Riley County Extension Director

Kansas State University • Manhattan, KS

447d

About The Position

The Riley County Extension Director serves as a professional educator and community connector, acting as a liaison between Kansas State University and local communities. This role involves leadership in developing educational programming, managing budgets, supervising staff, and collaborating with various stakeholders to address community needs and enhance the quality of life for residents in Riley County.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Academic coursework or professional development related to position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences.
• Commitment to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Experience managing fiscal responsibilities and budget development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of educational program design and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and management.
• Education or experience in community development.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Responsibilities

• Develop the annual budget and secure extramural funds.
• Handle legal responsibilities of the local extension unit as directed in extension law.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate agents and local unit staff.
• Plan for office space, equipment, and technology.
• Work with the Extension Board and local stakeholders to develop comprehensive programming.
• Maintain strong relationships with county commissioners and key decision-makers.
• Deliver educational programming related to community vitality and family resource management.
• Lead the development and evaluation of research-based educational programming.
• Engage extension specialists, volunteers, and community partners in programming efforts.
• Support 4-H youth development programming in Riley County.
• Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension's Grand Challenges.
• Design educational strategies to respond to community needs.
• Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to enhance extension programming.
• Develop strategies to serve diverse audiences and ensure equal opportunity in programming.
• Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
• Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Cooperate in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience and funding availability.
• Board of Regents retirement plan.
• Eligibility for health and life insurance.
• Vacation and sick leave.
• Reimbursement for travel related to program objectives.
• Comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training for new agents.
• Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree