Assistant Program Leader, 4-H Positive Youth Development

WHOWE ARE
As partof the Land Grant system the University of Illinois was established not onlyto provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery but to putlearning and discovery into practice to benefit the health and wellbeing ofresidents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is theuniversitys statewide network of educators faculty experts and staffdedicated to that mission. To learn more about University of IllinoisExtension visit COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES
We will invest in our employeesour most important resource by providing professional development and trainingthat enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive toprovide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees regardless of we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity teamwork andan environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

JOB PURPOSE
Oversee the positive youthdevelopment program components of the University of Illinois Extension 4-HYouth Development program. The position is part of the State 4-H Office basedin Champaign IL that provides strategic program leadership for 4-H activitiesdelivered by staff in all 102 counties and metro areas of the state. Thisposition will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for programmingand strategic goal planning that reaches nearly 260000 across the state andsupervise all 4-H program staff in the State 4-H Office.

• Masters degree in youth development education social work or related field. Candidates with a Masters degree in progress may be considered for interviews but degree must be completed by hire date.
• At least five (5) years of full-time relevant professional experience.
• Experience mentoring and supporting interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience in strategic program planning.

• PhD in a related field.
• Demonstrated progressive innovative and effective program leadership/management.
• Familiarity with 4-H youth programs.
• Valid drivers license.

SPECIFICJOB INFORMATION:
One full-time positions is available.
Location: Champaign IL
(Position will be located at the State 4-H Office)
In-state hybrid work may be available with supervisor authorization andin compliance with Extension and university policies.

This isa security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks including but not limited to a criminalconviction information check a CANTS check and a review of the Registered SexOffender list will be conducted.

• Strong communication skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships and partnerships.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervision and Management:

• Provide direct supervision to the Specialists and Associates (10 direct reports) in the Illinois State 4-H Office. (STEM Natural Resources & Shooting Sports Creative & Cultural Arts College & Career Readiness Leadership Healthy Living Livestock/Animal Science Food Systems New Audiences & Outreach Club Support & Awards)
• Supervise the Events and Communications Coordinator and provide direction in the planning of key events for Illinois 4-H staff.
• Direct state program staff in developing annual plan of work and conduct annual performance appraisals; manage and support the Specialist promotional pathway process for direct reports.
• Provide professional development opportunities to staff to enhance collaboration and connection to the Illinois Extension strategic plan and National 4-H initiatives; assist in planning and leading State 4-H staff meetings.
• Collaborate with the Senior Program Leads and Managers within the State 4-H Office as a team to ensure staff development data collection and evaluation financial operations human resource management alumni engagement and marketing/branding opportunities.

Strategic Program Planning and Development

• Provide leadership to ongoing and innovative 4-H youth development programs programmatically led by Specialists/Associates in the State 4-H Office.
• Lead and guide project curriculum/resource development and updates and statewide signature programs and events in partnership with administrative staff.
• Supervise and manage a statewide peer-review process to support creation of evidence-based curriculum and programs to address the needs of the state ensuring a strong research-based foundation.
• Lead an intentional charge to be accessible to all youth of Illinois in accordance with the Civil Rights Act Title IX Rehabilitation Americans with Disabilities Act and the University of Illinois Extension affirmative action and Equal Employment Opportunities Program.
• Chair and lead the National 4-H Council Beyond Ready initiative in partnership with the Assistant Dean/Program Leader and Director of 4-H Youth Development (Assistant Dean 4-H Youth Development; lead the statewide leadership team to operationalize action related to statewide priorities.

Relationships and Partnerships

• Support the Assistant Dean 4-H Youth Development in the development of a statewide program plan and annual budget request in response to county/regional needs as well as emerging state and national issues.
• Monitor and facilitate collaboration and strong working relationships between state and county 4-H staff in support of Illinois 4-H program goals; create feedback loop with county 4-H staff to identify and respond to club and program support needs.
• Collaborate with the Illinois 4-H Director to support state staff engagement to develop collaborations and networks with other departments on campus and outside the University system that address the needs of Illinois youth. Provide leadership for building relationships with state multi-state national and international stakeholders organizations and constituents.

Additional Responsibilities

• Advise the Assistant Dean 4-H Youth Development and staff in identifying and responding to emerging opportunities to expand and strengthen positive youth development outcomes for youth in all 102 counties.
• Represent Illinois 4-H in statewide Extension and national activities as assigned by the Assistant Dean 4-H Youth Development.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension as assigned.
• Assist staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.

PhysicalDemands/Working Conditions
When working the employee may be exposed to a variety ofenvironmental factors to include but not limited to hot or cold weatherexposure to noise and allergens and uneven performing the functions of this positionthe employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability tomove transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty(40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds and twistingpushing and pulling movements.

Work Schedule Travel Or Other Job Expectations
To perform the functions of this position the employee willbe required to perform work both within an office and outside in thecommunities that are served and must have the capability to travel from onelocation to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some workwill be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Administrative Relationship
The Assistant Program Leader isadministratively responsible to the Assistant Dean 4-H Youth Development andis a member of the State 4-H Office staff.

AppointmentInformation
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for workauthorization. This position is a full-time benefits-eligible non-tenureacademic professional position appointed on a 12-month service expected start date is as soon aspossible after the closing previouslydetermined salary range for this position was $105000 to $120000. We strive toprovide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equitycandidate experience and qualifications as well as budget constraints. Thefinal salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving theseelements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the topof the full range for this position.

ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information
Applications must bereceived by 6:00 pm (CST) on October 16 2026. Apply for this positionusing the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume cover letter andthe names and contact information for three professional references. Resumedates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history ata minimum should include all work dating back to the completion of yourundergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must benoted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date.

For further information about the positionsplease contact Search Chair Janice McCoy at For questionsregarding the application process please contact .

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign the states flagship public university and one of the worlds leading research institutions every staff member helps shape whats next. Founded in 1867 Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries supported by 15 colleges and instructional units more than 20 research institutes and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether youre empowering first-generation students fueling breakthrough innovation or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being growth and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized your potential is nurtured and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health Dental Vision Life Insurance a Retirement Plan Paid time Off and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy childbirth and related conditions or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at option #1 or .

Requisition ID:
Job Category: Off-Campus
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Required Experience:

Senior IC