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Youth Development Program Coordinator Jobs in Kentucky

Berea College

Program Coordinator

Berea, KY · On-site

The Program Coordinator serves as a facilitator, designer, and implementer of Brushy Fork programs ... Duties include design and implementation of workshops for Brushy Fork's leadership development ...

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Youth Development Program Coordinator information

What does a youth development program coordinator do?

A Youth Development Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing programs aimed at supporting the personal, social, and academic growth of young people. They work with youth, families, and community organizations to create engaging activities, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Their duties often include recruiting participants, training volunteers, managing program budgets, and evaluating program effectiveness to ensure positive outcomes for youth. The role requires strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development program coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Development Program Coordinator, you generally need experience in youth programming, a background in education or social work, and strong organizational skills, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with program management software, data tracking systems, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and cultural competency are crucial soft skills for building trust with youth, families, and community partners. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering impactful programs, ensuring youth safety, and fostering positive developmental outcomes.

What are some common challenges youth development program coordinators face when managing multiple programs or initiatives?

Youth Development Program Coordinators often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as overseeing various programs, managing staff or volunteers, and ensuring compliance with funding or regulatory requirements. One common challenge is balancing administrative tasks with direct engagement with youth, as both are vital to program success. Coordinators also need to adapt to changing needs and feedback from participants, which requires strong organizational and communication skills. Collaboration with community partners and stakeholders is essential, and building these relationships can be time-consuming but highly rewarding.

What is the difference between Youth Development Program Coordinator vs Youth Services Specialist?

AspectYouth Development Program CoordinatorYouth Services Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer a bachelor's degree in social work, education, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; often requires certification in youth work or counseling
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizationsCommunity programs, youth centers, social service agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutionsNon-profits, government youth programs, social services

The Youth Development Program Coordinator and Youth Services Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on supporting youth in community settings. The main difference lies in scope: coordinators often oversee programs and manage staff, while specialists typically focus on direct youth engagement and service delivery.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development Program jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs in Kentucky?

For Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Youth Development Program Coordinator job openings:

Youth Development Program Coordinator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Program Coordinator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program

REPORTS TO: Associate Extension Administrator

CLASSIFICATION: Staff – 12 Months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt


JOB SUMMARY: 

The Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development provides statewide leadership for the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program. The position develops innovative, research-based educational programs that prepare young people to become productive, engaged, and resilient citizens while advancing Kentucky State University's land-grant mission.


The Program Leader provides strategic direction for statewide 4-H programming; supports county Extension personnel; develops partnerships with faculty, Extension personnel, government agencies, community organizations, schools, industry, and other land-grant institutions; pursues external funding opportunities; oversees program evaluation; and ensures compliance with University, state, federal, USDA NIFA, and National 4-H standards.


The position works to expand the reach and impact of KSU 4-H by increasing participation among youth and volunteers throughout the Commonwealth, including youth who are new to 4-H as well as those with established 4-H experience. Through innovative program delivery models and strategic partnerships, the Program Leader strengthens KSU's presence in urban, suburban, and rural communities and promotes high-quality positive youth development experiences for youth across Kentucky.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Provides statewide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program, including innovative youth development initiatives focused on experiential learning, leadership development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, and life skills.
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for 4-H Youth Development programs that aligns with KSU Cooperative Extension priorities, USDA NIFA guidance, and National 4-H positive youth development frameworks.
  • Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, training, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for youth development programming.
  • Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Ensures compliance with USDA NIFA requirements, National 4-H policies and standards, youth protection requirements, University policies, risk management procedures, and applicable civil rights requirements.
  • Provides leadership for statewide and University-level youth development events and initiatives, including summer camps, college exploration programs, STEM academies, workforce readiness programs, and other educational activities.
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive statewide volunteer program that recruits, trains, supports, retains, and recognizes 4-H volunteers while ensuring compliance with youth protection and risk management requirements.
  • Promotes integration of research and Extension by collaborating with University faculty to translate research and emerging knowledge into practical youth development programs and educational resources.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with federal, state, regional, and local agencies; the State 4-H Foundation; National 4-H Council; community organizations; industry partners; nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; and other land-grant universities.
  • Identifies emerging issues affecting Kentucky youth and develops innovative educational programs and initiatives that respond to changing community needs and advance positive youth development.
  • Coordinates professional development opportunities and training programs for Extension personnel involved in youth development programming.
  • Monitors program performance, outcomes, compliance, and accountability measures and uses data to identify opportunities for program improvement.
  • Identifies external funding opportunities; develops competitive grant proposals; manages grant-funded initiatives; develops public-private partnerships; and leverages external resources to expand statewide 4-H programming.
  • Participates in state, regional, and national professional organizations, advisory groups, conferences, and Cooperative Extension leadership networks.
  • Maintains accurate program records and prepares required reports, evaluations, and other documentation related to program activities, outcomes, funding, and compliance.
  • Promotes excellent customer service and positive working relationships with University personnel, Extension stakeholders, volunteers, youth, families, community partners, and other internal and external constituents.
  • Promotes the visibility of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program and represents the University and Cooperative Extension at meetings, conferences, public events, and professional activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Knowledge of youth development principles, positive youth development practices, and Cooperative Extension programming.
  • Knowledge of program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement.
  • Knowledge of volunteer management, youth protection, risk management, and applicable Extension requirements.
  • Knowledge of grant development, external funding, and partnership development.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead, supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Ability to analyze program data and use results to evaluate effectiveness and inform program improvements.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, programs, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with youth, families, volunteers, University personnel, community organizations, government agencies, and professional organizations.
  • Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, resourcefulness, dependability, and ability to work independently.
  • Ability to work effectively across multiple teams and organizational units.
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Kentucky and occasionally outside the Commonwealth.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

  • Provides supervision, leadership, mentoring, and performance management for assigned 4-H Youth Development staff.


OTHER DUTIES:

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.



QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Master's degree in Youth Development, Agricultural Education, Extension Education, Education, Human Development, Community Development, or a closely related field required.
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, Cooperative Extension, education, community programming, or a related field required.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex educational, youth development, or community-based programs required.
  • Experience supervising professional staff or leading multidisciplinary teams required.
  • Experience with strategic planning, partnership development, program evaluation, and external funding is preferred.
  • Experience working with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, land-grant universities, or similar youth development organizations is preferred.
  • Doctoral degree in a related field is preferred.

 


Licensing and Certifications: 

  • Valid Driver’s License Required.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work is performed in office, classroom, agricultural, community, and outdoor environments.
  • Extensive statewide travel is required to support county Extension programs, statewide initiatives, meetings, trainings, events, and community activities.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required based on program needs, University events, camps, conferences, and other Extension activities.
  • Work may involve exposure to varying weather and environmental conditions.
  • The position requires regular standing, walking, and movement between indoor and outdoor program locations and may occasionally require lifting or carrying materials weighing up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.




Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.


 


 

 

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

 

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