EXTENSION EDUCATOR, 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT – 165787

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Extension Educator serves as a regular, full time, 12 month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. Extension Educators support one of the four core Extension program areas and within that program area may focus on one or more of the following interdisciplinary initiatives: Community, Environment, Economy, Food, and Health. Programmatic objectives of Extension Educators will be consistent with national and statewide initiatives considered of significant importance to residents of the state of Illinois.

Extension Educators will be expected to deliver research-based educational programs and to work within team settings that may consist of other Extension Educators, community professionals, and faculty within and outside of the College of ACES. The establishment of professional networks as well as the development of relationships with key stakeholder groups is vital to the success of Extension Educators. Extension Educators will be expected to deliver educational programs not only within their assigned multi-county unit, but as requested, to clientele within other units

The Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development is expected to concentrate programmatically as a Multi-County Unit Educator. This programmatic concentration includes: Educate youth about critical youth development issues. Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program in a multi-county unit, 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. Teach and provide training and support to skilled 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 volunteer trainings and professional development for staff.

One full time position is available.

Location: Unit 14 – Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike, and Schuyler Counties

(Position will be housed in Hancock County – Carthage, IL)

Additional positions may become available in other locations

·        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.

The Extension Educator is administratively responsible to the County Director.

The Extension Educator is programmatically responsible to the Program Leader(s) for the delivery of programs that mesh with identified national and state priorities.

Required:

·        Master’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Community/Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates with a Master’s 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.

Preferred:

·        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 racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse youth.  

·        Experience in evaluation and impact reporting of youth programs.

·        Experience in leadership role and/or evidenced ability to guide the work of others.

·        Strong oral and written communication skills. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.

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. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

To apply, go to https://go.illinois.edu/165787. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates 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. To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of June 16, 2022.