Extension Specialist I, 4H Youth Development - UTIA

The Extension Specialist for 4-H Awards, Recognition, and College & Career Readiness provides statewide leadership for Tennessee 4-H recognition programs, including youth achievement, judging events, scholarships, and major award processes. This position also supports college and career readiness initiatives that help youth connect 4-H experiences to future education and workforce opportunities, including Next Chapter and related pathway programs. The specialist works closely with agents, regional staff, volunteers, partners, and other state specialists to strengthen recognition systems, provide training and resources, and support meaningful youth development experiences across Tennessee 4-H.

Awards and Recognition Program Leadership

•Provide statewide leadership, program development, and management for Tennessee 4-H awards and recognition programs, including project achievement, portfolios, judging events, educational contests, scholarships, and honorary recognitions.

•Coordinate and maintain guidelines, timelines, application processes, scoring procedures, and evaluation tools for recognition programs.

•Manage submission, review, and selection processes for youth achievement, scholarships, and state-level recognition programs.

•Work with regional offices to support consistent implementation of Tennessee Honor Club, All Stars, and Vol State Recognition at county, regional, and state levels.

•Collaborate with Extension staff and partners to plan recognition ceremonies and public acknowledgments that celebrate youth, volunteers, agents, families, and supporters.

College and Career Readiness

•Provide leadership for 4-H college and career readiness efforts that help youth connect 4-H project work, leadership, and service to postsecondary and workforce opportunities.

•Support and expand initiatives such as Next Chapter, college credit opportunities, career exploration, credentials, and workforce skill development.

•Collaborate with university faculty, state agencies, and external partners to align 4-H experiences with career readiness and future workforce needs.

•Provide resources and support to agents and regional staff as they incorporate career exploration and employability skills into local and regional programs.

Educational Support and Collaboration

•Develop and deliver educational programs, curricula, and resources that support awards, recognition, college and career readiness, and positive youth development.

•Conduct needs assessments and use evaluation data to guide program improvement, resource development, and statewide educational priorities.

•Provide training, teaching, and technical assistance to Extension agents, volunteers, and partners through workshops, conferences, webinars, and other professional development opportunities.

Tennessee State Fair Support

•Collaborate with the designated Tennessee State Fair liaison and other staff to support 4-H educational displays, contests, recognition opportunities, and youth participation.

•Assist with communication, preparation, and coordination related to 4-H youth engagement at the State Fair as needed.

Evaluation and Reporting

•Evaluate awards, recognition, and career readiness efforts to measure participation, outcomes, and impact.

•Compile reports and documentation for Extension leadership, funders, and partners.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Masters Degree in the appropriate discipline

• Experience: Requires a Master's degree in the appropriate discipline with substantial work experience which demonstrates promise in teaching, Extension and/or service in alignment with the appointment. 

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of 4-H youth development programming

  • Willingness to travel statewide and work evenings and weekends as needed.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: PhD. in the appropriate discipline

• Experience: PhD. In the appropriate discipline with 4 years experience as an Extension Specialist I with satisfactory or better performance ratings.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of Extension programming, college and career readiness, workforce development, program development, curriculum design, and needs assessment.

  • Strong organizational, comm