Position Description
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County

Working Title: Youth Development Program Manager

Classification Title: Extension Community Educator

Supervisor’s Classification: Extension Senior Administrator

General Responsibilities:
This full-time Program Manager will manage a community-based youth development program for the Newfield Community in conjuncture with similar programs throughout Tompkins County. S/he will manage/facilitate the delivery of youth programs that address locally developed priorities, including reaching targeted at-risk youth. 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, the 4-H Youth Development Program and must be able to work effectively with volunteers, school and agency personnel, parents, committees, youth and coworkers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Implementation of Youth Development Programs (85%):

• Plan and implement the local youth development program, develop, plan and implement programming to encourage life skill development and risk reduction for middle school aged participants. Programs may include learning and mastering healthy life style skills, community service, academic motivation, outdoor education and youth employment activities, which address social/emotional needs of community youth as identified by the local youth commission/committee.
• Assist with recruitment, 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 committee and CCETC staff. Assist the Youth Committee as needed with activities to promote and support the youth development program.
• 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 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 Program Coordinator for reporting to CCETC Committees/Board, funders, and other stakeholders. Maintain records and database to document the program participation and impacts as requested by the 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 Program 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/Committee 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:

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to motivate, develop and relate to school-age youth.
• Ability to actively recruit participants and volunteers for the program.
• Ability to take a program from conception to implementation.
• 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, CCETC staff and representatives of other community agencies and organizations.
• Ability to work independently and in an organized fashion.
• Demonstrated ability to work with adults and youth of diverse 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.
• Demonstrated ability to be in a supportive and empowering role with others.

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.
• Clean driving record and willingness to transport youth in CCETC van.
• Familiarity with the community in which the Youth Development Program functions is 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.