Wyandotte County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent

Montgomery County Maryland; Kansas; On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vacation and sick leave

Travel reimbursement

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Job summary

Kansas State University Extension in Wyandotte County seeks an agent to lead the 4-H youth program and collaborate with community partners. The role focuses on youth development, volunteer growth, and community partnership expansion in a on-site setting in Kansas City, KS.

Responsibilities include program design, volunteer management, funding pursuit, and evaluating impact while delivering engaging education to youth and adults alike.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
• At least 12 credit hours or six months of relevant experience.
• GPA 2.75 on 4.0 scale or evidence of progressive responsibility.
• Experience delivering information to groups or individuals.
• Leadership experience in supervisory roles.
• Must have access to a vehicle and valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4-H youth program.
• Supervise Wyandotte County 4-H support staff.
• Advance community vitality programming through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Recruit volunteers, seek funding, and collaborate with partners.
• Communicate program impact and outcomes to stakeholders.

Skills

Youth development

Volunteer management

Community engagement

Leadership

Group facilitation

English and Spanish bilingual

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

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 community partners.
• Supervise one Wyandotte County 4‑H support staff.
• 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 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 Wyandotte County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county -wide programming and related events.

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.

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.

Wyandotte County comprises Kansas City, KS, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville. With a population of 167,989, it is the fourth‑largest county in Kansas and the most diverse county in the state. Kansas City is served by four school districts that support public and private school students across the county. When fully staffed, Wyandotte County Extension includes a director, four agents, three office professionals, one 4‑H office professional, and two nutrition program assistants—forming a collaborative team dedicated to serving youth, families, and communities throughout the “Dotte.”

Worksite Description

This agent will serve the people of Wyandotte County. This agent's primary office will be in Kansas City, KS. This position is On-site.

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: October 13, 2026

Interviews will be held October 27, 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.
• 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.