K-State Seeks 4H Youth Development Extension Agent

Posted on January 31, 2023
K-State Seeks 4H Youth Development Extension Agent
Position Title:
Extension Agent
 
Position Summary
Program Focus: 4-H Youth Development
Location: McPherson, KS
Application Deadline: Feb 27
 
McPherson County, population 28,500, is in central Kansas. Its county seat, McPherson, is home to McPherson and Central Colleges and is located at the intersection of Interstate 135 and Highway 56, approximately 50 miles north of Wichita. McPherson County is known for both its strong industrial and agricultural base and for being a clean, attractive and progressive area. This position will 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.
 
 
Duties/ Responsibilities:
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
 
1. 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.
 
2. Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen the social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
 
3. Successful extension programs require agents to:
a) Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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.
b) Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. 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.
c) Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
d) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
e) Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
 
4. Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
 
5. May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for the fiscal operations
coordination of personnel
the development, delivery and reporting of program impact
and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension’s representative and the extension board.
 
6. Serve as a member of the McPherson County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
 
 
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
- Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
- Familiarity with various ethnic and socio-economic audiences
an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds
and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State Research and Extension’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.
 
 
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
- Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
- Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
- Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
- Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
- Skills in group facilitation.
- Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
- Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.
 
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
 
 
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 base starting salary is $43,000 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $47,000 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
- 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. For a complete list of benefits see: www.k-state.edu/hcs/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
 
 
Apply online using our application site. For more information visit ksre.ksu.edu/jobs
 
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
 
 
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.