POSITION OVERVIEW
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, Community and Economic Development (Community Development
and Planning) is expected to concentrate programmatically in Community Development and
Planning, including participatory planning, building entrepreneurial communities, workforce
development, community decision support tools, leadership development, and other areas as
identified.
One full time position is available.
Location: Unit 2 and 4 (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside Counties)
(Position will be housed in Ogle County – Oregon, IL)
Additional positions may become available in other locations
This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but
not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the
Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.
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 diverse 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 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
• Comply with all University of Illinois Extension Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and
guidelines in all aspects of Extension work; assists Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative
Action, Gender, and Targeted reports.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required; personal transportation required.
• 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, lifting and moving 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.
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 and to the County Director(s) for the delivery of programs the mesh with identified local
priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Community
Development, Business Management, 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. Experience in planning processes, facilitating groups,
community engagement efforts, working with adult learners, or other relevant experience.
Preferred: Experience within the specialty field is highly desirable. Teaching experience in informal
and formal settings. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse networks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 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.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
To apply, go to http://go.illinois.edu/127608. 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 February 18, 2020.
For further information about the position please contact Joe Toman at
tomanj@illinois.edu. For Technical assistance with the online application process, please
email jobs@illinois.edu.