Positive Youth Development Curriculum Adaptation Specialist

Title: Positive Youth Development Curriculum Adaptation Specialist

Job Code: 0005 Casual

Full/Part Time (FTE): Part time, 0 - 14 hours per week

Pay range: $36-$46/hour

Duration of appointment: Currently funded for up to one year

Work location: St. Paul Campus, remote work

Apply by: April 24, 2026

About the job:

The position will develop high-quality, stakeholder-ready topic papers designed to create learning modules for those working with and on behalf of young people. These topic papers will inform the redesign and adaptation of a scaffolded Positive Youth Development curriculum aligned with the University of Minnesota REACH Lab Positive Youth Development (PYD) framework and Eccles & Gootman's Community Programs to Promote Youth Development (National Academy of Sciences, 2002).

This position will work 0-14 hours a week (will never exceed 14 hours a week) depending on the work needed and at the discretion of the supervisor. The position can end at anytime depending on quantity and quality of work, availability of funding, and other factors.

Responsibilities

1. Literature Synthesis and Topic Paper Development - 80%

• Develop structured topic papers that build upon prior literature reviews and outlines related to PYD and youth programming
• Ensure alignment of topic papers with Minnesota Statutes 144.197 requirements related to youth-focused education on substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
• Incorporate research related to SEL, life skills, substance misuse prevention, and youth engagement
• Conduct focused literature reviews building on Positive Youth Development and youth programming research
• Synthesize research on life skills development, social-emotional learning (SEL), and substance misuse prevention, with emphasis on youth under age 25
• Other duties as assigned

2. Curriculum Alignment and Applied Recommendations - 20%

• Translate research findings into applied recommendations to support curriculum redesign for adult youth workers in rural and urban communities
• Support the development of a scaffolded curriculum framework for adult youth workers

Required Qualifications (must be documented on resume)

• Master's degree completed at time of application in youth development, psychology, education, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes related to youth-focused education on substance misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery
• At least two years of post-Master's degree work experience in applied research, curriculum development, prevention programming, or youth-focused program design
• Experience conducting structured literature reviews and synthesizing research into topic papers or applied educational materials
• Demonstrated knowledge of Positive Youth Development (PYD) frameworks and social-emotional learning (SEL) principles
• Familiarity with substance misuse prevention research, particularly prevention efforts targeting youth and young adults under age 25
• Experience translating research into practitioner-facing materials for community-based, Extension, or youth-serving organizations
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, well-organized written deliverables aligned with project timelines
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deliverables within established deadlines
• Experience working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and public-sector or grant-funded initiatives preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD preferred in youth development, psychology, education, or a related discipline

Additional requirements/Working Conditions for all positions:

• Must have the ability to lift, carry, pull, and push 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time or sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• Must complete University of Minnesota payroll paperwork, including completing an in-person I-9 (identification verification process), and have a successful completion of a background check prior to the first day of work.
• Cannot be currently employed at the University of Minnesota or system campuses (this must be the only University of Minnesota job for the duration of this position as this position is not eligible to be paid overtime).
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About Extension

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota 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, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $36 - 46/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

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.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.