ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Location: Auburn University
Application Deadline: 2025-01-22
Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) at Auburn University invites applications for the Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development. This is an exciting leadership role with the opportunity to shape the future of Alabama’s largest youth development organization. The Assistant Director will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development, ensuring that Alabama 4-H continues to offer impactful, inclusive, and innovative educational experiences to thousands of young people across the state.
The Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development will provide strategic leadership for Alabama’s 4-H program, ensuring alignment with Auburn University’s goals and ACES' mission to enhance youth development. The role involves overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs, for all youth in Alabama. The Assistant Director will build strong partnerships with community leaders, volunteers, and Extension faculty while representing Alabama at regional and national levels. This position also involves mentoring 4-H staff and volunteers, managing program budgets, and securing external funding through grants and partnerships. The Assistant Director will advocate for 4-H across the state, ensuring that the program’s value and outcomes are effectively communicated to diverse audiences.
Qualifications
- The candidate must have an earned PhD from an accredited institution in a field relevant to ACES programs (e.g., agriculture, human sciences, education, natural resources, STEM, and related fields), and must have achieved the academic and professional qualifications to be considered at the level of Associate Professor.
- A minimum of five years of leadership experience in Extension or a similar organization, with a proven track record of successful program management and staff supervision.
- Experience in securing and managing external funding, including grants.
- Deep knowledge of 4-H youth development and the Cooperative Extension system.
- Success in developing and maintaining effective partnerships and working relationships with internal/external stakeholders and broad audiences.
- Outstanding communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Why Auburn University and ACES?
Auburn University is a top-tier land-grant institution, recognized nationally for its academic excellence and positive work environment. As part of Auburn University, ACES is dedicated to extending cutting-edge research into practical solutions that improve the lives of Alabama’s citizens. The Alabama 4-H program reaches over 170,000 young people annually, fostering leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Auburn, Alabama, is a vibrant and thriving college town with excellent schools, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life, making it a wonderful place to live and work.
How to Apply
Jeremy Duff and Lois Stetson of Greenwood Asher & Associates are assisting Auburn University and ACES in the search for the Assistant Director for 4-H Youth Development. Applications and nominations are being accepted, and candidates should submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications, a statement of leadership vision for impactful 21st-century youth programs, and a current résumé or CV. Please submit materials as separate PDF attachments. The search will remain confidential until finalists are selected.
All application materials should be submitted through the Greenwood Asher & Associates e-mail at: AU-4H@greenwoodsearch.com. Initial review of application materials will begin January 22, 2025. Note that this is not an application deadline, as the review will continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment.
Nominations, inquiries, and questions regarding the application process should be directed to:
Jeremy Duff
Vice President of Executive Search
850.869.9986
jeremyduff@greenwoodsearch.com
Lois Stetson
Senior Executive Search Consultant
(850)-598-3303
loisstetson@greenwoodsearch.com
Auburn University is committed to providing a working and academic environment free from prohibited discrimination and harassment and to fostering a nurturing and vibrant community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all its members. Auburn University prohibits harassment of its students and employees based on protected classes and works to eliminate prohibited behavior from its academics and employment through corrective measures and education.