AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Specialist

Job Title: AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Education and Outreach Specialist (Half-Time-900 Hours)

Job Details-Fixed Stipend (Living Allowance)

$9,500.00 USD stipend

Type of Job

Part-Time Job / Seasonal / Temporary

Industry

Education - K-12, Services - Childcare, Services - Other

Job Function

Community and Social Services - Other, Education, Training, and Library - PK-12 Teaching, Non-Profit - Education/Advocacy, Non-Profit - Outreach/Volunteer Management, Services - Child Care

Work-Study Eligibility Required to Apply?

No

Location: Black Hawk County Extension, Waterloo, IA

Job Description

Job Title: AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Education and Outreach Specialist (Half-Time)
Organization: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach – Black Hawk County
Location: Waterloo, IA
Time Commitment: Half-Time AmeriCorps Term (900 hours)
Service Term: AmeriCorps Service Position (not an ISU employee role)

Position Overview

Black Hawk County Extension is seeking a Half-Time AmeriCorps 4-H Outreach Education and Outreach Specialist to support youth development programming and community outreach efforts in Waterloo and surrounding communities. This AmeriCorps member will work alongside Extension staff to expand access to high-quality educational programming, recruit volunteers, grow 4-H enrollment, and strengthen community partnerships—particularly with families and youth who may not traditionally participate in 4-H.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery and Youth Engagement

Train with Extension Advancement and Black Hawk County Extension staff to learn program delivery methods, engagement strategies, and organizational protocols.

Deliver approximately 50 educational programming opportunities serving a minimum of 500 youth during the service term.

Co-lead educational programs with staff initially and lead programs independently as approved and as experience is gained.

Provide face-to-face programming, with opportunities to explore virtual delivery as appropriate.

Programs will range from a minimum of 1 hour to multi-hour day camps (3–4 hours).

Programming focus areas may include STEM, technology, arts, music, dance, entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and career exploration.

Volunteer Recruitment

Design and implement a Volunteer Recruitment Campaign in collaboration with program staff.

Support the development of a new volunteer recruitment initiative with a goal of recruiting 50–100 new volunteers during the service year.

Share ideas and assist with implementation, with staff determining timing and locations.

Marketing, Outreach, and Enrollment Growth

Assist with marketing and outreach efforts to support new 4-H clubs and increase 4-H enrollment.

Participate in organized recruitment and outreach events to promote 4-H programs and services.

Engage community members by sharing program information, publications, and impact stories.

Conduct outreach to non-traditional families and new audiences unfamiliar with 4-H.

Build relationships with families through direct conversations and community presence to support enrollment and club development.

Community Partnerships

Support the development of new community partnerships that increase youth programming opportunities.

Attend and support 15–20 community events to explore collaboration with local organizations.

Contribute to the goal of establishing 5–10 new partnerships that lead to youth programming opportunities.

Compliance

Ensure that any volunteers recruited or supported do not participate in prohibited activities as defined in the approved AmeriCorps grant.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, including:

Have or obtain a high school diploma or GED

Be at least 17 years old at the start of service (no upper age limit)

Pass a national service criminal history check prior to the first day of service

Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or Lawful Permanent Resident

Benefits

AmeriCorps members who successfully complete their term of service are eligible for:

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award:  $3,697.50 earned after successful completion of term.  

Living allowance: $9,500.00

Student loan forbearance and interest payments on qualified loans

Ideal Candidate:  This position is well-suited for individuals interested in youth development, education, community engagement, nonprofit work, education, social services, or public service. Strong communication skills, comfort working with youth and families, and a willingness to engage in community-based outreach are essential.