the safety of all youth and adult participants.
• Oversee the planning and execution of statewide showcases (e.g., animal science project bowl series, state fair livestock and companion animal shows, dog show and horse show) and national trip participation related to animal science.
• Manage systems that keep the program compliant and safe, including animal identification and eligibility and species-specific exhibit requirements. Track and report participation rates to stakeholders, monitor biosecurity and zoonotics protocols, and collaboratively develop proactive, integrative action plans for animal health and safety.
• Expand and strengthen animal science programs by securing resources through grants, donor gifts, and industry partnerships. Lead strategic budget development and collaborate with University of Minnesota Extension Development team to connect donors to program priorities.

• Partner with the youth development evaluation team to design and implement program evaluation and distribute results in collaboration with the communication team
• Participate in scholarship activities which will enhance and advance animal science youth programming in Extension (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, educational materials, popular press articles, technical reports, white papers, web resources).
• Share findings through educational blogs, podcasts, conferences and professional conferences.

• Build partnerships with businesses, industry leaders, academic institutions, UMN departments, and community organizations and agencies, to support and promote MN 4-H'ers in their animal science learning.
• Foster and steward strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association (MLBA), Minnesota Board of Animal Health, UMN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science animal science and UMN Extension Agriculture Natural Resources animal science scholars, Minnesota Department of Agriculture/livestock division, FFA, and livestock industry partners
• Recruit, advise, coordinate and mobilize youth leaders, adult volunteers and partners to effectively steer animal science programming, including existing program development and livestock and companion animal show committees.
• Participate in UMN Extension, UMN, professional and community service opportunities
• Be an active member of organizations and groups that support animal science programming for youth

• A completed master's degree at the time of appointment in youth development, education, animal science, agriculture, or related field.
• At least four years' professional experience in animal science education, agricultural education, or related experience developing and evaluating youth programming (K-12).
• Record of leadership, teaching and scholarship related to animal science.
• Skill in the application of data and research to design, develop and deliver youth and adult education.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and support productive work teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with new, diverse and underserved audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation processes
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. Includes some overnight travel, typically once or twice a month.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of 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 bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

• Demonstrated success with continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated success in developing community, agency, business and corporate partnerships to grow programs
• Skill in conducting and utilizing scholarly research in the area of expertise.
• Skill in securing and managing financial resources.
• Skills in the application of technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting.

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.

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: $78,000-$90,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that speaks to your experience related to the position
• Resume/Vitae

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 email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).