Kearny County Extension Director

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University Extension is recruiting an Extension agent to serve Kearny County in southwest Kansas. The role connects residents with research-based education across five critical issues and builds partnerships with local boards, staff, volunteers, and community leaders.

The agent will lead development, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs, coordinate community outreach, and pursue internal and external funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (any field acceptable).
• At least 12 credit hours or six months related experience in education/programming.
• Minimum GPA 2.75 or evidence of progressive professional roles.
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals.
• Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with local staff and boards to lead budgeting, funds, audits.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate 4‑H youth programs with volunteers.
• Lead educational programming to strengthen community well‑being.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to extend reach and impact.
• Pursue internal and external funding for programming.

Skills

Group facilitation

Electronic communication

Multitasking

Self-motivation

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

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 KState Extension and the local Kearny County extension board.

• Collaborate with local unit staff, board members, and others (as appropriate) to provide leadership for the following activities:
  • Developing the annual budget, securing extramural funds, submitting appropriate financial reports, and reviewing audits.
  • Handling legal responsibilities of the local extension unit as directed in extension law.
  • Supervising, coaching, and evaluating local unit staff.
  • Planning for office space, equipment, and technology.
  • Working with the Extension Board, local stakeholders, area and state extension faculty, and others to develop comprehensive programming to address local issues.
  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with county commissioners and other key decision-makers in the county.
• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include, but is not limited to: community clubs support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming to help our communities become a better place for Kansans to live, work, and play. This will be accomplished by engaging extension specialists, volunteers, and community partners to strengthen the social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of our communities.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to KState 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 KState 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 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.

About Us

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu.

Worksite Description

This agent will serve the people of Kearny County. A staff of one extension agent and one office professional serve Kearny County's 4,026 residents, located in southwest Kansas.

Work for this position is on-site in the Lakin office and at locations throughout the county.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

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.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver's license.

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.

Additional Role Information

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing KState's initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule, which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,500-$70,000

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 $47,500-$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. See a complete list of 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.