Agriculture Extension Specialist Senior

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 64,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff development fund

Staff recognition programs

University community

Job summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment's 4-H unit at the University of Kentucky seeks a Specialist for 4-H Organizational Effectiveness. The role provides statewide leadership in strategic planning, program development, and organizational improvement to strengthen Kentucky 4-H programs.

You will collaborate with 4-H professionals, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, associations, and external stakeholders; supervise staff; support summer camp operations and accreditation; and

Qualifications

• Strategic thinking and leadership abilities for statewide impact.
• Experience developing programs and organizational initiatives.
• Skills in evaluation and applied scholarship.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide leadership for strategic planning, research-based program development, organizational initiatives, and systems strengthening.
• Collaborate with 4-H professionals, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, associations, and external stakeholders.
• Support organizational change and innovation; support 4-H summer camp operations and accreditation.
• Contribute to applied scholarship and evaluation; supervise assigned personnel.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Program leadership

Systems development

Innovation

Organizational agility

Listening skills

Strategic planning

Organizational leadership

Change management

Project leadership

Decision making

Systems thinking

Administrative excellence

Detail-orientation

Coachability

Youth development

Critical thinking skills

Customer service

Evaluation

Effective interpersonal communication

Education

PhD

Job description

Working Title Specialist for 4-H Organizational Effectiveness

Department Name

Department Name 81360:4-H CENTRAL OPERATIONS

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 48

Salary Range

Salary Range $64,210-105,914/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD

Required License/Registration/Certification

Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

Some lifting; able to stand or sit for long periods; Performing repetitive motion; Intermittent job-related travel.

Shift

Monday – Friday, some evenings and weekends

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, 4-H units seek a strategic, innovative, collaborative, and self-motivated professional with a strong work ethic and demonstrated skills in strategic leadership, organizational development, and program improvement for the Specialist for 4-H Organizational Effectiveness position. This position will provide statewide leadership for strategic planning, research-based program development, organizational initiatives, and systems that strengthen the quality, efficiency, and impact of Kentucky 4-H Youth Development. The specialist will collaborate with 4-H professionals, the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, associations, and external stakeholders; support organizational change and innovation; support 4-H summer camp operations and accreditation; contribute to applied scholarship and evaluation; and supervise assigned personnel.
Valid driver’s license preferred and completion of the 12-passenger van training upon employment. This position includes excellent benefits and provides opportunities for professional development.

Why Join Us
At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:

• Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building
• Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions
• A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky
  

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.
To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Strategic thinking, program leadership, systems development, innovation and problem solving, organizational agility, organization, listening skills, strategic planning, organizational leadership, change management, project leadership, decision making, systems thinking, administrative excellence, detail-orientation, innovative thinking, coachability, youth development, critical thinking skills, customer service, evaluation, effective interpersonal communication

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 11/18/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.