Extension Specialist I, 4H Youth Development - UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Extension Specialist I position provides statewide leadership for Tennessee 4-H citizenship and leadership programs, teen programming, and international exchange opportunities. Responsibilities include planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs and leadership experiences that develop civic engagement, workforce readiness, and global awareness among youth. The position collaborates with Extension personnel, volunteers, and partners to coordinate statewide events, leadership initiatives, and educational opportunities that support the mission and long-term goals of the Tennessee 4-H program.

Requirements

Master's degree in Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, or a closely related field.
Substantial work experience which demonstrates promise in teaching, Extension and/or service in alignment with the appointment.
Knowledge of 4-H youth development programming.
Willingness to travel statewide and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

PhD. in Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, or a closely related field.
Experience with program evaluation, assessment, reporting, data management, and securing external funding to strengthen programs, demonstrate impact, and support continuous improvement.
Strong organizational, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple statewide youth programs, leadership initiatives, and events.
Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs, curricula, professional development, and in-service training while collaborating effectively with Extension agents, volunteers, youth, faculty, partners, and stakeholders.
Knowledge of teen leadership development and international exchange or global education programs.

Responsibilities

Coordinate statewide teen leadership programs and events including Tennessee 4-H Congress, Roundup, All Star Conference, leadership summits, ambassador programs, and other statewide teen initiatives.
Provide oversight for educational content, event logistics, officer training, youth engagement strategies, and program evaluation.
Develop, implement, and evaluate statewide citizenship, leadership, and teen programs.
Create educational resources and provide training and support for Extension agents, volunteers, and youth leaders to strengthen program delivery and youth engagement across the state.
Coordinate statewide international exchange opportunities and global education initiatives including inbound and outbound exchanges, cultural immersion experiences, host family recruitment and support, and youth preparation activities.
Maintain partnerships with international organizations and ensure compliance with university and risk management policies.
Build partnerships with universities, agencies, organizations, and community stakeholders while identifying grant and funding opportunities to expand statewide 4-H programs.
Provide training, teaching, and technical support to Extension agents, volunteers, and partners through workshops, conferences, webinars, and other professional development opportunities.
Conduct needs assessments, evaluate program outcomes, and analyze data to improve programs, demonstrate impact, and inform statewide priorities.