The Extension Program Assistant/Office Assistant supports the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service by assisting Extension Educators and staff with program development, implementation, communication, administration, and daily office operations. The position provides support for 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR), and other Extension programs, while serving as a professional and welcoming point of contact for volunteers, program participants, community partners, and the public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide administrative, clerical, and program support to Extension Educators and office staff.
• Assist with the planning, prepping, implementation, and evaluation of Extension programs, workshops, meetings, and special events.
• Support 4-H Youth Development programming , including school enrichment, project workshops, educational activities, volunteer communications, enrollment information, and county 4-H events.
• Assist with Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) programming, including coordinating educational programs, workshops, demonstrations, meetings, communications, educational materials, and community outreach as directed by ANR Educators.
• Assist with county fair activities, including on-site support.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of Extension reports, program records, enrollment information, databases, and other required documentation.
• Prepare and process correspondence, forms, newsletters, flyers, brochures, posters, educational materials, and other office communications.
• Maintain accurate and organized office and program files in accordance with Extension procedures.
• Provide receptionist services, including answering telephone calls, greeting visitors, responding to routine inquiries, and directing individuals to appropriate Extension resources.
• Assist with program registration, mailings, data entry, and updating computer records.
• Operate standard office equipment and utilize Microsoft Office and other computer-based systems necessary to support Extension programs.
• Attend Purdue Extension training and remain knowledgeable of applicable Extension policies, procedures, and programs.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect the privacy of clients, volunteers, youth, and program participants.
• Maintain a neat, organized, and professional office environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Extension Educators, the County Extension Director, Regional Director or Office Manager.
• Work occasional evening and Saturday.
• High school diploma required; post-secondary education or training preferred.
• Working knowledge of Cooperative Extension programs, office procedures, and community programming preferred.
• Ability to assist with the preparation and presentation of educational materials through workshops, demonstrations, meetings, classroom activities, and other instructional methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work courteously and professionally with diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively organize and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, databases, office equipment, and electronic communication.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise sound judgment regarding confidential information.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record and dependable transportation required.
• Ability to safely lift and transport program materials and equipment as required.
• Ability to represent Purdue Extension professionally and work cooperatively with Extension Educators, staff, volunteers, community partners, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• High school diploma required; post-secondary education or training preferred.
• Working knowledge of Cooperative Extension programs, office procedures, and community programming preferred.
• Ability to assist with the preparation and presentation of educational materials through workshops, demonstrations, meetings, classroom activities, and other instructional methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work courteously and professionally with diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively organize and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, databases, office equipment, and electronic communication.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a team with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and exercise sound judgment regarding confidential information.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record and dependable transportation required.
• Ability to safely lift and transport program materials and equipment as required.
• Ability to represent Purdue Extension professionally and work cooperatively with Extension Educators, staff, volunteers, community partners, and the public.