Director - Statewide 4-H Programs: UTK
University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department
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.
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.
Required Qualifications:
Education: MS in Youth Development, Agriculture or Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Education, Agricultural Leadership, Extension Education and Leadership and Communications or in closely aligned disciplines such as Agricultural Leadership, Agricultural Communications, Rural Sociology, Community Development, or similar fields demonstrating substantial relevance to Extension work.
Experience: A minimum of 3 years experience and demonstrated dedication in accomplishing objectives that serve stakeholders, along with progressive leadership and youth development experience.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide visionary leadership for one of the nation's largest 4-H youth development programs. Ability to recruit, hire, and motivate professional staff, agents, and volunteers to ensure effective statewide program delivery. Skilled in conducting needs assessments, implementing outcomes, analyzing data, and reporting results to guide decisions. Knowledge of budget development, financial management, and nonprofit funding guidelines. Ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with organizations such as the Tennessee Department of Education, National 4-H Council, and other stakeholders. Strong written and oral communication skills required. Must demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning, professional growth, and willingness to travel weekly.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education/Experience: Doctorate degree and/or experience with 4-H youth development programs or Cooperative Extension.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the Tennessee Extension 4-H Youth Development program, including knowledge and skills in performance appraisal, nonprofit funding, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for youth learning. Has experience with Tennessee 4-H reporting and program management, or demonstrates equivalent experience with other data management systems.
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:
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before January 2, 2026.
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 that the Search Committee may contact
Official transcripts showing degrees conferred
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. As a statewide program, it engages youth in classrooms, communities, and clubs, supported by dedicated Extension professionals and volunteers. By connecting the resources of the land-grant university to Tennessee’s young people, 4-H equips the next generation of leaders and citizens to thrive across the state and beyond.
This position is 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. Develop and administer financial guidance for Tennessee 4-H youth development programs including appropriated funds, external funds, grants, and contracts.
Provide 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. As an active member of the Extension Administrative Team, drive alignment between organizational goals and statewide youth development strategies. Develop and lead efforts to build and sustain strategic partnerships with colleges, agencies, and organizations engaged in youth development, fostering innovation and maximizing collective impact.
Provide leadership in advancing statewide initiatives and supporting interdisciplinary teams that address youth issues. This role guides creative youth development efforts that strengthen county and regional 4‑H programs and professionals, serves as the primary spokesperson for Tennessee 4‑H, and leads responses to issues impacting young people. The Director ensures Civil Rights compliance across all 4‑H programs through collaboration with Regional Directors, the UT Extension Human Resources Director, and the Dean, while promoting program quality, staff development, and statewide impact in alignment with organizational goals. Leads efforts to achieve and uphold 4-H center camping certifications through compliance with camp association standards.
Drives and directs leadership in advancing Extension’s statewide impact, ensuring programs effectively serve Tennessee’s population. The role drives multi-state initiatives in 4‑H curriculum development and programming, fostering collaboration with Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension administrators to strengthen joint efforts and expand program reach. Success is demonstrated through the recruitment, engagement, training, and management of more than 12,000 volunteers to maximize statewide program support. The Director ensures full compliance with the UTIA Minors on Campus Policy for employees and volunteers, maintaining program integrity and safety across all 4‑H Youth Development activities. Maintain a safe environment for youth including overnight trips and 4-H camping operations.
Provides visionary leadership to personnel managing the allocation and stewardship of funds for the Tennessee 4‑H Foundation, a $60 million nonprofit organization. Responsible for key strategic performance outcomes including growth in annual giving, successful engagement with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and effective oversight of fundraising initiatives that maximize resources for statewide 4‑H programs. The Director drives strategic development efforts to strengthen the Foundation’s financial sustainability and support Tennessee 4‑H’s mission across all counties.