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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional for a 4-H State & National Events Coordinator with a passion for positive youth development to lead the logistics, promotion, and execution of high-level 4-H events. 4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement.
The individual in this position serves as a representative of The Pennsylvania State University in delivering a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program focused on large-scale event management. This includes managing the day-to-day activities for state-level competitions, national trips, and educational conferences, while building community collaborations and partnerships to drive attendance and public awareness.
Major responsibilities include:
Logistics & Event Management: Plan, Manage, and Coordinate all aspects of state and national events, including venue selection, scheduling, participant registration, and on-site execution for judging and knowledge contests, member/volunteer recognition events, and leadership forums.
Volunteer & Committee Leadership: Recruit, screen, and train adult volunteers to serve as event staff and judges, and work with Program Development Committees to create the event schedule.
Communications & Outreach: Create and distribute marketing materials, including newsletters and social media content, to promote 4-H events and recruit youth and volunteer audiences.
Travel Coordination: Manage registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held across the state or out of state.
Financial & Administrative Oversight: Manage budgets for specific events, handle enrollment fees, and ensure all activities follow university policy and procedural expectations.
Evaluation & Reporting: Implement program evaluation and documentation to measure event effectiveness and prepare reports for stakeholders.
Youth Safety: Work with the 4-H Leadership team and event leads to ensure physical and emotional safety for youth and adult attendees at events.
General Support: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate should possess skills in program development, event logistics and management, and evaluation.
Demonstrated positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work with youth, parents, and the public.
Ability to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation.
Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed for events.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
A degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, or a related field is preferred.
Previous experience with 4-H programming or large-scale event coordination.
Volunteer management experience.
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- Master's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3+ years of relevant experience in program or event management
- Skills in program development, event logistics and management, and evaluation
- Demonstrated positive human relations and effective communication skills with youth, parents, and the public
- Ability to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Valid driver's license and successful motor vehicle records check; ability to operate a motor vehicle as part of job duties
- PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (employer does not sponsor staff employment visas)
- Degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, or related field
- Previous experience with 4-H programming or large-scale event coordination
- Volunteer management experience
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
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What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
