Research and Development Associate jobs in Kansas

About This Role:

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas.

This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4-H youth development program for school-aged youth in cooperation with local community members and extension colleagues. 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.

There are currently eight community 4-H clubs in Lyon County with approximately 300 members as well as an established Cloverbud program.

Primary Area of Responsibility: 4-H Youth Development programming

Location: Office located in Emporia, KS.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4-H youth development program 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 program development; 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.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
• a) Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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.
• b) Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. 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.
• c) Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programming needs.
• d) Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
• e) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
• f) Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Youth Development Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Lyon County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State's initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with community engagement, as well as volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $45,000 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $49,000 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include both virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

• Adults
• Children

Payment frequency:

• Paid biweekly

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Emporia, KS 66801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person