What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Associate - 4H position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: Extension Associate – 4H
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program
REPORTS TO: 4H Program Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The 4-H Extension Associate plays a key role in Kentucky State University’s 4-H Youth Development Program team. This position works collaboratively with extension staff to provide educational resources and support to individuals, organizations, and communities in the areas of healthy living, agriculture and natural resources, STEM careers, family and consumer sciences, leadership, and communications for youth.
The 4-H Extension Associate leads state-wide programs and collaborates with other state-level extension program staff to develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and activities. This position also supports youth-related university programming—including summer programs and youth outreach events—to ensure all activities are fun, safe, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with university-wide goals for youth engagement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Provide research-based technical information and support for county extension agents and staff with 4-H Youth Development responsibilities.
- Collaborate with other state-level program staff, including state specialists, to develop, implement, and evaluate multidisciplinary, research-based activities across the Commonwealth.
- Design, implement, and evaluate 4-H programs in school and after-school settings that apply principles of positive youth development, addressing youth interests and helping develop their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
- Oversee statewide and on-campus programs for youth that use experiential learning (“learning by doing”) as a primary teaching approach, fostering youth-adult partnerships and active participation.
- Engage diverse stakeholders and youth in the design and delivery of non-traditional 4-H programs offered through community clubs, special-interest clubs, school enrichment, after-school programs, camps, community workshops, and online formats.
- Identify, design, and deliver training for extension staff, volunteers, and other partners across the state based on best practices in youth development.
- Assist with the management and execution of grants that support statewide 4-H programs, ensuring compliance with grant and university requirements.
- Maintain accurate program documentation and data to support reporting, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure all activities align with university policies and federal/state extension program regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission of the Cooperative Extension Program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Passion for working with youth and fostering positive development.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and audiences.
- Knowledge of experiential learning and positive youth development principles.
- Skill in building and maintaining cross-institutional and community partnerships.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate educational programs.
- Experience providing professional development and training for adults.
- Ability to recruit, coordinate, and support volunteers.
- Skill in writing and managing grants and meeting special project requirements.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills in complex program environments.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree with significant coursework related to education, youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, or other closely related field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience with youth programming in extension, education, or non-profit settings.
- Experience with program planning, training, and event logistics preferred.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work may involve exposure to outdoor elements including extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, or loud noises.
- Requires some standing or walking; ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- Minimal exposure to physical risk.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, or be on-call.
- Travel is required.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.