Youth Development Assistant Dean, Programs & Strategic Growth

Working title: Youth Development Assistant Dean, Programs and Strategic Growth

Appointment: Full time, annually renewable, Assistant Dean 9313, UMN Benefits apply

Reports to: Jennifer Skuza, Associate Dean, Dept Head, and 4-H MN State Director

Pay range: $125,000 - $145,000 DOQ

Office location: St. Paul campus; Hybrid work options may be available; position requires frequent travel throughout Minnesota and a strong presence at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, especially during the summer season and the duration of the State Fair.

Apply by: April 18, 2026

The Youth Development Assistant Dean, Programs and Strategic Growth provides strategic leadership to the Department of Youth Development, driving growth, innovation, and impact across Minnesota's 4-H Youth Development programs. This position plays a central role in shaping the direction of youth development programming through strategic planning, program excellence, inclusive engagement, and applied research and evaluation.

As a key member of the department's executive team, the Assistant Dean ensures that statewide programs reflect the University of Minnesota Extension's commitment to positive youth development, program quality, and evidence-based practice. The role guides state-level program specialists and directors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team, and ensures strong alignment with regional program leaders to maintain coherence and impact across the statewide 4-H system.

The Assistant Dean also leads efforts to advance interdisciplinary collaborations, secure external resources through grants and partnerships that strengthen program growth, applied research, and evaluation to support impact-driven work. Additionally, this position provides leadership to programs and staff at the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in collaboration with the Associate Dean ensuring innovative, high-quality, and safe summer and state showcase experiences for youth that align with departmental priorities and university policies.

(include but are not limited to, and may change as determined by the supervisor)

• Collaborate with the Associate Dean to implement strategic initiatives that increase youth participation and engagement.
• Provide strategic leadership for the statewide Minnesota 4-H program portfolio, ensuring alignment with youth development goals, emerging trends, and University of Minnesota Extension priorities.
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development across the department.
• Collaborate with UMN Extension and academic partners to develop, deliver, and evaluate interdisciplinary youth-oriented programs.
• Guide state 4-H program specialists and directors (approximately 7-10), fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
• Ensure program alignment with regional program leaders and 4-H Building program staff.
• Ensure department staff and program portfolios align with departmental goals and priorities.
• Provide leadership development, coaching, and support to ensure excellence in program delivery.

• Establish and maintain quality standards for project delivery, including guidelines for project selection, progression, and evaluation. Align project areas with showcase events, providing guidance for individual and group learning.
• Lead the implementation of statewide project evaluation systems, using data to assess participation, learning outcomes, and program impact.
• Support innovation in project-based learning, including new projects, digital formats, and interdisciplinary themes that reflect Minnesota's youth and communities.
• Collaborate with curriculum developers to create and adapt research-based, age-appropriate, and relevant educational resources.
• Monitor trends and youth interests to guide the evolution of the Minnesota 4-H project portfolio and ensure continued relevance and engagement.

• Supervise 4-H Building staff associated with summer Quest (day) and Immersion (residential) programming, including the program/experiential learning specialist and operations coordinator, with oversight of seasonal staffing plans.
• Oversee and guide 4-H Building summer Quest and Immersion programming to ensure scalable, high-quality, engaging, and safe experiences for youth.
• Supervise 4-H Building program staff associated with the 4-H State Showcase during the Minnesota State Fair. Collaborate with 4-H Superintendent and operations staff.
• Ensure 4-H Building programs align with statewide 4-H Youth Development goals, safety standards, and best practices.

• Lead or support grant development and writing to secure funding and manage budgets that expands program reach and impact.
• Collaborate with the applied research and evaluation team to assess program effectiveness, impact, solve problems and improve programming.
• Use research and evaluation findings to inform strategic decisions, program design, and statewide initiatives.

• Master's degree in youth development, education, human development, or closely related field.
• Eight years' post-master's experience in youth development programs.
• Familiarity with 4-H Youth Development.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program leadership, and organizational growth.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of project-based learning principles and youth development best practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring all youth have access to programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in designing or participating in evaluation and applied research efforts to measure program impact and solve problems.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Work within an office as well as in various educational settings, including outdoors (e.g., camps, fairs).
• Will additionally work evenings, overnights, and weekends for events/programming to meet responsibilities of the position.
• Will have a frequent presence at the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds during summer programming.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
• This position works across the state. Must be able to travel regionally/statewide multiple times per year and locally every week. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work in various buildings (temperature controlled and not controlled, animal areas and camp or fair buildings and areas) as well as outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

• Ph.D, Ed.D., or other terminal degree, or enrolled in Ph.D, Ed.D, or other terminal degree program, in youth development, education, human development, or related field.
• Experience working within Extension systems.
• Demonstrated success in securing grant funding and managing budgets.
• Experience with large-scale youth programming or managing large youth events.
• Track record of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among academic and programmatic partners.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development works in partnership with communities to build engaged young people who are ready to learn and lead in a global society. Using youth development methods and principles that are based on experiential learning and proven to result in positive youth development; we foster sustainability and resilience by building community-wide knowledge, capacity, and networks that support the healthy development of youth. Our audiences include: youth grades K-13 living in urban, suburban, rural, tribal, and online communities; volunteers, youth workers, and partners who deliver positive youth development programming; and, agencies, organizations, and groups that affect the lives of youth. To learn more about our programs, please visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-H.

Pay Range: $125,000 - $145,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click Apply and follow the instructions.

Please include the following attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter that speaks to your experience related to the position
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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