Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Illinois System Offices • Mount Vernon, IL

110d • $59,000 - $82,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Youth Development, Education, Community/Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences or related field from an accredited institution.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices.

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 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.
• Experience with University of Illinois Extension.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 diverse audiences utilizing a selection of innovative delivery mechanisms.
• Guide program expansion and program quality processes by teaching and providing training and support to employees or volunteers.
• Evaluate the impact of program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion.
• Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communicate with clientele.
• Market and represent Extension's interests to external partners and stakeholders.
• Compete for internal and external resources to enhance the development of innovative educational programs.
• Develop professional collaborations with the County Director, other Educators and Extension Council Members.
• Establish professional relationships and participate in campus-based partnerships.
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Full-time, benefits-eligible position.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree