Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Joe; Great Bend (KS); On-site; USD 46,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Professional development training

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Joe is seeking an Extension Agent in Great Bend, KS, to lead the 4-H Youth Development program. The role involves developing and implementing educational strategies that empower youth while managing community partnerships and volunteer recruitment. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $46,000–$70,000 and includes benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 12 credit hours in relevant coursework or six months of related experience.
• Demonstrated professional achievement with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
• Ability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of 4-H youth development programs.
• Design educational strategies to address community needs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers for program impact.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Volunteer management

Education delivery

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

This agent will lead the Barton County 4‑H Youth Development program to empower youth through connection, learning, and leadership opportunities.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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 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.
  • 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 district‑wide programming and related events.

Position Details

• Service Area: Cottonwood District (Ellis and Barton counties)
• Office Location: Great Bend, KS
• Title: Extension Agent
• Primary Programming Responsibility: 4‑H Youth Development

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of Cottonwood District. The Cottonwood Extension District has offices in Great Bend and Hays. This agent’s primary office will be in Great Bend, KS. Work for this position is on site in the Barton County Extension office and at locations throughout the district.

Travel Requirements

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

Qualifications

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., 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 supervisory or informal roles.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• 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.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

Skills and Attributes

• 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 multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish‑speaking learners.

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 anticipated hiring salary range is $46,000–$70,000.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave.
• 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.

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

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K‑State’s background check policy.