Work Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

General Information: This position serves as part of the AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension upper-level management team in administering a comprehensive program area. This position focuses on the area of Youth Development which includes both the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program and the Louisiana FFA Program along with other areas as assigned by the Executive Associate Vice President & Director for LCES. Responsibilities include planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating all activities relating to the assigned program areas.

Lines of Authority: This position reports directly to the Executive Associate Vice President & Director for LCES. It provides line programmatic supervision for the 4-H Department Head, Camp Grant Walker Director, Executive Director of the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, Executive Director of Louisiana Agricultural Education (State FFA Advisor), Executive Secretary of the Louisiana FFA Association, and the LSU AgCenter Livestock and Horse Show Manager. The position also works collaboratively with the Louisiana FFA Foundation to supervise the Executive Director of the Louisiana FFA Foundation. The Associate Director for Youth Programs works collaboratively with other members in extension administration, on programmatic and administrative matters, and special initiatives.

General Duties:

• Lead the development of a comprehensive vision for the Louisiana 4-H and Louisiana FFA Programs within the LSU AgCenter and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, aligning them with broader AgCenter objectives. Collaborate with the Executive Associate Vice President & Director for LCES to shape policies, strategies, and goals, ensuring effective problem-solving and decision-making.
  
• Work with Regional Directors and State FFA Staff to assess and enhance the quality of 4-H youth development and FFA programs and in all sixty-four (64) parishes of Louisiana, including proactive planning for future programming, anticipating youth development trends, addressing staffing needs, and fostering resource development. Additionally, this position is responsible for programmatic administration of Regional 4-H Coordinators to ensure the successful delivery of professional development, program enhancement, and accountability measures.
  
• Foster a dynamic organizational climate conducive to creativity, innovation, and excellence in both 4-H and FFA programs. Develop programmatic direction tailored to stakeholder needs and national initiatives, leveraging progressive technologies, grants, and donations. Establish robust outreach channels to engage stakeholders effectively.
  
• Enhance collaboration among extension, research, and teaching functions to deliver holistic programs. Cultivate partnerships with agents, middle and high school agriculture teachers, specialists, researchers, and support staff to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs. Develop a strong volunteer network, facilitate communication with parents and guardians, and forge alliances with schools, community groups, both 4-H and FFA Foundations and boards, and governmental entities.
  
• Oversee risk management protocols, including agent and volunteer training, background screenings, and policies on youth supervision. Implement strategies to maintain a safe environment for youth engagement in both 4-H and FFA activities.
  
• Optimize resource allocation for 4-H and FFA programs, recommending budgetary measures and supporting efficient use of financial and physical resources. Provide mentorship and evaluation support to faculty and staff, advocating for administrative policies and procedures conducive to program success.
  
• Cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the mission of 4-H and FFA programs. Represent the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service on committees, at meetings, and national forums, fostering collaboration with Southern University Agricultural Center, LSU College of Agriculture, the Louisiana Agricultural Education Commission (as the designee of the Director of Cooperative Extension), and other relevant institutions.
  
• Ensure compliance with state and federal legislative mandates and administrative requirements from agencies like the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate innovative approaches into AgCenter and Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service programs.
  
• Uphold a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity in all aspects of program delivery and employment practices. Champion diversity and equity initiatives, fostering an environment free from discrimination based on race, creed, gender, disability, or other factors.

Qualification Requirements: Must have a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in a field related to the duties of the position, a minimum of five years of experience with 4-H and/or FFA, and administrative experience. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.

Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified.

Application Procedure: Must apply online at LSU AgCenter Careers (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching a letter of application and vita, résumé, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:

Dr. Gina Eubanks, Co-chair Search Committee
Associate Vice President
Program Leader, Nutrition and Community Health
Luella Dugas Chambers Distinguished Professorship
102 Efferson Hall
(O) 225-578-1938 (C) 225-202-1934
geubanks@agcenter.lsu.edu
AgCenter website

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer.