4-H Professional Magic Lantern chez University of Maine

The 4-H  Professional at the Magic Lantern Innovation Center, a collaborative role with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine 4-H Foundation, plays a key part in supporting 4-H Youth Development programs. Located in Bridgton, the Magic Lantern Innovation Center empowers youth ages 5–18 by fostering positive relationships between young people and caring adults, and by offering enrichment opportunities that help build essential life skills.

Program areas include science and technology, visual and performing arts, literacy, culinary arts, and career and workforce development. These fee-based enrichment programs are designed to help youth grow as learners, leaders, and engaged community members.

This position leads the planning, implementation, and delivery of engaging, educational experiences and youth performances in partnership with the Magic Lantern team, and serves as a connector to broader 4-H resources in Oxford and Cumberland Counties. Typical hiring range for this position is $43,000 to $45,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description
 

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree and/or one to three years of volunteer management and/or youth teaching experience.
• Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and inspire 4-H youth and volunteers, fostering a positive and educational environment.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Proficiency in effectively communicating with youth, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Volunteer Management Expertise: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, and working collaboratively with organizations like the 4-H Leaders Association.
• Program Development and Implementation: Ability to design, develop, and deliver educational programs that address the needs of youth.
• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple tasks, including planning and overseeing logistics for local programming.
• Community Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adjust strategies and plans to meet the evolving needs of the program and its participants.
• Team Collaboration: Skills in working effectively with other Extension staff and community partners to achieve common goals.
• Technology: Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software. 
• This position requires regular travel (within the State of Maine/both within and outside the State of Maine, etc.). Mileage is reimbursed at the current University rate. The selected individuals must be able to successfully meet this requirement with or without accommodation.

Preferred:

• Experience in Youth Development: Background in working with youth in educational or recreational settings, ideally within a 4-H or similar program.
• Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, or a related field.
• Event Planning Experience: Familiarity with coordinating and managing logistics for large events and trips.
• Cultural Competence: Ability to engage with a diverse group of youth and community members, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Innovative approaches to overcoming challenges and enhancing program delivery.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experience in securing funding and resources to support program initiatives.
• Knowledge of 4-H Programs: Familiarity with the 4-H program structure and its impact on youth development.
• With or without accommodation the ability to occasionally lift 30 to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment / Schedule: 

Magic Lantern Innovation Center office hours are Thursday- Sunday, 10:00 am– 6:30 pm. Schedule to be determined in consultation with the supervisor and flexible within a normal 40-hour schedule. Evening and weekend program support is required. Work may be performed in an office, classroom, performance stage, or other community location. This position is based in Bridgton, Maine. Travel throughout the county, and some state and regional travel is expected.

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act  

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.