Sheridan County Extension Director

About This Role

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors, and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents (including county directors) are jointly responsible to the director of K-State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board. They collaborate with local unit staff, board members, and others to provide leadership for the following activities:

• Developing the annual budget, securing extramural funds, submitting appropriate financial reports, and reviewing audits.
• Handling legal responsibilities of the local extension unit as directed in extension law.
• Supervising, coaching, and evaluating local unit staff.
• Planning for office space, equipment, and technology.
• Working with the Extension Board; local stakeholders; area and state extension faculty; and others to develop comprehensive programming to address local issues.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with county commissioners and other key decision-makers in the county.
• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of research-based educational programming to help our community become a better place to live, work, and play.
• Provide research-based educational programming related to family and consumer sciences. Programming may include but is not limited to: family life, nutrition, food safety, parenting, communication, financial management, leadership, and health.
• Implement 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with local community members and extension colleagues. The primary focus of this position is youth development, along with adult volunteer development; youth education; membership growth and participation; and community partnership expansion.
• Programming will include but is not limited to: community club support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.
• Successful extension programs require agents to: Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension's five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow's leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals. Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the [K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan](https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=7316837&targetURL=https://www.k-state.edu/next-gen/). Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation. Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
• Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
• Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
• Cultivate subject matter expertise by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.

About Us

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 [extension.k-state.edu](https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=7316837&targetURL=https://www.extension.k-state.edu).

4-H

4-H 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 4-H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills, and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4-H at [kansas4-h.org](https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=7316837&targetURL=https://www.kansas4-h.org/).