Youth Development Program Coordinator - Navajo Technical University

JOB PURPOSE:

This 12-month position will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating youth development programs while promoting institutional land grant capacity. The incumbent will develop, submit, and manage grants related to youth programming. Team work will be required of this employee, including working with higher education faculty, staff, groups, and stakeholders throughout the reservation, county and state involved in youth development efforts serving the Navajo Nation. Employee will seek external funding to help support and expand programming efforts and to develop scholarly educational material. This grant-funded position is subject to the availability of funding.

The main foci for this position are:

1. General Youth Development (50%)
2. Youth Camps and Special Activities (50%)

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops new funding or grant streams of revenue, which include, but is not limited to the following functions:
  • Conducts the full range of activities required to prepare, submit and manage grant proposals to funding sources
  • Researches and reviews USDA and other federal, state, tribal and local program grant announcements for funding including youth outreach projects, education projects, research projects, and for funding this position and other assistant positions within the NTU Land Grant Department
  • Develops concepts and writes grant proposals for possible funding under identified grant opportunities

• Performs program planning, surveys and analysis, implementation, delivery, and evaluation to meet University, stakeholder, and community needs. Performs regular needs assessment of youth programs based on input from stakeholders, Advisory Council, land grant, youth and community organizations, tribal and other governmental officials, and other University departments.
• Direct reservation-wide community outreach and education programs related to youth development in partnership with the land grant university community and appropriate community partners.
• Identifies, analyzes, and assesses community needs and burgeoning issues related to the health and well-being of youth.
• Develops an independent, translational and collaborative applied research program in an area aligned with two position foci stated above.
• Identifies resources (grants, contracts, gifts, in kind contributions, etc.) to enhance programs.
• Travels to communities across the reservation to provide professional development, training and other outreach to support and enhance the work of area Land Grant and Extension staff and community partners on issues relevant to youth development.
• Demonstrates a strong interest in collaboration and engagement with diverse partners across the reservation.
• Prepares educational material, evaluation instruments, teaching material and marketing information in support of youth development program initiatives. Disseminates educational materials through area-wide events, workshops, field days, websites, newsletters and other mass media methods.
• Provides guidance and direction for students, volunteers, and community members in all youth-related projects and activities.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies, and orders additional material as needed.
• Works with NTU Land Grant team to create cross-discipline projects.
• Assists with land grant recruitment of staff and students.
• Supervises appropriate staff and student-workers.
• Understands and follows the Employee Handbook in fulfilling professional responsibilities. Maintains high ethical standards and professional knowledge and skills in program development, grant-writing, community education/ outreach/ research. Maintains confidentiality pertaining to the department, clients, and students.
• Overnight and weekend travel will be required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Master of Science degree in Youth Development, Family Studies & Human Development, Family & Consumer Science, Sociology, Health/Medicine/Human Values or a closely related field of study is required.
• A minimum of three years of satisfactory, progressive work experience in youth development, Family Studies & Human Development, Family & Consumer Science, Sociology, Health/Medicine/Human Values and/or related land grant work.
• Grant writing, grant management, and reporting experience.
• Evidence of working with culturally and socially diverse populations.
• Experience in use of computers, audiovisual technology, and other current materials and methods appropriate in the delivery of presentations, instruction, discussions, surveys, problem-solving, etc.
• High degree of fluency in the speaking, writing, and reading of the English language.
• Valid and clean state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass a background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in Youth Development, Family Studies & Human Development, Family & Consumer Science, Sociology, Health/Medicine/Human Values, or closely related field.
• Three years of satisfactory college or university teaching experience in Youth Development, Family Studies & Human Development, Family & Consumer Science, Sociology, Health/Medicine/Human Values, or a closely related field.
• Additional experience in research related to Youth Development, Family Studies & Human Development, Family & Consumer Science, Sociology, Health/Medicine/Human Values, or closely related field.
• Documented participation in ongoing professional development activities, and/or publication or formal review of professional literature.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements including FERPA, HIPPA, Navajo Nation Animal Control, New Mexico Veterinary Practice Act, etc.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and meet strict time lines.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate community needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a capacity and willingness to engage diverse populations.
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication.
• Flexibility in exercising both leadership and team membership roles.
• Experience or training in applied research and problem solving as may be applied to issues effecting the growth, development, health and safety of youth.
• Organizing and coordinating skills as related to program planning as well as event scheduling and planning. Familiarity with basic office equipment including computer, copier/fax machine, calculator, etc.
• Proficiency in basic office software including Microsoft Office Suite. Must be well versed in Word, Excel, Publisher, and Powerpoint.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Continual learner and willingness to redirect efforts as needed.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Be an optimist with a "can do" orientation, not afraid of challenges and has ability to work with uncertainty and change.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Standing, walking, and sitting for prolonged periods.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch.
• Must be able and willing to work long hours (in excess of 8 hours per day) and weekends when required.
• Required to climb or balance.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal or corrected auditory and visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• Lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed indoors in an office setting and outdoor environment. Approximate split of 60% in office and 25% outdoors depending on the needs of the program and season.
• Exposure to dust, chemicals, temperature variances, animal bodily fluids, and equipment with moving parts.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Must be willing to work long hours (in excess of 8 hours per day) including evenings and weekends when required such as during youth camps, activities, travel, training, other activities, etc.
• Must be able to balance multiple projects and demands.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Short periods of stress are common.