Director Statewide 4-H Programs UTK

The Director of 4H Youth Development provides visionary and strategic leadership along with programmatic oversight for the departments staff in designing implementing and evaluating statewide 4H and youth programs. This role carries the critical responsibility of positively impacting the lives of over 135000 youth across all 95 counties in Tennessee. The Director ensures the effectiveness quality and outreach of programs through strategic management of three 4H centers direct programmatic oversight of Lone Oaks Farms 4H Center and supervision of 4H Regional Program Leaders and 171 4H Agents statewide.

This position is accountable for achieving strategic and measurable outcomes in personnel programming and financial performance. Responsible for effective hiring retention and management of department staff 4H Extension Agents Regional Program Leaders and 4H center personnel as well as resolution of disciplinary matters. Develop and drive visionary leadership to faculty and staff staff development training opportunities mentorship initiatives and preparation of the next generation of 4H professionals. Determine and approve program budget. Develop and administer financial guidance for Tennessee 4-H youth development programs including appropriated funds external funds grants and contracts.

Provide strategic leadership and serve as the lead decision maker in guiding the vision direction and priorities for 4-H Youth Development programs. Collaborate closely with leadership (Regional Directors 4-H Center Managers Department Heads Dean and Assistant Deans faculty) to plan develop implement and evaluate impactful research-based initiatives. As an active member of the Extension Administrative Team drive alignment between organizational goals and statewide youth development strategies. Develop and lead efforts to build and sustain strategic partnerships with colleges agencies and organizations engaged in youth development fostering innovation and maximizing collective impact.

Provide leadership in advancing statewide initiatives and supporting interdisciplinary teams that address youth issues. This role guides creative youth development efforts that strengthen county and regional 4H programs and professionals serves as the primary spokesperson for Tennessee 4H and leads responses to issues impacting young people. The Director ensures Civil Rights compliance across all 4H programs through collaboration with Regional Directors the UT Extension Human Resources Director and the Dean while promoting program quality staff development and statewide impact in alignment with organizational goals. Leads efforts to achieve and uphold 4-H center camping certifications through compliance with camp association standards.

Drives and directs leadership in advancing Extensions statewide impact ensuring programs effectively serve Tennessees population. The role drives multi-state initiatives in 4H curriculum development and programming fostering collaboration with Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension administrators to strengthen joint efforts and expand program reach. Success is demonstrated through the recruitment engagement training and management of more than 12000 volunteers to maximize statewide program support. The Director ensures full compliance with the UTIA Minors on Campus Policy for employees and volunteers maintaining program integrity and safety across all 4H Youth Development activities. Maintain a safe environment for youth including overnight trips and 4-H camping operations.

Provides visionary leadership to personnel managing the allocation and stewardship of funds for the Tennessee 4H Foundation a $60 million nonprofit organization. Responsible for key strategic performance outcomes including growth in annual giving successful engagement with the Foundations Board of Directors and effective oversight of fundraising initiatives that maximize resources for statewide 4H programs. The Director drives strategic development efforts to strengthen the Foundations financial sustainability and support Tennessee 4Hs mission across all counties.

Qualifications:

• Education:MS in Youth Development Agriculture or Natural Resources Family and Consumer Sciences Education Agricultural Leadership Extension Education and Leadership and Communications or in closely aligned disciplines such as Agricultural Leadership Agricultural Communications Rural Sociology Community Development or similar fields demonstrating substantial relevance to Extension work.

• Experience:A minimum of 3 years experience and demonstrated dedication in accomplishing objectives that serve stakeholders along with progressive leadership and youth development experience.

• KnowledgeSkillsAbilities:Knowledge skills and abilities to provide visionary leadership for one of the nations largest 4-H youth development programs. Ability to recruit hire and motivate professional staff agents and volunteers to ensure effective statewide program delivery. Skilled in conducting needs assessments implementing outcomes analyzing data and reporting results to guide decisions. Knowledge of budget development financial management and nonprofit funding guidelines. Ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with organizations such as the Tennessee Department of Education National 4-H Council and other stakeholders. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Must demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning professional growth and willingness to travel weekly.

PreferredQualifications:

• Education/Experience:Doctorate degree and/or experience with 4-H youth development programs or Cooperative Extension.

• KnowledgeSkillsAbilities:Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Tennessee Extension 4-H Youth Development program including knowledge and skills in performance appraisal nonprofit funding and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for youth learning. Has experience with Tennessee 4-H reporting and program management or demonstrates equivalent experience with other data management systems.

Work Location:

• Location: Knoxville TN

• Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits:

• UTmarketrange: MR18

• Starting Salary Based on Education & Experience

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Application Instructions:

Toexpress interest pleasesubmitan applicationwiththenotedbelowattachments.Tobeassured of full considerationcompletedapplicationswithall requestedmaterialsshouldbe submittedonor before January 2 2026.

• Letter of interest illustrating a vision for the future of the Tennessee 4-H Youth Development Program and detailing leadership philosophy

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• Names addresses telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of five professional references that the Search Committee may contact

• Official transcripts showing degrees conferred

About the College/Department/Division:

Tennessee 4-H is the youth development arm of UT Extension within the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Through this strong tie to the university 4-H provides research-based educational experiences that help young people gain knowledge develop life skills make healthy choices and prepare for future careers. As a statewide program it engages youth in classrooms communities and clubs supported by dedicated Extension professionals and volunteers. By connecting the resources of the land-grant university to Tennessees young people 4-H equips the next generation of leaders and citizens to thrive across the state and beyond.