Location: Knoxville,TN, USA
POSITION X2472 Extension Specialist
LOCATION University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, Extension, Department of 4-H Youth Development
EFFECTIVE DATE February 1, 2025
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with training and experience. Benefits include group hospitalization and life insurance, State Employees Retirement; Workers' Compensation; sick and annual leave; numerous University of Tennessee and state benefits programs, including liberal time off for holidays and longevity pay after three years of service; reimbursement for official travel.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Extension 4-H Camping Specialist position exists to provide leadership for the statewide 4-H residential camping program, focusing on planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programming. Responsibilities include coordinating summer staff training, increasing program capacity through marketing, partnerships, and fund development, including grant writing to support 4-H centers with infrastructure and programmatic needs. The position works to ensure long-term goals of the 4-H strategic plan for camping are on track, and develops marketing toolkits and promotional materials. Additional duties include maintaining up-to-date state camping program guidelines, coordinating curriculum, managing communication and registration, and ensuring compliance with UT and ACA policies. The specialist also provides training to county extension professionals, authors educational publications, and supports statewide 4-H events.
RESPONSIBILITIES
* Develop and design statewide 4-H camp programs, including programs, activities, and training resources for youth participants, camp staff, and volunteers.
* Collaborate with 4-H center staff and county 4-H agents to create programs, identify emerging youth trends, and ensure camp offerings remain current and relevant.
* Plan and deliver training programs for camp staff, volunteers, and county agents, to ensure quality programming, safety, and positive youth development.
* Identify training needs and secure funding sources to support these initiatives.
* Develop and execute statewide marketing strategies to promote 4-H camp programs to youth, families, and stakeholders across multiple media platforms.
* Provide county extension offices and 4-H centers with promotional materials, educational resources, and essential information for successful camp preparation, including timelines, fees, and checklists.
* Identify and pursue funding opportunities, manage grants, and cultivate relationships with donors and partners to secure resources for camp programs and participant scholarships.
* Monitor, assess, and evaluate the effectiveness of camp programs using data collection and participant/staff feedback in order to enhance camp experiences and outcomes.
* Build and maintain relationships with community partners, state 4-H programs, external stakeholders, and educational institutions to enhance resources, expand outreach, and support collaborative initiatives.
* Ensure compliance with all safety standards, risk management procedures, ACA camp policies, and state/national guidelines for youth camps.
* Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies, crisis management plans, and safety protocols to protect participants and staff.
* Handle statewide reporting, including preparing annual reports, managing program data, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
* Requires a Master's degree in the appropriate discipline or substantial work experience which demonstrates promise in teaching, Extension and/or service in alignment with the appointment.
* Expertise in education, youth development, camping, Extension, or related fields. Proven skills in program development and evaluation. Strong oral and written communication abilities. Capable of managing multiple tasks in a dynamic environment. Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills. Valid driver's license and vehicle for travel; availability for evenings and weekends. Ability to work with volunteers and youth. Demonstrated capability in conducting innovative programs, teaching, implementing research, securing funding and managing grants.
Preferred:
* PhD in the appropriate discipline. Previous summer camp management experience. Proficiency with the use of technology --- including Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace, and others.
TO APPLY:
Please apply online by clicking this link: External Applicants
Submit a complete application packet which includes a 1) letter of interest, 2) a resume or curriculum vitae, 3) and official or unofficial transcripts showing degree(s) conferred.
UT Extension Phone: (865) ###-####
212 D Morgan Hall Fax: (865) ###-####
Knoxville TN 37996-4525
E-mail: ...@utk.edu
Web Site: