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.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
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:
Awards and Recognition Program Leadership
College and Career Readiness
Educational Support and Collaboration
Tennessee State Fair Support
Evaluation and Reporting
Awards and Recognition Program Leadership
College and Career Readiness
Educational Support and Collaboration
Tennessee State Fair Support
Evaluation and Reporting