Extension Program Specialist I

Agency

Department

Texas 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the state, welcoming young people ages 8 to 18 and serving over 500,000 members each year. With roots dating back to 1908, Texas 4-H empowers youth through a wide range of hands-on learning experiences, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. Whether in urban centers or rural communities, Texas 4-H provides projects and programs designed to match every interest—including agriculture and livestock, STEM, healthy living, leadership, and natural resources.

From robotics to food science, fashion to photography, Texas 4-H helps kids and teens explore new passions, develop practical life skills, and connect with caring mentors. Supported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and dedicated volunteers, Texas 4-H encourages youth to become confident, capable leaders who give back to their communities. With a proud history and a commitment to innovation, Texas 4-H continues to inspire and nurture generations of Texans.

Job Description Summary

The District 4-H Program Specialist provides leadership and support for 4-H Youth Development programming within their assigned district. This role collaborates closely with the State 4-H Program Leader, Regional Leadership Team, and County Extension Agents to establish program priorities, set goals, and implement effective, research-driven youth development initiatives. The specialist facilitates the onboarding and professional development of agents, conducts trainings for club managers, volunteers, and youth, and supports outreach efforts to expand the program’s reach.

The District 4-H Program Specialist is responsible for evaluating program outcomes, analyzing impacts, preparing reports, and maintaining partnerships with sponsors and other youth-serving organizations. This position requires engagement in professional associations, ongoing professional development, and adherence to best practices in positive youth development. Successful candidates will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a minimum of five years of professional experience, and strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Program Planning

• Works with State 4-H Program Leader and Regional Leadership Team to determine priorities and establish goals and objectives for 4-H Youth Development Programming.

• Utilizes state 4-H program’s strategic plan to determine priorities and establish objectives to develop effective youth development programs in the district.

• Provides leadership to 4-H youth development programming efforts in respective district.

• Works with County Extension Agents to support and build club programs and conduct club manager and 4-H volunteer trainings.

• Serves in a support role for County Extension Agents throughout the programming planning process as it relates to 4-H Youth Development.   

• Outlines new ideas and methods of youth programming.

• Analyzes youth development reports, results and research data that provides information to county programs.

Faculty and Staff Training/Assistance

• Facilitates onboarding efforts of new County Extension Agents as it relates to 4-H Youth Development.

• Develops and delivers professional development for County Extension Agents related to 4-H projects, management and positive youth development.

• Keeps County Extension Agents informed of programs, opportunities, resource materials, and methods to enhance youth development efforts in counties.

Implementation of Educational Programs

• Conducts 4-H club manager, volunteer trainings and youth trainings upon request.

• Outlines new ideas and methods of youth programming.

• Works closely with agent advisors and youth leadership teams to plan and conduct educational programs.

Support of Extension Activities

• Works with County Extension Agents to support and build club programs as well as expand outreach efforts.

• Supports methods and strategies for reaching new audiences.

• Provides support and training, as needed, for district 4-H contest committees.

• Provides guidance for the person designated to lead the facilitation of district 4-H contests.

• Provides leadership and oversight to 4-H program accounts that are allocated to the districts.

• Fulfills state-level responsibilities, as assigned.

• Analyzes work to determine program effectiveness and prepare monthly/quarterly and special reports as required.

• Maintains liaison with sponsors in securing and continuing support for Extension educational programs and activities.

• Supports County Extension Agents in seeking grant funding for design, implementation, and evaluation of youth development programs.

• Involves non-Extension clientele in programs and utilize their cooperation and support to strengthen and enhance 4-H programs.

Outcomes

• Evaluates program toward outcomes for district, regional and statewide program efforts.

• Interprets and reports educational impacts and outcomes as it relates to 4-H Youth Development Program efforts and impacts.

Coordination and Cooperation

• Works collaboratively with respective Regional Leadership Team to develop plan and deliver programmatic goals and expectations as it relates to 4-H Youth Development Programming.

• Cooperates with District Extension Administrators/County Extension Directors/Regional Program Leaders to carry out youth development programs.

• Maintains close working relationships with Extension and research staff members and keep them informed of 4-H youth development programming efforts.

• Identifies resource people through liaison with industry and other youth-serving organizations and acquaint County Extension Agents with their services in an effort to collaborate and expand programming efforts and impacts.

Professionalism and Service

• Continues to expand knowledge and skill base through professional development opportunities.

• Participates as an active member in professional associations and keeps abreast of and interpret research results for practical application for youth programs.

Performs other job-related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• Five years of relevant professional experience.

• Knowledge of word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software.

• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Ability to multi task and work cooperatively with others

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  

• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.