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.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Requires a Master's degree in Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, or a closely related field.

• Experience: 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: PhD. in Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, or a closely related field.

• Experience: Experience with program evaluation, assessment, reporting, data management, and securing external funding to strengthen programs, demonstrate impact, and support continuous improvement.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • 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

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 August 10^th, 2026.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• List of 3 Professional References

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.

Teen Programming and Leadership Events:

• 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.

Citizenship and Leadership Program Development:

• 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.

International Exchange and Global Education Programs:

• 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.

Partnerships and Resource Development:

• Build partnerships with universities, agencies, organizations, and community stakeholders while identifying grant and funding opportunities to expand statewide 4-H programs.

Training and Technical Assistance:

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

Program Evaluation and Reporting:

• Conduct needs assessments, evaluate program outcomes, and analyze data to improve programs, demonstrate impact, and inform statewide priorities.