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.

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, communication, relationship-building, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple statewide programs, events, and deadlines.

  • Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate educational programs, curricula, resources, and professional development opportunities for diverse audiences.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with agents, volunteers, youth, university faculty, partners, and stakeholders.

  • Skill in program evaluation, reporting, data management, and using assessment results to guide program improvement.

  • Proficiency with technology, online systems, and communication platforms.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: Starting salary based on education & experience

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before July 8.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/Division

UT Extension provides a gateway to the University of Tennessee as the outreach unit of the Institute of Agriculture. It is a statewide educational organization, funded by federal, state and local governments, that brings research-based information about agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and resource development to the people of Tennessee where they live and work.

4-H is the youth development program of UT Extension. Preparing young people to become responsible, capable, and involved leaders and citizens of Tennessee, and the nation, is the goal of the 4-H program. The goal is accomplished by providing educational experiences for young people to gain knowledge, develop life skills, live healthy lives, make intelligent career choices, and form positive attitudes—values young people will rely on throughout their lives. Tennessee 4-H, a component of the Tennessee Extension system, is a leader in youth development education that accomplishes the following:

• Works with all eligible youth to provide effective, enjoyable learning experiences.
• Develops unity in all types of family structures.
• Utilizes a quality-applied curriculum in classroom and community-based settings.
• Reflects and values cultural and human diversity.
• Employs competent, educated, self-motivated staff who are valued assets of the land-grant university system, and are recognized as youth development experts.
• Utilizes creative staffing patterns and contemporary working environments.
• Delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers.

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.