Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid tuition

Health insurance

Flexible scheduling

Retirement savings

Supplemental benefits programs

WolfPerks

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Pittsboro, NC, seeks a motivated Extension Agent to lead and evaluate 4‑H youth development programs for ages 5–18. You will plan, implement, and assess activities, train volunteers, and partner with community leaders to expand impactful experiences.

The role requires strong communication, organization, and fundraising skills, with a commitment to inclusion and youth empowerment; travel within the county and occasional after‑hours work are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.5 overall or 3.0 in child/youth development
• Bachelor’s degree plus half Master’s coursework with GPA 3.0+ or Master’s in child/youth development or related field
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with diverse populations
• Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Office, and Google Workspace
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to manage multiple priorities
• Willingness to travel and work after hours and weekends
• Ability to recruit, train and supervise volunteers and maintain records

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate comprehensive 4‑H programs for youth 5–18
• Lead and grow a county 4‑H program and volunteer network
• Develop and implement fundraising activities to support youth participation
• Manage a county 4‑H advisory council and recruit/train volunteers
• Create marketing/recruiting programs to engage youth and volunteers
• Maintain compliance with local, state, and national regulations and records

Skills

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Time management

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Google Workspace

Oral/written communication

Travel after hours/weekends

Multitasking

Community partnerships

Education

Bachelor's degree with GPA 2.5 overall

Bachelor's degree + Master’s coursework GPA 3.0+

Master’s degree in child or youth development or related field

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Position Type: NC Cooperative Extension

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Job Type: Full-Time - Permanent

FTE: 1.0

Job City & State: Pittsboro, NC

Position Overview

The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands‑on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The individual in the position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school-based 4-H programs.

Essential Job Duties

Plan, execute and evaluate comprehensive 4‑H programs for youth aged 5‑18, ensuring positive life‑skill development and community engagement.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The Extension 4‑H Agent will be located in Chatham County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4‑H professional youth development program, meeting the relevant needs of all youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive life‑skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live, and give them access to high‑quality, experiential programming to build life skills.

• Assure that the principles of positive youth development are being utilized across the program to help youth identify and develop their passion and life skills.
• Build and maintain relationships in the county that lead to recruiting, training, managing, and rewarding the volunteer leaders who will guide 4‑H clubs.
• Raise funds in support of youth participation in local, district, state, and national events and activities; fundraising for volunteer development and management is also expected.
• Manage a county‑wide 4‑H advisory council that identifies programmatic needs and champions 4‑H in the local community.
• Develop a marketing/recruiting program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to drive desired programmatic impact.
• Maintain accurate records, assure compliance with local, state and national regulations, including NC State University Programming with Minors regulations, general financial management, and USDA‑NIFA and IRS compliance.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education: One of the following: Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or 3.0 in child or youth development; or Bachelor’s degree and completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or Master’s degree in child or youth development or related field.

Department Required Skills:

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to work and interact with, and have respect for, broad populations.
• Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Office, and Google Workspace tools).
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Ability to travel and work after‑hours and weekends as needed.
• Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.
• Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training and youth programs.

Preferred Experience / Training

• Master’s degree in child and youth development, education, or related field.
• Experience developing and/or managing community gardens for youth programming.
• Experience planning programs and working in varied communities, including urban settings.
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.
• Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.
• Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders to extend youth programming to the broadest audience possible.
• Experience writing grants in support of programs.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health insurance
• Flexible scheduling
• Retirement savings
• Supplemental benefits programs
• WolfPerks

Additional Information

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week. The individual in this position often works night and weekend hours outside of the normal workday.

Salary: Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000.

Recruitment: Internal transfer only: No. Job Open Date: 03/17/2026.

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.