Rolling Prairie District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of KState Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming to build healthy, sustainable communities, families, and individuals. Programming will be conducted with volunteers and extension colleagues to: strengthen families and individuals; build community capacity; promote individual and community health and wellness; and lead volunteer development.
• Manage the Chautauqua County 4-H program. This will entail the development, implementation, and evaluation of 4H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support; out-of-school programs; school enrichment; volunteer management; and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to KState Extension's five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow's leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the KState Next-Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Rolling Prairie District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu.

The Rolling Prairie District consists of Chautauqua and Elk counties. It is home to just under 6,000 residents. The district's team provides relevant, reliable information related to agriculture, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, 4-H and youth development, healthy living, and much more. Programs take place throughout the community, including in schools, gardens and community centers. This agent will support residents through innovative family and food-system programs and by leading the Chautauqua County 4-H program.

This position is on-site in the Rolling Prairie District.

The Rolling Prairie District has offices in Howard and Sedan, KS. This agent's primary office will be in Sedan.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., health and wellness).
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or evidence of progressively responsible professional roles).
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.
• Leadership…