4H Volunteer Development Specialist

The 4H Youth Development program, within KState Extension, is hiring a full-time Volunteer Development Specialist. This is a non-tenure track, instructor level appointment. This position reports to the 4H Youth Development program leader.

The 4H volunteer development specialist will serve all of K-State Extension (KSE) with volunteer development, providing leadership for the development of and implementation of a volunteer management system. The volunteer development specialist will develop initiatives through strategic partnerships within KSE and 4H, creating recruitment processes, training programs, evaluation protocols and providing direction to KSE professionals who work with program volunteers.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership for 4H volunteer development initiatives, including recruitment processes, screening policies, orientation and training requirements, and volunteer tracking to support extension programming.
• Collaborate with extension professionals to identify 4H program volunteer needs.
• Lead state efforts to train extension professionals in research-based volunteer development, placement, and retention strategies and practices. Coordinate training of KSE professionals on the topics of risk management, youth development and adult education, as it relates to working with extension volunteers across all program areas.
• Support local unit efforts to recruit new volunteers. Provide training to improve volunteer recruitment, development and retention in partnership with extension 4H specialists.
• Establish and maintain internal and external relationships to enhance volunteer recruitment initiatives.
• Promote and support internships, practicums, and research placements that advance the Kansas 4H mission, vision, and priorities.
• Develop and sustain grant funding that will support volunteer efforts.

4H provides school-aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research-based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4H at kansas4h.org.

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at ksre.kstate.edu.

The preferred worksite option for this position is on-site at K-State's Manhattan campus.

The position may be eligible for a hybrid worksite. The employee must be available to be on the Manhattan campus frequently during the work week for routine and scheduled meetings.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. KState is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and experience

• Master's degree* with coursework relevant to the position (e.g., volunteer development, adult education, human resources).
• At least five years of relevant professional experience (e.g., volunteer identification and development; risk management; designing, conducting and evaluating education programs for adult and/or youth audiences).
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.

Licenses and certifications

• Valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.

*The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess specialized knowledge and skills for the role and can credibly convey research concepts required to deliver extension services. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through a formal degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education and experience

• Experience providing or supporting extension programming.
• Prior experience planning, conducting and utilizing needs assessments.
• Education or experience related to the assessment and evaluation of educational/community programs.
• Demonstrated ability to form community partnerships and successfully engage stakeholders to advance cooperative endeavors.

Skills and attributes

• Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Collaboration skills, as evidenced by building and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, collaborators and groups, both in-person and remotely.
• Adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement through evolving circumstances and objectives.

Additional Role Information:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing KState's initiative for access and opportunity.
• Regular travel within Kansas will be necessary to fulfil this position's primary responsibilities. Occasional overnight travel will be required for training events and professional development. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

Sponsorship Eligibility:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Please submit the following documents:

• Letter of interest
• Resume or CV
• The names, email addresses and phone numbers of three professional reference.

Contact Us:

• To learn more about this role, contact Sarah Maass at semaass@ksu.edu.
  
• For questions about the application process, contact the Extension Operations team at ksehr@ksu.edu.

Applications close on: February 10, 2026.

Salary will be commensurate with education and professional experience. The minimum annual salary is $65,000.