Extension Agent, -H Youth Development

About This Role

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 K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4‑H youth development program for school‑aged youth in cooperation with local community members and extension colleagues. The primary focus of this position is youth development, along with adult volunteer development; youth education program development; membership growth and participation; and community partnership expansion. Programming will include community club support, out‑of‑school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.
• Supervise the Johnson County 4‑H Youth Development team, which currently consists of a full‑time 4‑H office professional and two part‑time program coordinators.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K‑State 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 K‑State 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 and 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 the Youth Development Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Cottonwood District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county‑wide programming and related events.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., education, child development, volunteer management).
• 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 experience in both formal and informal roles.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Education, experience, or interest in livestock production and/or youth livestock programming.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing…