"Assistant Director 4-H Development (Associate/Full Professor)"

Position Overview

The Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development program will lead the 4-H programs offered in all of Ohio's 88 counties and are administered through the local county Extension office. Guidance and support to local programs is provided by a state-level office located in the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center. In general, youth five through eighteen years of age may participate in programs offered by Ohio 4-H. The Assistant Director is expected to set the strategic direction of Ohio 4-H and work to develop buy-in among Ohio 4-H faculty, staff and stakeholders. Once the strategic direction is established, the Assistant Director will develop a process to establish goals and expectations for Ohio 4-H. To accomplish these goals and reach these expectations, the Assistant Director will be expected to establish productive and healthy relationships with internal and external partners of Ohio 4-H, including but not limited to: other Extension program areas, CFAES administration and central support units, CFAES academic units, units throughout the university with ties to 4-H and youth development, university compliance units, county commissioners, fair organizations/boards, and local organizations across OSU Extension’s Statewide Campus.

The Assistant Director will also be expected to develop and maintain a state-level unit with a keen focus on supporting local/county 4-H programming.

The incumbent will ensure 4-H programs are based on evidence-informed practices of the field of youth development. Evidence-informed practice involves the application of knowledge derived from relevant research in a manner that respects and values the perspectives of community members.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in youth development, human development, public administration, agricultural and/or Extension education, education, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred. Experience working in a youth development organization and experience leading and managing teams. Leadership experience in a large, decentralized organization or system. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and a willingness and ability to work closely with diverse groups of academic (e.g., students, staff, faculty) and practitioner audiences. Qualifies for the rank of Associate Professor or Professor with tenure in the Department of Extension.

Desired

Experience or deep knowledge of the land grant university system. Understanding or experience within food, agriculture, or natural resources systems. A record of documented experience in producing research related to youth development, education, or a closely related field.

How to Apply

To be considered, please submit your application electronically via https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Asst-Director-4-H-Development-Associate-Full-Professor_R121889-1. Initial consideration will be given to applications received by November 11, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position has been filled. We welcome informal inquiries, which can be made by contacting Search Committee Chair, Jason Hedrick, at 419-523-6294.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans/disability.