Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Champaign, IL

4d•$59,000 - $82,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Extension Educator serves as a 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. As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university’s statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission.

Requirements

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.
Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies.
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.
Strong communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
Ability to build and maintain networks.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

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 youth from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and varied communication 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.

Responsibilities

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.
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 varied 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.)
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 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.
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.
Assist unit staff with gathering program participant demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting requirements.