Riley County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent

Montgomery County Maryland; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking an on-site Extension Agent in Riley County to lead a comprehensive 4-H youth development program for school-aged youth, in partnership with local communities and extension colleagues.

You will recruit and supervise volunteers, design engaging educational activities, coordinate clubs and events, and evaluate program impact while aligning with the university's strategic plan. Flexibility for evenings and weekends and some overnight travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering education to groups or individuals.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4-H youth program.
• Recruit and supervise volunteers and manage club activities.
• Design educational strategies and coordinate with community partners.
• Collect and communicate evidence of program impact.
• Collaborate with Riley County team on county-wide programming.

Skills

Youth development

Volunteer management

Community engagement

Public speaking

Program evaluation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

12 credit hours or 6 months related experience

GPA 2.75 or evidence of progression

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 K-State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• 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.
• 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 Riley County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
• Supervise one Riley County 4-H programming assistant.

About Us

4-H provides school-aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research-based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4-H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4-H at kansas4-h.org.

Extension agents are educators, connectors and innovators who serve as links between K-State and Kansas communities.

Riley County, in the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas, has a population of approximately 72,000. The county includes the rural communities of Ogden, Riley, Leonardville, Randolph, and Zeandale, with Manhattan as the county seat. Riley County is home to Kansas State University and a large part of Fort Riley. The Riley County Extension staff includes five agents, one 4-H programming assistant, and two office professionals. The incoming 4-H Extension Agent will lead a thriving program with more than 300 members across 10 clubs and supported by over 50 dedicated volunteers.

Worksite Description

This agent will serve the people of Riley County. This agent's primary office will be in Manhattan, KS.

This position is On-site.

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.

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 K-State’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

Application Window

Applications close on: September 10, 2026

Interviews will be held September 24, 2026

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 on the K-State Employee Benefits website.