Extension Educator, 4-H 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
The Extension Educator serves as afull-time 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for thedevelopment delivery and evaluation of educational programs supporting themission of the University of Illinois Extension.

• Masters degree in Youth Development Education Community/Public Health Leadership Studies Agricultural/Environmental Sciences or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. Masters degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar with a Masters degree in progress may be considered for interviews but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices.

• Teaching or youth development experience in informal setting.
• Experience working with volunteers including recruitment and support.
• Experience with program planning for youth audiences.
• Experience working with workingwith youth from a wide range of backgrounds experiences and variedcommunication needs.
• Experience in evaluation and impact reporting of youth programs.
• Experience in leadership role and/or evidenced ability to guide the work of others.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid drivers license.

SPECIFICJOB INFORMATION:
One full-time positions is available.
Location: Unit 9 Grundy Kankakee and WillCounties
(Position will be housed in KankakeeCounty Bourbonnais IL)
Additional positions may becomeavailable in other locations.
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.

EXAMPLES OF THEWORK

• Educate youth about critical youth development issues.
• Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program throughout multiple counties focusing on 4-H Clubs 4-H Groups and Youth Education Initiatives.
• Ensure program planning program monitoring and program evaluation are consistent with local needs and statewide priorities.
• Implement organizational systems and programs by teaming with Program Coordinators Community Workers and Volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide all program expansion and program quality processes.
• Create higher ed business and community partnerships to expand and support 4-H youth development program initiatives.
• Provide training and support to volunteers who teach and work with youth.
• Have expertise in youth development; youth program development; volunteerism; equity access and opportunity; partnerships; and organizational systems which is shared with others through trainings and professional development.

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain networks.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development Delivery and Evaluation

• Provide program leadership interpret and integrate information teach in the field of designated expertise maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical manner. This will include networking and collaborating with community organizations and other relevant groups.
• Within the designated area(s) of specialization develop innovative curricula and programs to address local needs as well as to mesh with the broader state and national interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Deliver high impact programs to a wide range of audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms to optimize reach and effectiveness by teaming with additional Extension employees and volunteers who assist with program management functions and teaching roles when appropriate.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers who teach and work within the program area.
• Support voluntary educational delivery systems with relevant subject matter expertise.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus not only on short-term impacts but also on long-term changes in clientele practices.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele. This may include constantly evolving electronic technologies (e.g. twitter Facebook blogs e-learning etc.).
• Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements (e.g. plans of work activity and impact reporting etc.)

Organizational Leadership and Development

• Market and represent Extensions interests to external partners and stakeholders in areas related to expertise.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs with potential for high impact. Includes strategic use of available funds to increase program quality and impact.
• Cooperate fully with the County Director to achieve budget goals address staffing needs fulfill relevant grant initiatives report impacts and carry out all other items relevant to the operation.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director other Educators and Extension Council Members.
• Assist with and support the total University of Illinois Extension program.
• Accept statewide responsibilities as recommended by the Program Leader and approved by the County Director.
• Serve as an effective team member and volunteer for leadership roles as appropriate.
• Lead unit team under the direction and in consultation with the County Director.
• Perform other duties that contribute to the mission of University of Illinois Extension programming as assigned.

Scholarship

• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships that tie academic programs and research to complement Extension programming by partnering with Extension Specialists and/or faculty members on research projects as appropriate within the initiatives.
• Be an active member within a professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.
• Use research and evaluation findings to create innovative programs and make changes to existing programs in order to improve quality.
• Share principles of evidence-based best practice with peers.

Other Information

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.
• Local regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.

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.

Additional Information
This position is not eligible for any type ofsponsorship for work authorization. This position is afull-time benefits-eligible non-tenure academic professional positionappointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon aspossible after the closing date. The previously determined salary rangefor this position was $59000 to $82000. We strive to provide a competitivesalary while taking into consideration internal equity candidate experienceand qualifications as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer willbe determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typicalfor an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for thisposition. StateUniversities Retirement System. Group health dental vision and lifeinsurance.

ApplicationProcedures & Deadline Information

• Applications must bereceived by 6:00 pm (CST) on August 20 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. Applications not submitted through will not be considered.

For further information about this specificposition please contact Durriyyah Kemp at For questions regarding the applicationprocess 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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