APPLICATION + WEBSITE
One full time position is available.
Location: Unit 4 - Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties
(Position will be housed in Whiteside County – Sterling, IL)
Additional positions may become available in other locations.
Duties and Resonsiblities:
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 all 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 Extension's 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 teams as appropriate for systematically carrying out the deliverables of the program.
- 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.
Physical Demands
To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s degree related to subject matter emphasis from an accredited institution of higher education. Examples of relevant fields could include, but are not limited to, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Forestry, Ecology, Soil Science, Agronomy, and Sustainable Agriculture. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
Experience:
Experience with educational programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience within the specialty field.
- Teaching experience in informal and formal settings.
- Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Ability to build and maintain networks.
Administrative Relationship
The Extension Educator is administratively responsible to the County Director.
Programmatic Relationship
The Extension Educator is programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.
Appointment Information
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position. This position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range for this position was $59,000 to $82,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this position.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 27, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Resume dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
For further information about the positions please contact Search Chair Janice McCoy at janmc@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.