| Associate in Extension (Dewey, AZ) |
| Posting Number |
req25948 |
| Department |
Agric Extension Administration |
| Department Website Link |
https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices |
| Location |
County Extensions and Farms |
| Address |
5200 S. Forest Service Road 105, Dewey, AZ 86327 USA |
| Position Highlights |
The University is looking for an Associate in Extension. This advanced professional position offers an exciting opportunity to lead impactful Cooperative Extension and 4-H camping programs that serve youth and communities across the region. The role focuses on designing and delivering high-quality, research-based programming that responds to regional needs, builds life skills, and creates meaningful learning experiences. Working with a high level of independence, the position connects research to practice, evaluates long-term outcomes, and builds partnerships and funding that strengthen and sustain programs. Serving as Camp Director for the James 4-H Camp, located in Prescott Valley, AZ, this position leads county, regional, and state-level camping experiences and plays a key role in shaping the future of 4-H youth development. Responsibilities include supervising camp programs and staff, ensuring safe and engaging environments for youth, managing operations and resources, and coordinating with County 4-H Agents and user groups. The Camp Director oversees personnel decisions, compliance and documentation, equipment and facilities, and works closely with Extension colleagues, community partners, and professional organizations to enhance the camp's reach and impact. This James 4-H Camp is located in Prescott Valley, AZ. This role is ideal for a motivated professional who enjoys leadership, youth development, collaboration, and creating memorable educational experiences in a camp setting. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. |
| Duties & Responsibilities |
Strategic Program Design and Leadership:
- Design and lead
comprehensive extension programs that respond to complex community, agricultural, or socioeconomic issues across Arizona regions in assigned focus areas. - Set program
goals, strategies, and evaluation plans in collaboration with faculty, specialists, and stakeholder groups. - Oversee
coordination of multiple projects or initiatives within the broader program portfolio.
Advanced Outreach and Research Integration:
- Lead strategies
for educational outreach and specialized extension workshops that provide evidence-based solutions to complex community challenges. - Collaborate
with university researchers and faculty to translate advanced research findings and new technologies into practical tools and programs for Arizona communities. - Develop
specialized instructional materials and curricula tailored to diverse audiences and delivery formats (for example, field days, producer meetings, family workshops).
Needs Assessment and Impact Evaluation:
- Design and
conduct independent, systematic needs assessments, including regional data analyses, to determine strategic extension program priorities and identify community assets. - Develop or
refine methods for measuring program effectiveness and long-term impacts using both quantitative and qualitative data. - Use findings to
inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and regional extension service delivery.
Scholarly Communication and Reporting:
- Author and
publish technical reports, extension publications, and scholarly articles that communicate research-based program results to professional peers, community stakeholders, and university leadership. - Present program
outcomes at conferences, advisory meetings, and university forums in clear, accessible language. - Provide
data-informed briefings to administrators and partners on program performance and regional trends.
Partnerships and External Funding:
- Cultivate and
advise strategic partnerships with campus units, agencies, industry groups, schools, and local governments to advance extension unit goals in assigned focus areas. - Lead
development of proposals to secure competitive external funding and grants to sustain and expand strategic extension initiatives. - Steward funded
projects by monitoring deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of
youth development principles and non-formal education practices. - Skill in
program design, implementation, and evaluation using research-based approaches. - Ability to
lead, supervise, and support staff and volunteers in dynamic settings. - Skill in
fiscal management, resource stewardship, and operational planning. - Ability to
communicate effectively, build relationships, and resolve conflicts with diverse audiences. - Advanced
written and verbal communication skills, including scholarly writing and skills in presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences. - Ability to
build and sustain strategic partnerships and to lead project teams or small groups of staff and volunteers.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve. |
| Minimum Qualifications |
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained
through professional level experience required. - Five years of relevant work experience, or equivalent
combination of education and work experience. - Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy and the ability to travel throughout the county and state.
|
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Bachelor's or Master's degree related in field of youth development, education, social work, leadership, or related field.
- Program and volunteer management experience in youth development or camp-based settings.
- Supervisory experience, including planning, assigning, and evaluating work.
- Experience securing grants, contracts, or other external funding.
- Bilingual, with Spanish preferred.
|
| FLSA |
Exempt |
| Full Time/Part Time |
Full Time |
| Number of Hours Worked per Week |
40 |
| Job FTE |
1.0 |
| Work Calendar |
Fiscal |
| Job Category |
Agriculture and Extension |
| Benefits Eligible |
Yes - Full Benefits |
| Rate of Pay |
$53,039 - $66,299 |
| Compensation Type |
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) |
| Grade |
7 |
| Compensation Guidance |
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. |
| Career Stream and Level |
PC3 |
| Job Family |
Extension |
| Job Function |
Agriculture & Extension |
| Type of criminal background check required: |
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties) |
| Number of Vacancies |
1 |
| Target Hire Date |
|
| Expected End Date |
|
| Contact Information for Candidates |
Todd Kesner Associate Director, 4-H Youth Development toddkesner@arizona.edu |
| Open Date |
5/8/2026 |
| Open Until Filled |
Yes |
| Documents Needed to Apply |
Resume and Cover Letter |
| Special Instructions to Applicant |
|
| Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report |
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu. |
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