Youth Development Operations Manager

Title: Youth Development Operations Manager

Job code: 9341A1

Employee Group:

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Regular/Temporary: regular

Office location: Prefer UMN St. Paul Campus - Coffey Hall; other regional Extension office may be possible. This is an in-office, in-person position with possibilities for flexible work.

Estimated salary range: $82,000-92,000

Apply by: July 21, 2026

This position provides statewide leadership of the Department of Youth Development's 4-H program's adherence to requirements of federal and state government, the University of Minnesota, and the 4-H youth development program; ensuring the safety and well-being of youth participants, and maintaining the integrity of the 4-H experience. This role involves developing, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures, monitoring and providing guidance to the adherence to requirements. This role includes leadership of group exemption status, chartering, constitution and bylaws, financial management, tax management, agreements, risk management, insurance (collectively known as 4-H program operations), youth and volunteer enrollment, youth, parent, and volunteer code of conduct, and other areas. This role ensures 4 H Youth Development programs meet all legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.The manager will lead the implementation of internal controls, support audit processes, and guide program alignment across regional teams for the Department of Youth Development under the direction of and supervision by the Director of Operations & Systems.

This role will also directly supervise some team members whose work is embedded in operations, adherence to policies and practices, or have similar responsibilities.

This position is located in the Department of Youth Development office (Coffey Hall) on the UMN St. Paul campus, or other regional Extension office may be possible, with potential for hybrid options. Travel a few times per month throughout the state is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday. This position requires occasional attendance and participation at evening and/or weekend meetings, fairs, camps and related events; often scheduled in advance.

• Develop, implement, and oversee adherence of policies and procedures for the 4-H Youth Development program operations. Some examples of areas for this are: risk management plans, financial practices, health and safety requirements, contracts and agreements, and volunteer screening.
• Lead the Department in planning and monitoring compliance and related requirements of the 4-H Youth Development program operations as a public organization, including group exemption status, group chartering, federation/council and club constitution and bylaws, financial reporting, and tax management.
• Monitor youth member and adult volunteer enrollment requirements; follow up and address concerns with Educators or others involved in this process.
• Ensure understanding of and department compliance with the volunteer screening process; including background check and related requirements.
• Develop, facilitate and document responses to reports, investigation, communication, and tracking of misconduct of volunteers, parents, and/or youth to include problem solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to issues.
• Identify and escalate serious or high level issues to the Director of Operations and Systems (DOOS). Contribute to the process of resolving the issues; includes working with the DOOS and other University and partner offices (Office of General Council, Office of Risk Management, and related) and have positive and productive work relationships with all parties.
• Monitor 4-H programs and events to ensure compliance of and adherence to established risk management and Safety of Minors and related policies and procedures; conducting audits as needed.
• Design and maintain internal control systems to uphold the integrity of financial processes to help prevent errors, fraud, and inefficiencies; evaluate their effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Initiate and manage audit plans related to 4-H programs. Includes overseeing the compliance audits and investigations, addressing potential risks, and managing the audit plan and response processes; partnering with and leading 4-H specialists in these processes. Responding to risks, violations, or identified needs or process gaps.
• Audit and resolve issues to ensure processes, procedures, and guides such as constitutions, bylaws, credit and debit card processes, and tax filings, are accurate and up-to-date. Follow up and respond to inaccuracies or issues with team members and supervisors involved.
• Partner with Program Leaders and department leadership on compliance or process concerns, audits and other operations procedure execution and non-compliance.
• Other related duties as assigned

• Develop and implement 4-H Youth Development program operations policies and procedures, ensuring they align with state and national regulations as well as meeting Extension and department standards.
• Design, develop, evaluate and improve resources, trainings, and tools that streamline and guide 4-H program operations to meet compliance requirements and standards.
• Lead the rollout of new or revised policies related to operations and compliance, and monitor adherence across the department .
• Continuously improve resources and tools to support department operational efficiency and compliance, including managing forms and documentation, tracking review and renewal dates, and initiating required reviews to ensure timely completion and adherence to organizational standards.
• Coordinate with Youth Development Department leaders to ensure consistent policy application and risk mitigation.
• Maintain and manage legal documentation updating timelines and compliance requirements.
• Keeping abreast of changes in state and national 4-H regulations and best practices, share findings with the Director of Operations & Systems and other leaders and teams as needed.

• Lead the 4-H program operations team to develop training initiatives to educate staff and volunteers on operations standards. Lead training and education efforts for staff and volunteers on adherence to policies and procedures, legal updates, and best practices; manage completion metrics and conduct evaluations for constant improvements.
• Supervise employees in the 4-H program operations team.
• Co-lead and be the resource to regional support staff teams focused on 4-H program and volunteer systems screening processes.
• Foster collaboration and accountability within teams to drive alignment with department goals.

• Oversee the accuracy and relevance of compliance-related information on the department internal intranet and public website.
• Support internal communication and knowledge-sharing of updated procedures, policies, and resources.
• Manage the development and dissemination of 4-H Youth Development program operational resources, systems, and tools.

• BA/BS degree
• 6 years of experience in operations management or policy adherence; preferably within youth development programs, or working with youth participants.
• In depth knowledge of youth program or participant and volunteer regulations, compliance, and operations standards.
• Experience in developing or monitoring operating or related reporting procedures, record-keeping, and providing resolutions or recommendations for resolutions.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and resolve conflicts with volunteers, youth and parents in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Master's degree, ideally in areas such as Business Administration, Organizational Development, Youth Development, or other related fields.

• Work within an office as well as in various educational and operational settings, including outdoors (e.g., county/regional offices, camp locations, fairs).
• Will work some evenings, overnights, and weekends for events/programming monitoring and interacting to meet responsibilities of the position.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
• Must be able to travel regionally/statewide multiple times per year. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• Position includes extensive time typing and using a computer with multiple monitors, mouse and other aspects of high computer usage; often 8-10 hours a day.
• Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

• 8+ years of experience in directing compliance or related work with Youth participants or youth programs
• Experience developing and delivering operational or policy and procedure trainings to adult team members.
• Supervisory experience (must include hiring, performance managing, conducting performance reviews for ongoing full time benefit/vacation earning staff)
• In-depth knowledge of the 4-H program operations standards and regulations.
• Experience with 4-H Youth Development programs.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay Range: $82,000-92,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.