Statewide 4-H Youth Development Leader

Kentucky-State-University; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Kentucky State University seeks a Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development to provide statewide leadership, strategic direction, and collaboration with faculty, Extension personnel, and external partners to expand Kentucky’s youth programming.

The role focuses on innovative, research-based educational programs, volunteer management, and ensuring compliance with national standards while advancing the land‑grant mission.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in youth development, Cooperative Extension, education, community programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex educational, youth development, or community-based programs.
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with strategic planning, partnership development, program evaluation, and external funding is preferred.
• Experience working with Cooperative Extension, 4-H, land-grant universities, or similar youth development organizations is preferred.
• Doctoral degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides statewide leadership for the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Kentucky State University's 4-H Youth Development Program, including innovative youth development initiatives focused on experiential learning, leadership development, workforce readiness, college and career preparation, and life skills.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive strategic plan for 4-H Youth Development programs that aligns with KSU Cooperative Extension priorities, USDA NIFA guidance, and National 4-H positive youth development frameworks.
• Provides leadership, guidance, mentoring, training, and support to Extension faculty and staff responsible for youth development programming.
• Oversees statewide program planning, implementation, evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensures compliance with USDA NIFA requirements, National 4-H policies and standards, youth protection requirements, University policies, risk management procedures, and applicable civil rights requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Partnership development

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Kentucky State University seeks a Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development to provide statewide leadership, strategic direction, and collaboration with faculty, Extension personnel, and external partners to expand Kentucky’s youth programming.

The role focuses on innovative, research-based educational programs, volunteer management, and ensuring compliance with national standards while advancing the land‑grant mission.