Open Rank Tenure Track Professor in The Department of Human Development and Family Science: 4-H Volunteerism and Youth-Adult Partnerships

In coordination with the University of Missouri Office of Extension and Engagement, the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at the University of Missouri seeks a full-time tenure-track at the Assistant, Associate or full Professor level specializing in volunteerism and youth-adult partnerships. This is a 12-month, tenure-track position between HDFS and MU Extension with the primary appointment being in HDFS. The faculty reports to the HDFS Department Chair with secondary supervision from the Director of the 4-H Center for Youth Development.

Successful applicants will demonstrate scholarly activity consistent with the University’s status as an AAU member and a “Very High” Research Productive institution. Faculty will maintain an active and vibrant program of research and engagement in youth-adult partnerships, secure external funding to support such efforts, and support the department through teaching and service.

This position provides statewide leadership and strategic planning for the Missouri 4-H initiatives in volunteer development and youth-adult partnerships and will:

1. Build staff and organizational capacity around volunteer development and management at local and state levels by utilizing research in youth-adult-partnerships to develop and evaluate resources, processes, and systems
2. Advance knowledge about volunteer development, youth-adult partnerships, and their contribution to meeting the needs of young people
3. Build the capacity of 4-H youth development professionals and volunteers in creating safe, sustainable, and vibrant learning environments for young people
4. Foster innovative systems to engage and retain volunteers and prepare them for effective voluntary action in 4-H and in their communities

The faculty will also be responsible for building collaborations between 4-H, Extension, HDFS, and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) to develop programs and resources and to seek external funding. The faculty will also teach one to two courses per year in HDFS in a related area such as youth development, volunteer development, youth-adult partnerships, or program evaluation. These may be associated with our HDFS Undergraduate majors or with the GP-IDEA MA programs in Youth Development and Family and Community Services. The faculty will also complete service for HDFS and MU Extension.

The start date is negotiable with a preference for start date no later than July 1, 2023.  Salary is commensurate with experience, and the position includes ongoing supplemental monetary support for scholarly activities. Review of applications will begin on February 28, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain an active, externally funded program of research, outreach, and scholarship
• Utilize principles of volunteer development and positive youth development to ensure educational materials represent rigorous and cutting-edge research, diverse viewpoints, and culturally responsive and respectful approaches
• Collaborate on program development and evaluation processes to ensure and assess the efficacy of volunteer systems
• Lead statewide strategic planning to grow, diversify and improve local, regional and state volunteer systems and ensure that effective volunteer recruitment, screening, retention, orientation, training, and recognition systems are in place at all levels
• Assess staff development needs relating to volunteer leadership and systems management. Design, develop, and coordinate the delivery of training for 4-H youth development professionals who have significant work responsibility for volunteer leadership and systems management
• Establish strong working relationships and provide guidance to 4-H youth development professionals on issues related to risk management, youth protection, and volunteer conflict management
• Ensure volunteer compliance with the University of Missouri Extension and 4-H Center for Youth Development safety of minors and risk management policies and Code of Conduct
• Communicate the value of volunteer systems to stakeholders and serve on state, multi-task, and national Extension work groups to advance volunteer systems and the field
• Teach one to two courses in Department of Human Development and Family Science per year
• Advise and provide research supervision to graduate students in Human Development and Family Science and serve on thesis/dissertation committees for students in the department
• Provide service to the program, department, college, and university
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence
• Other duties as assigned

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

• Remain current on trends and research-based knowledge to effectively create relevant, reliable, and responsive education. Apply this knowledge in scholarly products such as curriculum, in-service training and instruction, articles in professional journals and popular press, presentations at professional meetings, and grant proposals.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities to continuously improve skills and increase research-based knowledge. Demonstrate mastery of core competencies, including subject matter expertise, effective and innovative teaching strategies, program development processes, and integration of new and emerging technology.
• MU is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An earned doctorate in Human Development and Family Science or a related field with course work in a discipline or program related to volunteer development at or within 6 months of the time of appointment. Relevant coursework in one or more of the following areas: education; organizational systems and human resource management; community development/ partnerships; child, adolescent, and human development; and volunteerism. Equivalent experience will be considered. 

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Professional experience in designing, conducting, and evaluating educational opportunities for youth and volunteers
• Ability to apply positive youth development frameworks to volunteerism and youth-adult partnerships, experiential education, and community collaborations
• Record of scholarly productivity and evidence of public scholarship
• Success or potential for success as principal investigator on externally funded projects
• Ability to teach and mentor students and youth development professionals within a youth/lifespan development and family science framework
• Ability to work collaboratively with department and university colleagues and to engage in community outreach