Senior or Principal Agent & Assistant Director of 4-H Youth Development

About the role

The University of Maryland Extension is seeking a senior leader to serve as Assistant Director and Program Leader for the statewide 4-H Youth Development program. This administrative position within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides strategic direction, oversight, and partnership across Maryland’s 23 county and Baltimore City Extension offices.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee non‑formal 4‑H Youth Development programs and applied research projects aligned with program goals.
• Provide guidance and coaching to faculty in planning, implementing, and evaluating research‑based, community‑focused youth programs.
• Support faculty in long‑range planning, grant writing, reporting, professional development, and extramural fund management.
• Secure funding from diverse sources and assist faculty in managing those funds.
• Foster effective teamwork among state, county, and city faculty, staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Mentor faculty, set clear expectations for extension programming, scholarship, and service.
• Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and supervise 4‑H faculty and state staff, including performance reviews and Individual Extension Plans.

Required profile

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in youth development, extension, or related agricultural education programs.
• Proven ability to supervise and mentor faculty and staff.
• Experience securing and managing extramural funding.
• Strong collaborative skills with academic, governmental, and community partners.
• Commitment to advancing 4‑H priorities and aligning them with university and extension goals.

Required skills