Sumner County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

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 are jointly responsible to the director of K-State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to family and consumer sciences. Programming may include but is not limited to: family life, nutrition, food safety, parenting, childcare, aging, communication, financial management, leadership, and health.
• Share leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
• Engage in community vitality programming that helps communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.

Successful extension programs require agents to:

• Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State 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. 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 expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Sumner County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
• Provide primary oversight for the county's full-time office professional.
• May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension's representative and the extension board.

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.

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.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

Sumner County is located in south-central Kansas along I-35. It is a rural county with a population of approximately 22,000. Its primary industries are agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and local businesses.

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of Sumner County. The Sumner County Extension office is in Wellington, KS. Work for this position is on site in the Sumner County Extension office and at locations throughout the county. This position will require occasional overnight travel.