Position Description
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

Working Title: Youth Development Program Manager

Classification Title: Extension Community Educator

Location: Joint Youth Commission (Town of Ithaca, Village of Cayuga Heights and Lansing) and Town of Danby

Supervisor’s Classification Title: Extension Senior Administrator, Rural Youth Services Coordinator

Summary:
This individual will manage a community- and school-based youth development program for the Joint Youth Commission and the Town of Danby in conjuncture with similar programs throughout Tompkins County. S/he will manage / facilitate the delivery of youth services that address locally developed priorities. S/he is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of innovative approaches to reach youth and families and to build community-wide support for children, youth and families.

The Program Manager will function within the policies of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County and must be able to work effectively with volunteers, school and agency personnel, parents, lay committees, youth and coworkers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Implementation of Youth Development Programs (85%):

• Implement a varied local youth development program, including community service, academic motivation, life skill development and youth employment activities, to address social / emotional needs of community youth as identified by the local Youth Commission / Community Council and participate in the planning process.
• Provide access and linkages to local community resources for youth and their families. Key components of this plan may include youth development programs, educational programs, youth summer programs, job training programs, employment services, juvenile justice system and coordination with local recreation and youth programs.
• Develop youth leadership skills through youth participation and decision-making in programs.
• Assist with training and supervision of paid and volunteer staff including high school and college students.
• Develop community and school support for the program in conjunction with the municipal youth commission / committee and CCETC staff. Assist the Youth Commission/Community Council as needed with activities to promote and support the youth development program.
• Assist with other rurally-based programs as needed.

Program Evaluation and Accountability (10%):

• Participate in assessing the effectiveness of the Youth Development Program and recommend improvements and new directions through involvement of the participants and key partners (e.g. youth commissions, young people, parents, and volunteers). Provide evaluation input to the Rural Youth Services Coordinator for reporting to CCETC Committees/Board, funders, and other stakeholders. Maintain records, including a database, to document the program participation and impacts as requested by the Rural Youth Services Coordinator. Monitor and work within targeted budgets.

Professional Development (5%):

• Actively participate in professional development to enhance knowledge and skills appropriate for this position through CCE in-services and other trainings/workshops.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
S/he receives on-going support and supervision from and is accountable to the Rural Youth Services Coordinator. CCETC Board, as the employer, and its committees provide program guidance and policy decisions. S/he works in cooperation with the local Youth Commission/Community Council to develop, implement and evaluate the program plan. This position may require supervision of program assistants, volunteers, and interns to meet program needs.

CCETC personnel policies designate a twelve month period with close supervision and support after which s/he is expected to work more independently but will continue to receive the ongoing support and general supervision of the Rural Youth Services Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to motivate, develop and relate to middle and secondary school-age youth, grades five through twelve.
• Ability to take a program from conception to implementation.
• Ability to actively recruit participants for programs.
• Ability to identify needs of youth, particularly youth in at-risk environments.
• Ability to work as a team member with local planning groups, schools, professionals and support staff, youth, parents, volunteers, and representatives of other community agencies and organizations.
• Ability to work independently and in an organized fashion.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with adults and youth as people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to evaluate and document program participation and effectiveness.
• Computer literacy; ability to generate resource materials, reports, fliers, etc. and maintain a database.
• Demonstrated ability to be in a supportive and empowering role with others.

Education and Experience Required:

• BA/BS degree in human services, education, recreation, or other related field required. Progressive experience in managing youth programs preferred.
• Experience, paid or volunteer, working effectively with middle and secondary school-age youth.
• Demonstrated experience in organizing and implementing programs to meet the identified needs of youth.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some nights, and weekends.
• Ability to meet travel demands of the position, including access to reliable personal transportation.

A resident of or familiarity with the community in which the Youth Development Program functions helpful. Interested community members are encouraged to apply.

All Cornell Cooperative Extension positions are contingent upon adequate performance and availability of funds.

AA/EOE

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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
Education Center
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 607-272-2292
Fax: 607-272-7088
Email: tompkins@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County provides equal program and opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability.