UT Institute of Agriculture
Director - Statewide 4-H Programs: UTK
UT Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, 37955
Job Description
The Director of 4‑H Youth Development provides visionary and strategic leadership along with programmatic oversight for the department’s staff in designing, implementing, and evaluating statewide 4‑H and youth programs. This role carries the critical responsibility of positively impacting the lives of over 135,000 youth across all 95 counties in Tennessee. The Director ensures the effectiveness, quality, and outreach of programs through strategic management of three 4‑H centers, direct programmatic oversight of Lone Oaks Farms 4‑H Center, and supervision of 4‑H Regional Program Leaders and 171 4‑H Agents statewide. Responsibilities
Accountable for achieving strategic and measurable outcomes in personnel, programming, and financial performance. Responsible for effective hiring, retention, and management of department staff, 4‑H Extension Agents, Regional Program Leaders, and 4‑H 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 4‑H professionals. Determine and approve program budget; administer financial guidance for Tennessee 4‑H youth development programs including appropriated funds, external funds, grants, and contracts. Lead 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. Build and sustain strategic partnerships with colleges, agencies, and organizations engaged in youth development. Ensure compliance with Civil Rights and UTIA Minors on Campus Policy across all 4‑H programs. Maintain a safe environment for youth including overnight trips and 4‑H camping operations. Implement $60 million nonprofit management for the Tennessee 4‑H Foundation and oversee fundraising initiatives. Qualifications
Education:
MS in Youth Development, Agriculture or Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Education, Agricultural Leadership, Extension Education and Leadership and Communications or closely aligned disciplines. Experience:
Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership and youth development experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Visionary leadership, ability to recruit, hire, and motivate staff and volunteers; conduct needs assessments; analyze data and report results; knowledge of budget development, nonprofit funding guidelines; build and maintain partnerships; strong written and oral communication; commitment to lifelong learning and travel. Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree and/or experience with 4‑H youth development programs or Cooperative Extension. Comprehensive knowledge of the Tennessee Extension 4‑H Youth Development program, performance appraisal, nonprofit funding, and ensuring a safe learning environment; experience with Tennessee 4‑H reporting and program management. Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN Hybrid Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR18 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
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 Official transcripts showing degrees conferred To express interest, please submit an application with the noted attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before January 2, 2026. 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. About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university holds more than 38000 students and 10000 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 volunteers 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 the 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! Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Director of 4‑H Youth Development provides visionary and strategic leadership along with programmatic oversight for the department’s staff in designing, implementing, and evaluating statewide 4‑H and youth programs. This role carries the critical responsibility of positively impacting the lives of over 135,000 youth across all 95 counties in Tennessee. The Director ensures the effectiveness, quality, and outreach of programs through strategic management of three 4‑H centers, direct programmatic oversight of Lone Oaks Farms 4‑H Center, and supervision of 4‑H Regional Program Leaders and 171 4‑H Agents statewide. Responsibilities
Accountable for achieving strategic and measurable outcomes in personnel, programming, and financial performance. Responsible for effective hiring, retention, and management of department staff, 4‑H Extension Agents, Regional Program Leaders, and 4‑H 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 4‑H professionals. Determine and approve program budget; administer financial guidance for Tennessee 4‑H youth development programs including appropriated funds, external funds, grants, and contracts. Lead 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. Build and sustain strategic partnerships with colleges, agencies, and organizations engaged in youth development. Ensure compliance with Civil Rights and UTIA Minors on Campus Policy across all 4‑H programs. Maintain a safe environment for youth including overnight trips and 4‑H camping operations. Implement $60 million nonprofit management for the Tennessee 4‑H Foundation and oversee fundraising initiatives. Qualifications
Education:
MS in Youth Development, Agriculture or Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Education, Agricultural Leadership, Extension Education and Leadership and Communications or closely aligned disciplines. Experience:
Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership and youth development experience. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Visionary leadership, ability to recruit, hire, and motivate staff and volunteers; conduct needs assessments; analyze data and report results; knowledge of budget development, nonprofit funding guidelines; build and maintain partnerships; strong written and oral communication; commitment to lifelong learning and travel. Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree and/or experience with 4‑H youth development programs or Cooperative Extension. Comprehensive knowledge of the Tennessee Extension 4‑H Youth Development program, performance appraisal, nonprofit funding, and ensuring a safe learning environment; experience with Tennessee 4‑H reporting and program management. Work Location
Location: Knoxville, TN Hybrid Compensation and Benefits
UT market range: MR18 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
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 Official transcripts showing degrees conferred To express interest, please submit an application with the noted attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before January 2, 2026. 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. About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university holds more than 38000 students and 10000 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 volunteers 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 the 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! Seniority level
Director Employment type
Full‑time Job function
Business Development and Sales Industries
Higher Education
#J-18808-Ljbffr