Virginia State University – College of Agriculture Looking for Assistant/Associate Professor / Extension Specialist – 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement Full Time

The Assistant/Associate Professor/Extension Specialist – 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement holds a faculty
appointment in the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University (VSU) and will provide leadership and coordination in developing,
implementing, and maintaining an effective and integrated 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement. This includes but not limited to research,
extension, and teaching (academics). The incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating nationally recognized and
impact-driven research-based extension educational programs in their field of expertise related to the national and state identified program
areas.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist – 4-H
Leadership & Civic Engagement is responsible for training Extension Agents throughout the State to deliver youth development programs.
The system promotes reaching a large number of individuals through the duplication of training by the Extension Agents who are employed
throughout the State. Additionally, Extension Specialists are responsible for engaging in professional activities related to research in
their disciplines, effective teaching, and significant service to the University, profession, students and the community. Extension
specialists hold statewide responsibilities in their program area and exude evidence of continuing professional education committed to
lifelong learning. Must be willing to work with small farmers and with community-based organizations.

Minimum
Qualifications

• A Ph.D. from an accredited university in youth development, agriculture education, or closely related
  discipline/area.
• Academic or employment history that demonstrates independence, superior organization skills, and experience
  writing successful grant proposals (for outreach and applied research) is highly desirable. 
• Well-versed in the adoption and
  delivery of youth development programs; strong knowledge of youth education pedagogy.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt programmatic
  needs to various platform delivery software systems (CiscoWebEx, Zoom, etc.).
• Knowledge of marketing and promotional advertising
  materials related to respective area.
• Experience in developing publications, including journal articles, and technical
  reports.
• Ability to create and facilitate informative extension programs for various audiences.
• Ability to interact and
  communicate written/orally between federal, state, university, and county clientele.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and
  as a team member.
• Experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion of underserved audiences.
• Ability to identify and apply
  assessment tools and/or methods to aid in determining successful learning outcomes.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
  with a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with the
  Land-Grant University system.
• Experience with implementing applied research activities related to respective program
  area/interest.
• Knowledge and understanding of 1890 Land-Grant University, Cooperative Extension organizations, operation,
  philosophy, and objectives is preferred.
• Well-versed in the adoption and delivery of 4-H Leadership & Civic Engagement
  programs; strong knowledge of youth education pedagogy; at least 3 years of experience in Extension or related youth development; and
  non-formal teaching are preferred.

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (RMS). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Contact Information:

Name: Loreley Leabhart

Phone: (804) 524-5083

Email: [email protected]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer