4-H Youth Development Extension Agent, Southwind District

About This Role:

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas.

The Southwind District is comprised of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties in southeast Kansas with a combined population of 46,048.

The district has over 550 4-H members, 20 4-H clubs and more than 100 volunteers. The district has ten public school systems and is the home of three community colleges.

Southwind staff are housed in four office locations.  The district’s staff consists of eight agents, two program assistants and four specialized office professionals.

This agent will cooperatively 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 but is not limited to: community club support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.

Location and Worksite Options:

Offices in Erie, Iola, Fort Scott, and Yates Center, KS; primary office in Yates Center.

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

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 Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Cooperatively 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 but is not limited to: community club support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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. 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, including agriculture-related agencies, to meet community and programming needs.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
  • 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 Southwind District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

More Information

Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding, as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant. The base starting salary is $46,000 for a bachelor’s degree with no professional experience and $50,000 for a master’s degree with no professional experience.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; vacation and sick leave; and eligibility for health and life insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period.  This series will include virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

How to Apply:

Apply on the K-State Careers page for Job #507808.

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications).
• Resume.
• Contact Information and Email addresses for three professional references (include on application).
• Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)

Application Deadline: August 13, 2024.